Bring out the Boxing Gloves: Training Camp Notes 08.05.14

Is that really your question?

The Browns’ offense might have had their best day of practice on Tuesday since training camp began. And overall, I’d still say the defense was better.

The team split reps with the quarterbacks again, and Johnny Manziel made a few nice plays. He threw the best ball of camp so far when he found Travis Benjamin streaking down the middle of the field for a 50- or 60-yard bomb. Benjamin had clear separation from rookie Pierre Desir, but dropped the perfect pass from Manziel.

Manziel had an 11-on-11 series with the second team in which he hit on every pass, including a sidearm throw while on the run and an impromptu pass to Gordon stepping up in the pocket.

It wasn’t Hoyer’s best day, but he was still pretty accurate, aside from an overthrow on an out-route that was picked off by Joe Haden. He also executed a heck of a play-fake and found Gordon over the middle.

The story of the day was defensive backs, but not because of interceptions; they were given kick-boxing gloves to wear. The idea behind the gloves is limiting how much movement the players have with their fingers, which keeps them from holding on to receivers.

“You’ve got to get guys out of that habit,” said Pettine. “Instead of putting them in the full boxing gloves that I think would really slow their stride down, they’re more like sparring gloves—like you said kickboxing gloves. It’s like a big mitten. The thumb can still come out. I just think it’s more the mentality that they know they have to be able to cover more with an open palm than grabbing and restricting, especially if the rule is going to be called as tightly as we’re told it is.”

Defensive Backs coach Jeff Hafley also spoke about the gloves. “I think it’s just another training method to have them focus on, again, getting your hands on them within the five yards, being aggressive at the line, and then after that play with your eyes and your feet – just a reminder,” said Hafley. “I think the guys like it. We threw them on a couple then the other guys started asking for them. That was good to see. They’re all in it. They’re all about it, from (DB) Joe (Haden) down to the rest of the guys. Hopefully, it makes them aware and we continue to work the things that are important. Regardless of the rule, I think it’s a good training tool because I think guys need to learn to play with their eyes and their feet. Once we can get to that point of it, then you start using the hands a little bit more.”

Hopefully this works out better than Greg Little taking reps with the defensive front seven last season to learn hand-fighting techniques.

And now, the bullets:

• The Browns were in full pads again on Tuesday, as they have been every practice since they were allowed to be. Head Coach Mike Pettine said the team will continue to be in full pads until the second preseason game, and then they would re-evaluate.

• Joe Haden knocked Charles Johnson to the ground with his shoulder on the first play of 11-on-11 drills. Oops.

• Do not ask Miles Austin to block Barkevious Mingo. Just don’t do it. His technique could best be described as “bear huggish”.

• Justin Gilbert had a good day, and talked to the media afterward, so I’m sure you’ll be reading a lot about him on other websites over the next day or so. He did drop a sure pick-six, however, after the ball bounced off a receiver’s hands and right into his bread basket.

• Karlos Dansby thinks pretty highly of himself.

More Karlos Dansby: "Until I leave the game, I’m the best. That’s how I look at it, that’s how I approach it & my numbers say the same."

— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) August 5, 2014

• Seriously though, Justin Gilbert looks really good.

• The offense did manage to fool the defense completely with a screen pass to Ben Tate. I could have caught that ball and gone for at least 20 yards. Nobody anywhere near the back.

• There was much discussion around camp about the depth chart being released. Pettine did a pretty good job diffusing questions about positions after practice by reminding everyone that the NFL makes him release a chart, and it is still fluid. Of course all coaches say this, but with the emphasis placed on competition this summer, I put a little more weight on Pettine’s words in that regard.

• Two players everyone would be talking about if they were in camp last year instead of this year are CB Pierre Desir and RB Isaiah Crowell. With all the other additions to their positions, they are now depth players, but they would have pushed for playing time last year.

• Speaking of players from last year, Leon McFadden intercepted a pass on Tuesday.

• Jordan Cameron sat out practice again Tuesday with a wonky shoulder. Tashaun Gipson was dressed, but limited in practice.

• John Grecco was back at his starting guard spot.

• Finally, Johnny Manziel is not above rookie duties. He carried Ben Tate’s shoulder pads in from practice. Good boy.