Browns training camp Day 5: Battling issues in the red zone

Jun 16, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive back Donte Whitner (31) during minicamp at the Cleveland Browns practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Veteran safety Donte Whitner spoke with the media after practice, offering his opinion on Josh McCown as the team’s starting quarterback.

“Even when we are in perfect coverage, he’s putting the ball in tough spots,” Whitner told the team’s website. “He challenges us down field. Sometimes he’s checking us and catching us off-guard. He knows what we’re playing before we get out there.

“And that’s just playing in the National Football League so many years. He has weapons around him now that he can throw the football to. I’m excited to see what he can do because he’s the same guy every day.”

Whitner also offered his thoughts on Manziel:

Whitner is also optimistic that the increase in competition along the defensive line will result in an improvement in the run defense.

“We have guys that have to truly fight for their job this year. Nothing is going to be handed to them. We drafted guys in the first round. We drafted guys all across the board,” the 10-year safety told the team’s website. “We brought guys in like Randy (Starks). It is a lot of competition. There are some guys who won’t be here. That is the true reality of playing in the National Football League, especially when you have a glowing weakness on your defense like stopping the run.

“They have to do something to bond and they have to create competition. That is why I think we are going to be better. Guys know that if you don’t get it done right now, you won’t be here so that is the difference.”

Next: Running backs take another injury hit