Cleveland Browns training camp

Jul 30, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson Jr., (29) runs in motion during a play during training camp at the Cleveland Browns practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Browns opened training camp today with Mike Pettine putting the players through a two-hour practice in helmets and shorts.

The day was the first of 11 sold-out practices at the team’s training facility and gave fans a first look at the team as it prepares for the 2015 NFL season.

With no tackling, Terrelle Pryor reportedly looked good at the wide receiver position (he took a short pass into the end zone when the defense stopped), while quarterback Johnny Manziel did not, as his first four pass attempts with the second team resulted in two sacks, a near interception and a pass being knocked down at the line of scrimmage.

In addition, second-year running back Isaiah Crowell continued to have trouble holding onto the ball, having a problem taking a handoff from quarterback Josh McCown and dropping a pass.

It is only one day, though, and just the first two hours of what will be a long, long season, so while we can read something into today’s activities, it may be best not to read too much.

Here is what head coach Mike Pettine and some of the players had to say following the first practice (all quotes courtesy of clevelandbrowns.com):

Pettine on the team’s work:

"“I think in a lot of ways it was a typical first day. I saw a lot of good things out there – most importantly, the focus, the effort and the energy. This is a shock to the system. I told them that afterwards. Our recovery from here is very important and to take care of themselves these next couple hours. No matter how hard you train over the summer, there is no way to replicate this. I thought our guys handled it well. We threw a lot at them from a physical standpoint and from a mental standpoint. It was clear to see that our guys were in shape and they got in their books over the summer. I will reserve final judgment until I watch the film as always. My first impression was that it was a good start.”"

Pettine on Pryor:

"“He looks great in a uniform, I can tell you that (laughter). He is a big, explosive athlete. We all saw that he catches the ball. He has a lot to learn. Getting off of press coverage, that will be a big thing once we get the pads on Saturday. I thought it was a solid first step for him. I think he would have some confidence coming out of today. I think a lot of credit to (wide receivers coach) Joker Phillips, who has taken him as his position coach, getting him schooled up and has been trying to get him caught up to speed. I think he has done a nice job of getting him lined up and knowing what he is supposed to do. We’ll see. It’s certainly going to be a progression. I thought it was a good start for Terrelle.”"

Pettine on McCown and Manziel:

"“It is hard to say. There were some good balls thrown out there. I thought defensively, we made some plays. Joe Haden showed his usual form breaking on a ball. Tramon Williams made a heck of a play on another one. I will reserve that judgement again until I watch the tape. I thought both those guys did some good things. What I liked about it, regardless after the ball was snapped, is the command in the huddle and the knowledge of the offense and to be able to take a play and if a guy was lined up wrong and move him and just the way the plays are being called and the cadence. Sometimes that takes some time. We’re further ahead this year than we were a year ago with that for all the quarterbacks.”"

Jul 30, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (87) runs the ball during training camp at the Cleveland Browns practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Haden on Pryor’s transition to wide receiver:

"“That’s legit. I’ve never really seen anybody make that transformation in person. We ran the conditioning test yesterday, and this is the first time I got a chance to meet Pryor, and he’s huge. His stride length, he was running with the receivers and DBs and he killed the whole conditioning test. He can run, obviously, a big dude. Now, it’s just seeing what his hands look like and how he comes out of his routes. I didn’t go up against him today, but I can’t wait to look at him and see what he does because he looks the part, for sure.”"

More from Dawg Pound Daily

Haden on the defense:

"“This defense, we have the players we need to be a great defense. We have just got to keep each other accountable. Like me, I’ve just got to be out there not letting people catch the ball on me. They have to see me go hard. They have to see me and Donte (Whitner) communicating. Just because we played good last year doesn’t mean we’re going to come out and play good again this year. We’ve got to build another strong foundation and get these younger guys to try to take our spots. The competition and with this defense that we have, I think we can be special, but we’ve got to prove it on Sundays.”"

Pryor on his transition to wide receiver:

"“Talking to some of the vets, they said they saw a lot of positives. Obviously, there are some things that I need to work on. I’m far off right now, but I’m learning from guys like Dwayne Bowe, guys like Brian Hartline and all of the receiving corps. Coach has been a big help, and the quarterbacks, as well. That’s all I can do is every single day plug away and get one percent better at this position and see where it goes.”"

The Browns will be back on the practice field on Friday at 9:30 a.m.

Next: Maybe this Josh McCown thing was a bad idea

Home/Browns News

Cleveland Browns training camp – Day 1

By Thomas Moore | Jul 30, 2015

More from Dawg Pound Daily