At the conclusion of practice today, the training camp that the fans are exposed to is officially over. Now, it's all about the 3 games in a span of 13 days that begins Monday against the New York Giants (note: there will still be practices in Berea, it's just that they'll be either open to the media only, or a completely closed practice).

The notes today are very basic, as I'm sure you'll be able to tell:

TRAINING CAMP REPORT - DAY 25 (8/16/08)

1. Fun Atmosphere: Not that camp is always fun, but the music blasting and the entertainment provided on the final day of camp got the players more pumped than usual.
2. Rogers Sits Again: For the second straight practice, Shaun Rogers sat out as a precaution. He is still expected to start against the Giants.
3. Second Quarter: Crennel was quoted saying that the starters will play into the second quarter this Monday. The Giants have also mentioned that Eli Manning is expected to see 20-25 snaps before exiting.
4. Personal Absences: There haven't been many personal absences in camp this year compared to usual. However, on the final day, both Ken Dorsey and A.J. Davis were excused for personal reasons. Both players are expected to be available against the Giants.
5. Ali a Lock: Not directly related to today's practice, but Mary Kay Cabot of the Plain Dealer assesses that Charles Ali is a team favorite and a virtual lock.

That's it for today; no link collection even, as I'll just link you to one article.

There is something else worthy of mentioning from Saturday night though, and that is former Browns quarterback Charlie Frye. The Seahawks really want Frye to establish himself as the No. 2 so that they can use Seneca Wallace as a wide receiver with comfort.

Former Browns QB Charlie Frye, via d.yimg.com

The Seahawks beat the Redskins 29-26 on overtime, and Frye played the entire game at quarterback. The Seahawks were down 19-9 after the third quarter though, and it seems as though the only reason Seattle came back was due to their running game and some Bears' turnovers. Here is Frye's final line:

Charlie Frye: 20 of 35 for 209 yards, 0 touchdowns, 3 interceptions. He was sacked 3 times, and ran 4 times for 29 yards.

Overall, that doesn't sound like a way to zap confidence into your head coach. Thank goodness for Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn.

P.S. DBN Fantasy Footballers: Don't forget to check out the post below this one!

"I've been itching -- itching -- to do that for three years, especially to throw a deep pass and not just a slant route or something," Cribbs said.

After hearing what Joshua Cribbs did in practice today, it's worth starting off today's report with that quote. Anxious to hear what he did? And, are you dying to know who will start opposite Donte Stallworth against the Giants? Then read on...

TRAINING CAMP REPORT - DAY 24 (8/15/08)

1. Cribbs Tosses 50-Yarder: Yes, Cribbs finally got his shot at lining up at quarterback and making a highlight play by actually acting like a quarterback would. With Brady Quinn flankering left, Cribbs took the snap and heaved a beautiful spiral downfield, connecting with Travis Wilson for a 50-yard touchdown. Quinn isn't creating a QB controversy; but Cribbs is certainly making his bid. For the record, the DB on the play was Gerard Lawson.
   
2. More to Come: I can't wait to see what Rob Chudzinski dials up Week 1 for Cribbs. We've heard all camp that Cribbs has a special package, and special packages need to be used against tough teams. The Cowboys are a tough team.
3. Starting WR Named: It came down to Steve Sanders and Travis Wilson, but it was Wilson who got the nod and will start against the New York Giants. One of the clinchers came down to Sanders missing OTA's with a foot injury, while Wilson excelled in OTA's. Besides Wilson's touchdown catch from Cribbs, he also caught a deep touchdown from Derek Anderson.
4. Cribbs at WR Too: Besides his beautiful deep pass, Cribbs had arguably his best day at receiver of camp.
5. Rogers Rests: It was another day off for NT Shaun Rogers, who was nursing a sore knee. He is scheduled to start against the Giants without issue.
6. Key Keeps Up: When a player's name keeps coming up after being signed just recently, people pay attention. Travis Key made another huge play in camp Friday, tipping an Anderson to Wilson pass to himself for a 25-yard interception, according to the Plain Dealer. He then took the pick back for a touchdown. If that doesn't put your name on the map, I don't know what will.
7. Kasper's Chances: In a post-practice interview, Crennel hinted that Kevin Kasper would have a difficult time making the team after missing so much time. That was obvious, but now we've heard it from the coach's mouth, somewhat.
8. Dorsey to Sanders: On a deep ball thrown by Ken Dorsey, WR Steve Sanders went above two defenders to haul in a nice catch, according to the official site of the Browns.
9. Adams Hits Hard: DB Mike Adams had two great hits during practice -- one on RB Austin Scott and the other on WR Paul Hubbard. Safety Brodney Pool also rocked WR Lance Leggett on one play.
10. Huge Crowd: At 2,709 people in attendance, it was one of the Browns' most crowded days at camp this year.
11. FINAL PRACTICE: Saturday is your LAST CHANCE to see the Browns practice in Berea this year, and the weather is supposed to be fantastic. The practice is from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM, so head on out (but be prepared for a large crowd)!

Here is your link collection for much of the information above, as always:

Cribbs flashes a strong arm (Cleveland Plain Dealer, Cabot)

It's only practice, but Cribbs gets his wish (Official Site, King)

Wilson will start Monday (Official Site, King)

Day 24 of training camp (WTAM, Knott)

Training camp report: Day 24 (Cleveland Plain Dealer, Cabot)

Don't forget to check out my first 53-man roster projection, which was posted before Friday's training camp report.

Without anything too eventful happening in camp today, I didn't include a subtitle to go along with the title of this post (which, if you've been paying attention to the titles, has been something I've regularly done). Another roster move was made though, so that'll top today's report...

TRAINING CAMP REPORT - DAY 23 (8/14/08)

1. Bye Bye Cliff: A day after he had a scuffle with LB Willie McGinest, OL Cliff Louis was cut by the Browns. Don't piss off one of Crennel's boys, or you'll be out the door.
2. Replacement: Taking his place is second-year OL Jonathan Palmer out of Auburn. At Auburn, Palmer had experience at tackle, guard and center. He's already spent time with the Eagles, Steelers, Raiders, and most recently the Giants. If he shows something early on, he could be practice squad material (though I believe that spot will still go to OL James Lee).
3. Rucker Update: Rookie TE Martin Rucker had successful arthroscopic knee surgery Thursday morning at the Cleveland Clinic.
4. Starting WR: When asked about who would start opposite WR Donte Stallworth this Monday, Crennel said "we're not sure yet ... maybe we'll know tomorrow." I wouldn't be surprised if we don't find out until an hour before the game.
5. Getting Serious: For the first time since last week Thursday (against the Jets), the troops practiced in pads. Reportedly, the players were amped up and enjoyed the feeling of having full gear on again.
6. More Fists Flying: WTAM's Andre Knott reported that Crennel broke up a camp fight for the first time in four years (when he was with New England). The fight was between LB Alex Hall and TE Brad Cieslak. When asked why he broke up this fight as opposed to others in recent memory, he stated it was because he felt Hall, being a rookie, wouldn't have the nerve to throw a punch at him.
7. Quinn Goes DEEP: Knott also reported a shocker in today's camp: Brady Quinn attempted three deep passes! The passes had the arm strength, but all three of them were incompletions -- and two of them were broken up by Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald, respectively.
8. Steptoe Mention: The OBR pointed out a nice play when Derek Anderson hit WR Syndric Steptoe on a nice slant pass during team drills. Although he hasn't received as many reps, Steptoe is in the mix to start against the Giants.
9. Steelers Lose: The Pittsburgh Steelers lost to the Buffalo Bills 24-21 Thursday night. Not really relevant and I'm fully aware of the preseason circumstances, but you can check out the box score to analyze the details.

Here is your link collection for much of the information above:

Maturing Wilson credits Jurevicius (Cleveland Plain Dealer, Cabot)

Day 23 practice notes (WTAM, Knott)

Browns don't lack motivation (Orange and Brown Report, Greetham)

Browns begin prep for Giants (Official Site, Jackson)

Who saw Thursday night's game between the Carolina Panthers and the Philadelphia Eagles? After sitting through a lighting delay that was just as long as the Browns' last week, I couldn't hold back from laughing when the Eagles tried a fake field goal shuffle pass. The holder took the snap and intended to flip it to one of his crossing teammates -- instead a Panthers defender came from the other side and intercepted the pass, taking it back for a touchdown.

From the original camera angle, it was one of those cool "in-the-moment" football feelings, similar to when Edwards had a one-handed two-yard touchdown catch last week.

The days remaining for public camp sessions are dwindling down, but Pro Bowl tight end Kellen Winslow isn't letting up his intensity level. After learning earlier today that rookie tight end Martin Rucker will be out for six weeks after having surgery, knowing we have a healthy Winslow in our back pocket allows fans to breathe a collective sigh of relief.

TRAINING CAMP REPORT - DAY 22 (8/13/08)

1. Intensity High: The talk of the day involved two people on two consecutive plays: Winslow and recently signed DB Travis Key. On the first play, Winslow caught a pass over the middle and then collided with Key (though Winslow seemed to get the better of Key). On the next play, Winslow caught a pass on the sidelines and basically stiff-armed Key away, according to WTAM's Andre Knott.
2. Credit to Key?: Since being signed, it seems like Travis Key's name is coming up quite a bit -- more than Steve Cargile's did, and more than Brandon Mitchell's is. We'll see where he fits into the rotation this Monday.
3. Edwards in Berea: After being stitched up a few days ago, Braylon Edwards was in Berea for a check-up. There didn't seem to be any setbacks, so he was sent home to continue staying off of his foot. I'll never question Edwards' competitive nature, but just from a hypothetical thought, does him being out help the Browns in a way? His chemistry with Derek Anderson seemed too good to be lost in two weeks, he's not risking any weird injury for a portion of camp, and other guys are getting a chance to step up.
4. Wilson Starting?: Ohio.com reported that it was Travis Wilson's turn to get some reps as a starting receiver today. Wilson reportedly stepped up to the challenge yet again, though there's no word on who will start opposite Donte Stallworth versus the Giants.
5. Dinkins to be Safe: The best thing that Darnell Dinkins has going for him in camp? He's the highest tight end on the depth chart to have not suffered an injury during camp. After practice, Romeo Crennel praised Dinkins, saying he didn't know where the team would be without him.
6. Break it Up: A little scuffle broke out between veteran LB Willie McGinest and OT Cliff Louis. McGinest can still get fired up, eh? Sounds like a good thing.
7. Not Pleased: Crennel was not happy with how the offensive units ended the day in situational drills, so he called the first and second units back onto the field for extra reps.
8. Yawner for Quinn: Ohio.com reports that QB Brady Quinn had a "lackluster day", as he had two passes batted down at the line of scrimmage as well as a fumbled snap.

Here is your link collection for much of the information above:

Rubin, Hall have avoided injuries (Cleveland Plain Dealer, Grossi)

Day 22 practice notes (WTAM, Knott)

For Winslow, one speed is enough (Official Site, King)

More of mighty Quinn (Ohio.com, Thomas)

I will be exchanging questions with our New York Giants affiliate, Big Blue View, very soon in a "Getting to Know the Enemy" segment. I encourage you to check out their site in the mean time to get more familiar with how things have been going for the defending Super Bowl Champions.

Hopefully rookie TE Martin Rucker will be back on the field as early as Wednesday afternoon.

The Browns had their final public two-a-day session on Tuesday, but some concerning news came in the morning session when one of our tight ends wasn't on the field. It wasn't Kellen Winslow. Or Steve Heiden. It was Martin Rucker. The rookie fourth-round draft choice had an MRI done on his knee after he twisted it recently.

While Romeo Crennel stated in an interview that the MRI was merely precautionary, we all know what happened to rookie LB Beau Bell when he suddenly missed a day or two of action. To simplify things today, I'm going to put both the morning and evening practice notes under the same subheading:

TRAINING CAMP REPORT - DAY 21 [MORNING / EVENING] (8/12/08)

1. Hall Rises: I thought this was a very important note to start off with, as reported by the Plain Dealer's Tony Grossi: for the first time since Antwan Peek's injury, rookie LB Alex Hall took reps at his position instead of being exclusive to Kamerion Wimbley's side. Whether that's keeping all options open or a telltale sign, it'll be something to watch for this Monday against the Giants.
2. Sanders Opening Eyes: After being given the opportunity to run with the starting unit yesterday, WR Steve Sanders continued to take advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by catching nearly everything thrown his way again. Without being at camp everyday, this sudden rise for Sanders seems unprecedented; nonetheless, I am really pulling for him.
3. Key to Victory: Ohio.com is reporting that recently-signed safety Travis Key is at least making some noise in practice. He broke up a pass intended for Steve Heiden from Derek Anderson in the morning, and then recovered a fumble in the nightcap. Sounds like a decent second day, eh?
4. Similar Sounding: When you think about it, saying "Andra Davis" and "A.J. Davis" quickly makes them sound like the same name. That's not the point though; the point is that A.J. Davis had a good nightcap according to Mary Kay Cabot -- he broke up a deep pass to Joshua Cribbs from Ken Dorsey, and then intercepted a Brady Quinn pass intended for Lance Leggett. Davis needed to step up after seeing the recently-beat-for-a-touchdown Steve Cargile get cut after last Thursday's game.
5. Rogers Sits: Big nose tackle Shaun Rogers had the morning practice off with a sore knee, but was a full go come the nightcap. Kevin Kasper continues to miss practices though, and is not showing any signs of returning in the immediate future.
6. Trick Play: I'll just quote Grossi on this one; no sense in paraphrasing a play that he saw:
   

   "New play of the day -- a reverse off an end-around, featuring an Anderson handoff to Josh Cribbs, who hands to Donte Stallworth coming from the other side. Nice. The possibilities with Cribbs are endless."

7. Daily Wilson: Being the final two-a-day of the year, it's time to bring back the "Daily Wilson" one more time. Ohio.com reports that he made a nice diving catch in practice on a pass from Ken Dorsey, with Brandon McDonald having solid coverage on the play. There has been no word of Wilson letting up since Sanders was promoted, so I still fail to believe that there is a hidden agenda to give up on him.
8. Something to Consider: Besides the Hall note I mentioned to kick things off, I found this nugget interesting from Grossi: LB Kris Griffin has been having a tremendous camp at ILB, and is looking to challenge Leon Williams for playing time. His roster spot seems secure (Griffin's).
9. Dawson Clutch: To end the morning practice, Crennel asked the team if they'd put their faith in kicker Phil Dawson. If Dawson could nail a 54-yarder, their afternoon team meeting would be canceled, and the players would have spare time to do whatever they wanted. If he missed, they'd have to run laps. The team accepted the challenge, and Dawson drilled it. More than anything, that serves as a great pressure situation for Dawson -- not that he needs it.
10. No Pads: The team hasn't been in pads since Thursday's game against the Jets so that everyone can heal up. I'm sure the pads will be on some time soon -- possibly Wednesday -- to start prepping for the Monday Nighter.

Here is your link collection for much of the information above:

Rogers, Rucker dealing with knee issues (Cleveland Plain Dealer, Grossi)

A.J. Davis steps up (Ohio.com, Ridenour)

Training camp log: Day 21 (Cleveland Plain Dealer, Cabot)

Day 21 of camp practice (WTAM, Knott)

As always, check out the playoff-contending Cleveland Indians over at Let's Go Tribe (ok, maybe I'm getting my hopes up too much after a mere five-game winning streak). The Browns' next preseason game is still a ways away, but it's getting here. Remember, if you're a Clevelander without cable, Monday's game can be caught on FOX 8.

Readers: I refrained from using "Sanders gets shot", this time.

Vingt! Monday marked the twentieth day of training camp -- a session that was only open to the media. Thanks to some of Cleveland's great local media coverage -- including the OBR, the Plain Dealer, and the official site -- there is news to be told. The news starts with the man who was promoted to the first team in place of Braylon Edwards, at least for now...

TRAINING CAMP REPORT - DAY 20 (8/11/08)

1. Hailing from East High: That's right: Steve Sanders saw the majority of his playing time with the first team on Monday, ahead of the likes of Joshua Cribbs, Travis Wilson, and Syndric Steptoe. The local media is reporting that the team is very pleased with Sanders' development, and could actually be giving him a legitimate chance to make the team. He reportedly caught just about everything that came his way on Day 1. Granted, I envision Travis Wilson being ahead of Sanders on the depth chart come Week 1, but I'd also love to see Sanders receive the opportunity to start against the New York Giants this Monday.
East High graduate WR Steve Sanders is working with the first team in camp now. Is he simply a placeholder, or he is finally being given his chance to shine?
2. Speaking Of Wilson: I completely disagree with Maria Ridenour's suggestion that the team has seen enough of Travis Wilson (in a turned off way). I still believe that the team is very pleased with his progression as the team's slot receiver, and they don't want to disrupt that by suddenly throwing the No. 1 or No. 2 receiver playbook at him (after all, it took him three years to get the No. 3 down pat).
3. Injury Front is Positive: Guess who participated in team drills on Monday? Seth McKinney. Steve Heiden. Kellen Winslow. Lawrence Vickers. Heck, if Edwards hadn't gotten hurt, we'd have just about a full squad right now. Still, the lone duck having to sit out is Kevin Kasper, whose roster odds are slipping by the second.
4. Tucker & Peek: The news is positive with Ryan Tucker and Antwan Peek as well. Tucker's rehab has progressed smoothly, and he could return to camp around the fourth preseason game. Peek is still scheduled to be ready for the season opener against Dallas.
5. Baxter Could Return: Via Tony Grossi and Sirius Radio, Gary Baxter asked for his release so that the team didn't have to place him on the injured reserve. Now, he can rehab by himself, and if he's ready around Week 2 or later, he can either give it another go with the Browns, or another team. He made it clear that he is not retiring.
6. Winslow Throws TD: The play of the day was the first one in the 11-on-11 session, according to the OBR. Derek Anderson stepped back and threw a lateral pass to Kellen Winslow, who then turned and threw a perfect spiral to a wide open Jamal Lewis for a touchdown.
7. Second Quarter: As expected, head coach Romeo Crennel confirmed that the starters will play into the second quarter against the Giants on Monday Night. Remember: the Browns play the Giants during the regular season, so we might be overly cautious with the plays we call (as teams often are anyway in the preseason).
8. Adams > Cousin: Grossi also reports that DB Mike Adams continues to appear to have the edge on DB Terry Cousin for the nickel back job since he is lining up in the position ahead of him.
9. Slot for Steptoe: Along with Wilson, Syndric Steptoe saw action in the slot with the starting team and performed well. Right now, it looks like Edwards, Stallworth, and Wilson are locks. Assuming Joe Jurevicius is out several weeks and Kevin Kasper doesn't make the team due to being out, then the fourth and fifth receiver jobs could definitely go to Sanders and Steptoe..."how about that..."
10. Pool's Athleticism: Andre Knott of WTAM is impressed with the athleticism of safety Brodney Pool, as demonstrated in a highlight play today in which he flew across the field to wrestle a pass away from TE Darnell Dinkins.

Here is your link collection for the information above:

Sanders relishes chance to play with first team (Cleveland Plain Dealer, Cabot)

Edwards' foot injury doesn't worry Crennel (Cleveland Plain Dealer, Grossi)

Training camp log: Day 20 (Cleveland Plain Dealer, Grossi)

Berea report: McDonald's loving it (Orange and Brown Report, Greetham)

Camp news and notes (Official Site, King)

Day 20 of camp practice (WTAM, Knott)

The Browns have their final two-a-day scheduled for Tuesday -- everything after that will either be individual sessions or sessions that are closed off to the public. Your chances of heading to Berea are dwindling down, so head out there before it's too late if you've wanted to go!

It's been a busy week weather-wise for the Browns already. Originally scheduled to have two public practice sessions on Sunday, a downpour forced the team to practice inside for the evening session for the first time this year in training camp. With Monday's practice closed to the public, Tuesday will be the final two-a-day of camp.

The troops were still busy Sunday morning though, but without Mr. Braylon Edwards:

TRAINING CAMP REPORT - DAY 19 (8/10/08)

1. Edwards Out Two Weeks: At the moment, it looks like Edwards' silly running without shoes is going to cost him two weeks of practice, including the next two preseason games. After all -- how can you run comfortably when you've got a bunch of stitches on your heel? Worse than him being out is the fact that he had to have a procedure -- albeit a small one -- performed at the Cleveland Clinic.
2. More Reps: With Edwards and Kevin Kasper out, that means even more reps for the other receivers on the depth chart.
3. WR Struggling: According to one of the fans from the smallest crowd in attendance in Berea this season, things didn't look good for Efrem Hill and Paul Hubbard. Hill struggled with pretty much everything, while Hubbard did exactly what he did against the Jets: make one great catch, but then have a miscue on everything else. Gee: Sounds an awful lot like Travis Wilson his first two years, doesn't it?
4. WR Seize: By seize, I mean seizing the advantage. Two receivers have done that this camp: Travis Wilson and Syndric Steptoe. With Edwards' recent setback and Steptoe looking good on special teams, his roster odds are slowly getting a tiny bit higher.
5. Heiden's Knees: Granted, this is from one fan's perspective: "Steve Heiden's knee looks bad. When he was getting it stretched out he looked on the verge of tears." Chris' note: you can only go by what he says; can you actually see a knee about to tear?
6. Newcomers: The Browns signed DB's Travis Key and Brandon Mitchell yesterday. Key reportedly worked a lot on special teams...no word on Mitchell though.

Your link collection for the information above (if you are a subscriber to the OBR, they have a report on the indoors evening practice):

Edwards gets stitches in foot (Cleveland Plain Dealer, Cabot)

Fan goes to camp (OBR Forums)

My first 53-man roster projection is coming for you to dissect. Let the anticipation build (watches tumbleweed roll by).

Side Note: If you didn't see the USA's unbelievable comeback in swimming against France yesterday, you HAVE to go to NBCOlympics.com and check it out. Un.be.lieve.a.ble.

via blog.cleveland.com

On Day 18 of training camp, the Browns' first official practice since this past Tuesday, WR Braylon Edwards was sidelined for a portion of practice after an incident most fans have already deemed as "idiotic". So that you're not about to have too much of a heart attack if this story is "new" to you, Edwards returned to practice after the incident, so don't panic.

According to the Plain Dealer, Edwards and several other receivers were doing a casual run at some point during practice. For whatever reason, Edwards decided to take his shoes off during the run. In their competitive spirits, Edwards and Donte Stallworth were "jockeying for the lead in a mock race" when Stallworth's spiked shoe came down on Edwards' right heel. As you can tell from the Plain Dealer's photo above, Edwards was cut significantly enough to be taken away on the medical cart for treatment.

Keep the shoes on, next time.

Beyond that, there's not a whole lot to report from today's training camp session, so the notes section will be very brief:

TRAINING CAMP REPORT - DAY 18 (8/8/08)

1. Baxter's Gone: Olympians train ridiculously hard to master the events they are competing for. DB Gary Baxter had that same dedication in his pursuit to return to the Cleveland Browns, but his journey came to an end today when he was released by the team. He hasn't retired yet though, so playing elsewhere this season isn't out of the question once/if he heels.
2. Workouts: Who will take Baxter's roster spot? Tony Grossi is reporting that the team worked out a couple of safeties behind closed doors, so don't be surprised if a signing is announced tomorrow -- I'd bank on it being a low-key name though.
3. Camp Schedule Changes: If you're planning on attending a training camp session still this year, some changes were announced today. This Monday's practice will now be open to the media only, so fans will be turned away if they try to attend. Also, this Thursday's and this Saturday's dates have been changed from two-a-days to one-a-days. Both days will now only have an afternoon session from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
4. Healthy TE's: It was great to hear that Kellen Winslow and Steve Heiden were back on the field, at least in some capacity. Also returning was FB Lawrence Vickers.
5. Sitting Out: The players missing from practice included WR Kevin Kasper, OT Cliff Louis, and OG Seth McKinney. Kasper still has a lot of time before the Monday Nighter, so if he returns to practice soon, there's a chance he could still get back in the hunt for the No. 3 receiver role.

Your link collection for the information above:

With playoff hopes, team couldn't wait for Baxter (Cleveland Plain Dealer, Grossi)

Training camp log: Day 18 (Cleveland Plain Dealer, Grossi)

The team has two practice sessions scheduled for Sunday, where some of their gameplan for their upcoming game against the New York Giants could be on display.

Rumors began swirling around late last week that DB Gary Baxter might be contemplating retirement after his knees were acting up on him again. There seemed to be brighter light at the end of the tunnel the past couple of days, until this morning when it was announced that the veteran had arthroscopic surgery to remove loose cartilage from his knee.

While that doesn't create an extra void in the secondary (we knew all along that Baxter was hit-or-miss), it would've been great to see him step out on the field against the Jets Thursday. Still, by no means has he been ruled out of the regular season.

TRAINING CAMP REPORT - DAY 14 (8/5/08)

1. Update on Cribbs: He was in camp today, and he made it clear that he's not going to hold out. Everything that happens negotiation-wise will be between the team and his agent.
Bernie Kosar and Sam Rutigliano hanging out at Browns camp. Fans can't wait to hear Kosar on the mic again this Thursday. Credit: Official site.
2. Light Practice: In preparation for their game against the Jets, the team took it light during practice Tuesday. The team will have some brief drills on Wednesday, but that will be closed to the public.
3. More Success: They cannot be denied. QB Derek Anderson hooked up with WR Braylon Edwards for two more touchdowns during team drills -- one of them a one-handed bobble, and the other a 55-yard reception over Eric Wright, according to the Plain Dealer.
4. Perry Christmas: It'll feel like Christmas to DB Jereme Perry if he wins a roster spot with the Browns again. He continues to have a pretty firm grip on the fourth corner spot, and with Baxter out indefinitely, his roster odds have increased (though so have DB Nick Sorenson's). Perry broke up a pass intended for Edwards in red zone drills Tuesday.
5. Curse the Knees: This year, the voodoo has been placed on player's knees. After reporting that Beau Bell's injury wasn't too serious yesterday, he missed his second consecutive session Tuesday. If the knee doesn't respond to treatment, arthroscopic surgery will be under consideration, according to head coach Romeo Crennel.
Backup QB Brady Quinn will see plenty of action, at least two quarters to be specific, versus the Jets.
6. Kasper Way Behind: I know the team was initially intrigued by WR Kevin Kasper, but at this point you'd have to imagine he's way behind Travis Wilson, and he's not getting any closer. He reportedly suffered somewhat of a setback by re-aggravating his hamstring injury either today or in the past couple of days.
7. OUT on Thursday: The following players, not including Baxter, will reportedly miss Thursday's game for sure due to injury: TE Kellen Winslow, FB Lawrence Vickers, WR Kevin Kasper, OG Seth McKinney, and TE Steve Heiden. Heiden did return to practice Tuesday with a brace on his right knee, according to the Plain Dealer.
8. Don't Feel Bad: It seems like the Browns are getting hammered with injuries, but I'd say the Steelers and Ravens have suffered more than the Browns up to this point.

Your link collection for much of the information above:

Browns insider: McMillian gets shot (Cleveland Plain Dealer, Grossi)

Training camp log: Day 13 (Cleveland Plain Dealer, Cabot)

Another setback for Baxter (Official Site, Jackson)

The next training camp session isn't until Saturday, so that means it'll be all about getting pumped up and then reviewing the Browns' first exhibition game of the year.

The Browns had their final two-a-day practice session before Thursday's game against the New York Jets today, and a lot of players continue to look like they are in midseason form. Because the information on today's sessions was somewhat limited for the nightcap, I'm combining all of the tidbits into one section:

TRAINING CAMP REPORT - DAY 13 [MORNING / EVENING] (8/4/08)

At this point, it has to feel like they're playing Madden or something, as WR Braylon Edwards beats DB A.J. Davis for his first of two touchdowns. Credit: Official site.
1. Kickin' Off Strong: In their first practice with pads since Friday's family fun night, Braylon Edwards and Derek Anderson were at it again in the morning. The duo connected on two deep passes for touchdowns as the session was coming to a close.
2. First, a Post: On a post pattern down the middle of the field, Edwards beat rookie DB A.J. Davis for the score.
3. Second, a Go: On a go route down the right sideline, Edwards split Davis and backup safety Nick Sorensen for a touchdown.
4. McMillan's Chance: I thought for sure that free agent linebacker Shantee Orr would get the primary crack at Antwan Peek's job, but that's not the case. Instead, it is veteran-but-seldom-used linebacker David McMillan who is getting his chance to shine. This Thursday, expect McMillan to either start or be the first guy into the leftside rotation after Willie McGinest comes out.
5. Williams Expands: Defensive end Corey Williams was a full go in practice today, participating in all team drills as if nothing was wrong with him. No report yet on whether or not the team will risk playing him in the first preseason game.
6. Kasper Still Iffy: While Kevin Kasper worked on individual drills for the second day in a row, he did not participate in any team drills.
Rookie OL James Lee is trying to win a backup tackle job, as he defends pass-rushing LB Kamerion Wimbley. Lee will be one to watch come Thursday. Credit: Official site.
7. Preseason Game Plan: Head coach Romeo Crennel has laid out his game plan for the first game. Derek Anderson and the starters will be at least a full quarter, and possibly more. The idea is to play Brady Quinn for at least a half -- preferably for the second and third quarters. Then, Ken Dorsey would come in for his only playing time of the year and pick up the scraps in the fourth quarter.
8. Bell's Knee: Rookie linebacker Beau Bell sat out the night practice with a sore knee, but the Plain Dealer reports that he should be back on the field for Tuesday's practice.
9. Cribbs May Sit: At this point, the Browns know what Joshua Cribbs is capable of and would prefer to continue letting him rest his hamstring. If that's the case, expect Syndric Steptoe to get the starting nod against the Jets at returner.
10. Adams Over Cousin?: The Plain Dealer is also reporting that DB Mike Adams currently seems to have the upper hand on the nickel back spot over DB Terry Cousin.
11. Presidential Candidate: Democratic nominee Barack Obama will be speaking at Baldwin-Wallace Tuesday, so you can imagine than the scene in Berea will be very hectic if you're trying to find a parking space. Consider arriving extra early if you plan on attending.

Your collection of links for much of the information above, as always:

Monday A.M. camp report (Orange and Brown Report, Greetham)

Quinn to get bulk of playing time vs. Jets (Cleveland Plain Dealer, Cabot)

Anderson, Edwards connecting again (Official Site, King)

B-W parking limited on Tuesday (Official Site)

The Browns have an afternoon session Tuesday, and then are off on Wednesday. Wednesday, I will have a summary of all of the "smaller" position battles that have formed throughout camp, with some things to look for prior to our first exhibition game.