Cleveland Browns Mini-Camp Recap (Day 1) - Passing Game Struggles

The picture to the right reveals something compelling about the Cleveland Browns' offense this season: Jake Delhomme catching passes. Only kidding.

The first day of mandatory mini-camp began Thursday, and unfortunately things weren't as "positive" for the quarterbacks and receivers as they were during the offseason training activities. What else went on in Mike Holmgren's first mini-camp with the team? Here's a recap from all of the notes from around the net:

CLEVELAND BROWNS MINI-CAMP NOTES (JUNE 10 - DAY 1)

1. Passing Game Woes: It wasn't a very good day for the passing game, and that includes both the quarterbacks and the receivers. Let's start with Jake Delhomme, considering he's No. 1 on the depth chart at quarterback. Delhomme had at least two interceptions -- one that came after Mohamed Massaquoi slipped and fell (picked by Joe Haden), and a pass intended for TE Evan Moore that was picked by Ray Ventrone. Delhomme also had a few of his passes broken up by defenders.
2. Duck Goes for 40: In a lowlight-turned-highlight play for Delhomme, he heaved about a 40-yard pass down the field. Although it was kind of a duck, WR Mohamed Massaquoi still adjusted to the ball and was able to make the catch.
3. Evening Practice Better: If should be noted that while Delhomme struggled in the morning, he seemed to be much more comfortable in the afternoon session, resulting in the offense moving the ball well in 7-on-7's and 11-on-11's, according to Steve Doerschuk.
4. Coye Francies has Wallace's Number: In the morning practice, DB Coye Francies (remember him?) broke up two of Seneca Wallace's passes. In the later practice, he intercepted two of Wallace's passes.
5. "Tightness" for Wright: DB Eric Wright participated in the morning practice but was taken off the field at some point. He did not participate in the later practice, deemed as having "tightness." Hopefully all is well for him. S T.J. Ward was also held out with tightness.
   
6. Starting Units: With S Abram Elam holding out, the starting safeties were players with tenure -- Mike Adams and Ray Ventrone. The starting offensive line was the same as last year's unit. During the second practice, Tony Pashos replaced John St. Clair on the first team though.
   
7. Robiskie Still "On": Despite the defense being ahead of the offense most of practice, WR Brian Robiskie continued his impressive offseason with Delhomme hitting him often. Rookie Carlton Mitchell also seemed to be included in the group of impressive receivers.
   
8. Running Backs Present or Absent: Continuing their trends from OTA's, RB Jerome Harrison and FB Lawrence Vickers showed up to practice. RB/FB Peyton Hillis wasn't there as a result of an illness that will likely keep him out the rest of minicamp.
9. Cribbs in the Wildcat: The Akron Beacon Journal notes two plays from the Wildcat by Joshua Cribbs in which he threw the ball. On the first one, he "made a horrible throw over the middle." The second try was better, with Cribbs hitting Seneca Wallace in the flat. Unfortunately, as a receiver, Cribbs had a Wallace pass go in and out of his hands.
10. Raw Practice Footage at ClevelandBrowns.com: Here you go. It's nearly two minutes long.

NEWS SOURCES FOR MINICAMP REPORTS:

• Mini-Camp Day 1: Pass Fail (OBR, King)
• Mini-Camp: Dawson Returns (OBR, Greetham)
• Observations from Browns Mini-Camp - First Practice (Akron Beacon Journal, Ulrich)
• Observations from Browns Mini-Camp - Second Practice (Akron Beacon Journal, Ulrich)
• Dawson declines to talk about contract status (Plain Dealer, Grossi)
• Delhomme catches fire (Canton Repository, Doerschuk)