Tribe “Deep Tracks” Trivia Vol. 3.: Reliving Yesteryear
July 31, 2014Indians trade Asdrubal Cabrera to Washington for Zach Walters
July 31, 2014BEREA, Ohio — Is it possible that Joe Haden, a veteran member of the Cleveland Browns, has never had the chance to wear one of the infamous orange jerseys? On Thursday afternoon, the Pro Bowl, shutdown corner’s fortunes changed as the Browns’ defensive unit was awarded the kits made popular by such noblemen like William Green and Jeff Garcia. Browns head coach Mike Pettine, as a means to keep adrenaline running during Training Camp, has installed end-of-practice challenges—the winning side of the ball getting to sport orange jerseys during their next time out as a morning-long victory lap, a reminder of which side got the job done when called upon.
What may seem to be a trivial or tacky game, a ploy instilled by a rookie head coach, has not only been embraced by the players, but has resulted in unity between the groups.
“It’s a big deal,” said defensive lineman Billy Winn. “We won the day before. We get to look cool, and have some swag. It’s a fun way of doing things while still allowing us to get our work in.”
Having won Tuesday’s “challenge,” Haden, Winn and the rest of the defensive side of the ball sported the orange jerseys while the offensive side baked in the standard brown. As the requisite hip-hop blared through the complex speakers (More Drake and 2 Pac, a little Rick Ross “Hustlin” and even some Ace Hood with his new Bugatti) and the Browns were donning their pads, there were two separate “live” sessions where there was not only hitting, but players getting taken to the ground. The popping of pads was audible. The fans were energized by every thud. The animation level of the players was noticeably higher—this provided good balance on a day that was otherwise quieted down with the wet blanket known as “special teams implementation.” Browns safety Donte Whitner, when comparing this week to those he has been accustomed to in San Francisco said that Pettine has been trying to send a message. “We’ve had a lot more contact [this week] than we had at all in San Francisco,” he said.
A lot will be written about this year’s team—as a total unit—when compared to the 2013 edition and their play (or lack thereof) in the fourth quarter. In his postgame address, Mike Pettine was quick to point out that all too many games are decided by eight points or less. A team can play well through 36 minutes, only to falter at the end and not make the plays when leverage is the highest. Alas, Thursday’s “challenge” was met with plenty of fan fare—a 3rd-and-2 live-hitting goal line drill wherein little time is left on the clock offense has just one timeout.
“I like it,” said center Alex Mack. “It’s a good example of how one or two plays can determine the outcome of a game. It’s that building up toward the end.”
While Johnny Manziel led the second unit a score, the real challenge would come when the starting units took the field, and would end with big Ishmaa’ily Kitchen—sporting a giant, orange No. 67 jersey—picking up running back Ben Tate and carrying him down the opposite end of the field until the whistles blew—Blindside style. The defensive unit, who was largely overmatched through much of the morning, erupted from the end zone in celebration.
“The offense had the upper hand, but the defense made the plays at the end,” said Pettine. “They’ll be wearing the orange jerseys tomorrow.”
Shortly after practice was concluded, Haden uploaded a picture of himself in the orange No. 23, saying “My first time ever wearing the orange jerseys! Nice!!”
More notes from Thursday’s practice:
• Once again, Jordan Cameron appears to be unguardable. He destroyed Barkevious Mingo early in one-on-one drills and was later the recipient of several passes in the live sessions. He appears ready and willing to be the main target of the passing offense this season as the team prepares to be without Josh Gordon (who was “traveling” today). In the very least, he should draw a safety each time out, opening up lanes for the team’s other receiving options, whomever they may be.
• Justin Gilbert is a big boy. He’s listed at 6-feet, 202 pounds. I’m 6-feet, and just a bit under 200 pounds and he absolutely towers over me (as well as many of the Browns’ receivers). He’s still running with the second team, and had to knock out a few push-ups for dropping an interception, but the kid is a freak. It won’t be long before he’s running with the first unit.
Justin Gilbert is going all Braylon this morning with jersey tucked under his pads. Also had to knock out 10 push-ups due to dropped INT.
— Scott @ WFNY (@WFNYScott) July 31, 2014
• While Johnny Manziel was clearly running with the second unit (something both he and the coaching staff are downplaying as an indication of standing), there were some first glimpses of designed runs which resulted in Manziel eventually running out of bounds or sliding before a defender could touch him. He was also excellent once again post-practice, saying that the real completion is “me versus the playbook.” The terminology, the verbiage and simply being under center are all things new to him. “It’s a 180 compared to the last few years,” Manziel said. Despite all of the negative things written about the No. 22 pick this week, Pettine believes Manziel is actually ahead of where the team though he would be; Kyle Shanahan stated that he could “imagine” a Manziel-specific package being installed in the event the rookie does not win the starting job.
• The media horde managed to ask Manziel only football-related questions following practice. Growth all around!
• MarQueis Gray will likely be the team’s fullback this season, but if it’s anything like previous Kyle Shanahan offenses, it’ll be more of an H-Back role a la Chris Cooley. The first two live plays from scrimmage resulted in Gray being used through the air—a nice waggle route to the right—as well as the ground. Versatility is key with any player who will be featured this season. Gray, a quarterback turned tight end, exudes this. There were also some speed option plays run, the team really looking to establish the outside run. Compared to last season, any run would be nice.
• Miles Austin looks really, really good. His hand strength was evident on several routes, a couple of which forced him to come back to the ball. He lined up on both sides of the field and won every jump ball thrown his way including one deep ball over Joe Haden.
• Christian Kirksey and Karlos Dansby were the inside linebackers with the starting unit. Kirksey shined once again, breaking up a wheel route down the left sideline intended for running back Isaiah Crowell, and splitting out wide and successfully covering Jordan Cameron in the goal line challenge.
• And finally, veteran safety Jim Leonhard had his first practice with the Browns, being officially signed Wedensday night after a few weeks of deliberation by the team. The team pictures him being used in various multiple-safety situations (which is a change from previous defenses) in addition to special teams. While Travis Benjamin will return punts, Mike Pettine referred to Leonhard as a “punt catcher,” the guy you can pin back there in pooch or high-leverage situations. “We used to joke that he could catch a punt in a hurricane,” said Pettine following practice.
22 Comments
Interesting…fantasy world may be taking over to much however and this comes from a fantasy fiend.
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/nfl-will-roll-out-new-player-tracking-system-for-real-time-on-field-stats-130425708.html
I don’t even want to see any reports that contain the words “Miles Austin” “string” or “ham”. Not even “Miles Austin plays with a ball of string while delivering Christmas hams to local churches”
pleasepleasepleasepleasepleaseplease
Thanks.
Sincerely,
Not Rick
Get your Kirksey jersey now. He’s going to start. 😀
Orange jerseys to “look cool”. Good practice for next year’s unveiling of those orange and silvers…?
Another great wrap-up. Why can’t the local news capture this? (Not that I mind, I’d prefer only having to come here for CLE sports…)
Manziel – I’m guessing if he comes on the field, the objective is to get the D to panic about some kind of mobile QB play, then run a perfectly normal offensive play.
Gray – Meanwhile, Gray would be the guy to take the ball on a misdirection handoff and have a run/pass option, especially in short-yardage situations.
Kirksey – Is Robertson also playing well? Is Kirksey winning this job?
Leohnard – Isn’t it nice to be hearing about stuff related to details/outlier situations instead of the basics like “how do we not let someone run up the middle for 7 yards” and “how do we stop a basic screen pass”?
Re winning the orange jerseys, one of my kid’s third grade teachers once told me her students will do anything to win a little sticker. Apparently, millionaire children as well.
All ya’ll look the same! 😉
I heard gray but whether it’s silver or gray I say why? 🙁
I like STO’s nightly Training Camp Daily.
http://www.vibe.com/sites/vibe.com/files/styles/main_image/public/article_images/Screen%20shot%202013-01-05%20at%203.36.22%20PM.png
I’d advocate for stickers around here sorta like the Buckeyes for their helmets but I’d never get any just like comment of the whatever.
It looks nice. Though I hope there’s still a brown jersey for home games… 🙁
Great write-up. This is the stuff that we like to read. You guys are nailing it this year with the Browns camp coverage. Thanks! No need for me to check out any other website, which is really nice on a busy day.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BtkHuj4UBgs/SerFukyEaUI/AAAAAAAAAi4/AiaZVLTCJ-4/s400/D%27oh.jpg
Fantastic coverage of Brown’s camp all the way around here. And max should have known this wasn’t Rick because there would have been a heavy OL section. Speaking of which, does anyone know if Bitonio is still running at RG?
I’m not a fashionista so I’ll take your word for it I am just hoping it’s a modernized orange, brown and white combination.
He is starting, but I’m pretty sure it’s left guard. Would have to let someone else confirm.
Hey! I… um. Ok.
And yes, Bitonio has been working at left guard with the ones for the first week of camp.
as a former OL myself, I appreciate it. It is a good thing 🙂
Bitonio at LG though is disappointing. I guess it’s a way to ease a rookie into things, but I really was hoping he’d take the tougher job. I suppose there is still time for that to happen.
agree. Careful, WFNY, you’re raising your own bar.
What little dog bones?