BEREA — Browns coach Romeo Crennel delivered a strong message to his players Monday about the need to practice as hard as they play, even when the training camp schedule calls for two-a-day practice sessions.
“Guys know they have to go twice, so they try to save a little energy for the second half of the set, but I want them to learn not to save it,” he said following the morning workout. “In a little bit more than a week, we play our first preseason game, and the team as a whole needs to improve before then.”
Cleveland opens its preseason schedule Aug. 7 at home against the New York Jets, giving its coaching staff nine days to determine playing time and set a depth chart. With nine practices and six days of camp in the books, Crennel said he expects to see a more consistent effort going forward.
The first practice of the day was so uneven that upbeat quarterback Derek Anderson would only rate it as “good, not great. The new guys are still adjusting to things, but everyone else is feeling comfortable and things are coming together.”
Much to the coaching staff’s delight, the evening session was more intense from start to finish. The Browns worked out for two full hours under near perfect conditions — a refreshing change from the warm morning practice — and put on an entertaining show for a smaller gathering of fans.
With 19 practices and 13 days left in camp, the Browns have plenty of time to increase their intensity, but it can’t come soon enough for their coach. Even with the NFL’s smaller 80-man camp limit, Crennel expects more from his players.
“They still have good attitudes and they’re still working, but I think we’ve got to pick it up a little bit,” Crennel said. “You have to run your training camp if you’re going to get your guys better, and that’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to try and increase that improvement rate as we go.”

Brownie bits

Jamal Lewis drew the loudest cheers of the day by completing an option pass to Kellen Winslow Jr. for a touchdown at the end of the evening workout.
• Linebacker Andra Davis picked off Derek Anderson on a 3-yard pass in the end zone.
• Large linemen Robaire Smith and Shaun Smith were beasts in five-on-five drills against their offensive counterparts. The latter Smith was so pleased with his day, he playfully joined in a group interview with Lewis.
“Shaun Smith is a gamer, a big talker,” Lewis deadpanned. “I used to run him over (when he played) in Cincinnati.”
• Wide receiver Braylon Edwards dropped a wide-open TD throw from Anderson.

Under the radar

Crennel said two low-profile rookies continue to catch his eye, just as they did during organized team activities (OTAs). Seventh-round draftee Alex Hall, a linebacker from St. Augustine, and free agent running back Travis Thomas from Notre Dame were singled out for their strong performances.
Hall is working ahead of McMillan at outside linebacker, while Thomas had a breakthrough morning as part of one-back sets in several different drills. The 5-foot-11, 215-pound tailback was a two-year captain who also played linebacker for the Fighting Irish.
“Those are the two guys that I’ve noticed maybe a little bit more than the others so far,” Crennel said.

Not so hot

Eric Wright, Brandon McDonald and Terry Cousin have solidified their standing as the top three cornerbacks, but no one has emerged behind them. Veteran Jereme Perry and rookies A.J. Davis, Mil’Von James, Gerard Lawson and Damon Jenkins are each squandering golden opportunities to make the team.
“They are all struggling and battling right now,” Crennel said. “There’s nobody who I would say we could put the rubber stamp on.”
Lawson was beaten for a long touchdown catch by underachieving wide receiver Travis Wilson at the end of the morning practice.

Injury update

Defensive end Corey Williams (shoulder), guard Seth McKinney (ankle), fullback Lawrence Vickers (hamstring), tight end Steve Heiden (knee) and wide receiver Kevin Kasper (hamstring) remain out with what the Browns are calling minor injuries. Williams’ ailment is causing some concern, however, as he has missed three straight days of practice.
• Wide receiver Donte Stallworth (hamstring) took part in a limited number of offense vs. defense drills for the first time.
Contact Brian Dulik at sports@ohio.net.

TRAINING CAMP 2008

NEWS OF THE DAY: A spirited evening practice followed a lethargic morning session in Berea. Wide receiver Braylon Edwards was the star of the second workout, dominating cornerback Eric Wright on a series of long throws for touchdowns.
CAMPER OF THE DAY: Rookie running back Travis Thomas took advantage of the extra reps with Jason Wright still sidelined and worked in a variety of offensive sets. He showed nice hands catching screen passes and quick footwork running off-tackle.
PLAY OF THE DAY: Shaun Smith overpowered guard Rex Hadnot in a five-on-five lineman drill, giving him a clear shot at sacking the quarterback. Backup offensive lineman Lennie Friedman was under center, but didn’t flinch at the sight of the 325-pound Smith coming at him.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Josh (Cribbs) has come a long way from three years ago when he first got here. He catches the ball a lot better and he is a little more assertive. With Donte (Stallworth) and Kevin (Kasper) being down, it gives him an opportunity to get in there and get some live bullets.” — Quarterback Derek Anderson on wide receiver Joshua Cribbs.
TODAY’S SCHEDULE: One afternoon practice from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Call 877-627-6967 for updates.
 

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