The o-line injuries continue to pile up, as the Cleveland Browns offense finds some success running the football on Day 8 of training camp
Day 8 of Cleveland Browns training camp marked the final day of Todd Monken and his staff installing specific elements into their playbook. Now the real fun begins.
Keep tabs on each day of training camp with our daily recaps from Berea.
Day 8 Headlines
Quarterbacks
Problems persisted for the QBs in general, mostly because the D-line continues to wreak havoc, especially with the o-line units so banged up.
Still, Day 8 was Shedeur Sanders day to run with the first team and he started practice with a handful of quality throws, including two to Jerry Jeudy in the first full-team 11-on-11s.
He did throw an interception during red zone 11-on-11 work, trying to squeeze on in to Denzel Boston on an out route near the end zone, but yhere was tight coverage ans Grant Delpit git a hand on it, tipping it in the air for Myles Harden to pick off. Sanders responded, though, with a TD pass a few plays later.
Overall, Sanders seemed more decisive that he has at times during camp, which is a notable step in the right direction.
Deshaun Watson also had an interception on Day 8, only his came during 7-on-7s, with no pass rushers. The veteran was looking for Isaiah Bond on a dig, but the ball was a little behind and with Tyson Campbell rught on him in man wound up in Campbell's hands instead.
Installs or not, Watson has thrown seven picks in eight practices, which is an eye-poppingly high number. He had some strong throws throughout practice but wasn't quite as strong as Sanders, and couldn't follow up is best day of camp on Wednesday with another impressive one.
One thing that was notable regarding Watson is that despite the fact that it was his day to run with the twos, he was first up to take snaps with the top pass catchers in 7-on-7s, twice. It may have just been a coincidence; it may be a sign of his standing in the QB battle in Monken's eyes. That will surely be a question for Cleveland's head man tomorrow.
He also shared second team reps with Dillon Gabriel, who continues to look in rhythm when he's under center. His best sessions came in the very first 11-on-11 drills and in the 7-on-7s.
O-Line Roulette
Injuries continue to ravage this group, which made for some funky rotations of players down the depth chart at times.
The first group was similar to Wednesday, only with Spencer Fano rejoining the first
Tytus Howard at RT, KT Leveston at RG, Luke Wypler at C, Zion Johnson at LG and LT Spencer Fano
The first iteration of the second unit consisted of:
Austin Barber at RT, Tyre Phillips at RG, Kingsley Eguakum C, Zak Zinter LG and Dawand Jones at LT
Run'n, Run'n
On a day when installing inserts was the focus for Cleveland's offense, there was an emphasis on running the football during several of the 11-on-11 sessions.
As thing stand right now, it feels like the o-line is having much more success paving the way for run plays than they have protecting any of the quarterbacks on passing plays. There were a number of occasions where the running backs were able to find some room to run during Thursday's practice, especially Quinshon Judkins.
Todd Monken wants a strong run game, so it's an encouraging sign.
Injuries and Absences
Nothing has changed for DT Maliek Collins and TE Joe Royer.
The same group of players who have missed the last several days remained. It included: LB Carson Schwesinger, CB Damarri Mathis, CB Myles Bryant, FB Michael Burton, C Kendrick Green, DT Kalia Davis, DT Mike Hall Jr. G Teven Jenkins, DT Mason Graham, DT Sam Kamara, T Elijah Chatman, T Izavion Miller, C Eglton Jenkins and C Parker Brailsford.
Meanwhile, an already thin o-line group lost another player on Thursday as Zak Zinter left the field on a cart during practice.
Play of the Day
Two plays after Sanders threw a pick, he bounced back with an impressive touchdown throw to KC Concepcion on a post-corner in the middle of the end zone. It was a nice example of Sanders showing some mental toughness to bounce back after a bad play.
Player of the Day
Quinshon Judkins deserves a shoutout today. With the Browns working on insert plays, there was an emphasis on the run game on Thursday. Judkins broke a few big runs, particularly on the gap/power run plays. He's been so consistent, though, he flies under the radar at times. Not today!
Quote of the Day
The great Joe Thomas was in the house on Wednesday and o-line coach George Warhop talked about his guys using him as a resource, delivering a true mic drop moment.
"I didn't know Joe was here yesterday, but if any of those guys can talk to Joe, it's a great resource. Any of them, because Joe was the ultimate pro, great work ethic, great study habits, fantastic notes, could watch tape. I mean, my last couple years here, he and Alex Mack would split the room and watch tape with him so guys could understand how they watch tape. So I think he's a great resource. And if I'm an I'm in here and I'm a tackle here and I don't reach out to Joe, I'm a dumb ass."
What's Next?
The sixth of nine open sessions awaits the Browns on Friday in Berea for what's overall Day 9 of camp. Gates open around 12:30, practice will start around 1:30.
