BEREA — Playoff expectations and great weather made for huge crowds throughout the 31/2 weeks of training camp.
Another capacity crowd filled the practice complex Saturday on the last day of camp open to the public, bringing the total to 58,190 during the 25 practices open to the public. Only one practice was moved into the fieldhouse because of rain.
“It is appropriate that we say ‘thank you’ to the fans who have come out and supported us for this training camp,” coach Romeo Crennel said. “It has been a really good turnout.”
Veteran guard Eric Steinbach said the fans helped the monotonous routine go by a little quicker.
“Luckily we’ve got a great fan base,” he said. “We had crowds out here to help us out.”
Anyone is allowed into camp, so Crennel was asked if a spy from a rival organization could visit to steal some secrets.
“The only thing I can do about that is close camp, and then those 2,500 (fans) wouldn’t be here to cheer us on,” he said. “This is their opportunity that they can see their Browns up close and personal. I think that’s a good thing for the Browns fan.
“If a Steeler wants to sneak in, put on a Browns shirt and fit in, we might be able to convert him.”
Crennel said scouts have attended rival camps in the past and they can pick up useful information. But he’s not worried about the possibility.
“Everybody gets the game film,” he said. “If they need more information than that, God bless them.”

Rogers ailing

Defensive lineman Shaun Rogers missed his second straight practice and third of the week. Earlier in the week, Crennel said Rogers had a sore knee. By Saturday, the list of aches had grown.
“He has several things that are a little sore,” Crennel said.
Rogers stayed inside team headquarters to work with trainers, but Crennel said he’s still hopeful he can play Monday night versus the Giants.
• Third-string quarterback Ken Dorsey and backup cornerback A.J. Davis missed practice for personal reasons.

‘Veteran’ perspective

Left tackle Joe Thomas said his second NFL training camp was a lot different than his first.
“You’re not trying to prove yourself as a rookie, you’re trying to prove yourself as a veteran that can still play,” he said. “Everything that you’ve done in the past is gone and now it’s time to get a little better than you were last year.”
Did camp seem especially long?
“Camp’s always long,” he said. “It’s what you do and it’s what you love.”

Extra points

For the first time at camp, music played throughout practice. From Alabama to Bruce Springsteen to Michael Jackson, the players found time for a few dance moves.
• Linebacker Leon Williams intercepted a tipped ball over the middle. Brady Quinn threw for receiver Lance Leggett, but tight end Darnell Dinkins got in the way and deflected it.
• Tight end Kellen Winslow and linebacker David McMillan got into a scuffle during a drill and later talked it out.
Contact Scott Petrak at 329-7253 or spetrak@chroniclet.com.

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