Cleveland Browns Training Camp: Day 3

Yesterday we prepared you for Day 3, now we take a look at what actually occurred on Day 3 of Cleveland Browns Training Camp. Yesterday was the first day that pads could go on and hitting could occur. No tackling to the ground yet but physicality had return to the sport.

Hear It?

Head coach Mike Pettine has been quoted a number of times saying that when the pads go on he wants to hear it. He wants to hear pads popping. He wants to hear players hitting each other. He wants to hear how intense the team is. From all reports from those in attendance there wasn’t a lot of sound coming from practice. Not a lot of pads popping. Not a lot of players running into each other at full force. It is possible that this was by design but given Pettine’s comments it could be a concern that the intensity could not be heard.

Wide Receivers

Many notes from the receiving core that has been the biggest concern for fans this year. Starting with the star receiver from last year Josh Gordon:

Really hoping CLE knows something we don't: "Gordon saw more action with the first team Monday than he did in the first two practices."
— Patrick Daugherty (@RotoPat) July 28, 2014

We covered that Gordon made a big time hire in his legal case by hiring the lawyer that helped Seahawks corner R. Sherman beat his suspension. Could it be that the big concerns fans had about Gordon could be laid aside by winning the appeal? A receiving core of Gordon, a healthy Miles Austin and Andrew Hawkins, along with Jordan Cameron, could be special. Speaking of special, Hawkins is an amazing route runner:

https://vine.co/v/MEBO5QihK9n

Wow. Here is a write-up, with a video, of Hawkins showing great get off with the Bengals, and looking at why he may have been underused down there. The Browns also have a bevy of young receivers that could impact the game this upcoming season:

Sounds like Charles Johnson is really impressing #Browns coaches. Catching everything. Going up to make plays. Coming in healthy and strong.
— 📽+🏈x🌴 (@HawaiiBrownsHui) July 29, 2014

Could a percieved weakness be an actual strength for this team? A good to great receiving core added to the stable of backs and the dominate offensive line could mean big things for the Browns offense this year.

Running Game

Speaking of the running backs and offensive line it seems as if they may be turning the corner:

Having a group of backs to run behind a line that is “blowing holes wide open” could quickly turn the Browns into a force in the AFC North. Obviously the game is different then practice but early signs are good for the run game. The note on Crowell is concerning but only one practice. He is our offensive Man of Mystery none the less.

Confidence

The mental perspective of the game is so vitally important. Players must have the physical tools to compete but being able to put it all together in their head turns tools and talent into production. That is across the board in sports. It looks like Jordan Cameron’s confidence, as it should be, is through the roof:

#Browns TE Cameron on possible coverage by CBs this year: the confidence I have, it doesn’t really matter who they put in front of you
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) July 28, 2014

A great sign as Cameron may get the bulk of the coverage if/when Gordon is off the field. Having that confidence and mental approach will help him overcome much of what is in front of him. The mental side of the sport is what separates players. It is likely what will keep Johnny Manziel on the bench while Brian Hoyer thrives. Hoyer’s time behind Tom Brady and others seems to have paid off big time from the mental aspect.