Browns training camp Day 5: Battling issues in the red zone
By Thomas Moore
Jun 16, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Alex Mack (55) during minicamp at the Cleveland Browns practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns returned to the practice field on Tuesday and spent part of the day working in the red zone, according to the team’s website.
Last season the Browns were 24th in the NFL in red-zone efficiency last season, and over the final three games they were dead last as the wheels came off the offense under rookie quarterbacks Johnny Manziel and Connor Shaw.
The offense showed some life, with touchdown passes to tight end Gary Barnidge and wide receiver Josh Lenz, but the defense eventually found its footing and won the day by intercepting a pass on the day’s final play.
The Browns should be better in the red zone this season if for no other reason than center Alex Mack will be back on the field. Mack, who is seeing his first action since suffering a season-ending injury last October, is impressing offensive line coach Andy Moeller.
“As great a player as Alex is and as proven a player as Alex is, long before I got here, he is getting back into consistently being down in a bent position. I don’t see any lack of movement,” Moeller told the team’s website. “He hasn’t had the pads on since early October against the Steelers a year ago. He came back in great shape. Mentally, he is the smartest guy I have ever been around.”
Next: Donte Whitner on the quarterbacks and run defense