As the Browns continue through another week of training camp, they will host the Vikings for two joint practices before the second preseason game against Minnesota on Aug. 17.
This is the fourth season head coach Kevin Stefanski has scheduled joint practices – hosting the Eagles and the Giants and traveling to Philadelphia in 2023 – and sees them as an important element of training camp.
"This week is going to be hard," Stefanski said. "It's going to be physical; it's going to tax you mentally, physically, those type of things. It's going to allow us to go up against a different scheme, really, what they do offensively and defensively are different than what we do. We'll obviously also get work with their special teams. So going up against a different scheme for a couple of days where you can get really good, solid work in against a good football team, a well-coached football team, it's very important to get this team ready for a week one."
Stefanski explained the joint practices allow for them to play their starters versus the Vikings starters. The ones will also get a majority of the reps to get their work in against another starting group.
Yet, it also allows the Browns to get work done in a controlled setting.
"I like that both sides can feel confident that their quarterbacks are going to stay upright," Stefanski said. "And I like that you can script practice and get a bunch of different situations, whether it be third down or two-minute. For us, sometimes you go through a game, and you don't get a two minute, per se, or the third and three doesn't show up for you, those type of things. So, it allows us to really get intentional work."
So, as we head into joint practices, we teamed up with Vikings Senior Editor Craig Peters to preview the upcoming joint practices. Check out Vikings.com for their preview.
Notes from Vikings training camp
Quarterback situation
Rookie QB J.J. McCarthy did not participate in the Vikings night practice on Monday night, as he is dealing with knee soreness. On Tuesday, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said McCarthy has a torn meniscus in his right knee and will undergo a procedure.
The Vikings have options at quarterback, as they signed Sam Darnold to a one-year deal, as well as Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall. Darnold has performed well in camp as he's learned O'Connell's system and built off his experience as serving as a backup with the 49ers. Mullens brings six years of experience in the league, as well as two years of experience with the Vikings. Hall could earn reps during the preseason game on Aug. 17.
Offensive line builds continuity
Minnesota has built a stout offensive line and established consistency as they signed T Christian Darrisaw to a contract extension. Darrisaw has started 39 of 41 games played since his selection as the 23rd overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. He has displayed his pass blocking ability and showcased strength and athleticism in run plays.
He plays on the opposite side of Brian O'Neill, the seven-year veteran who has spent his whole career with the Vikings. As a second-round pick in 2018, O'Neill is on his second contract with the Vikings. The two have played three seasons together, but as the Vikings offensive line faces a Browns attack-style defensive scheme and their defensive line, it will provide both Darrisaw and O'Neill with some important reps before the 2024 season.
Replenish depth at cornerback
The Vikings cornerback room has been hit hard during the 2024 offseason. They tragically lost Khyree Jackson, who passed away in July 2024 just two months after being selected by the Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
They also have dealt with other injuries. Mekhi Blackmon, who was placed on reserve/injured in July 2024, had started to flourish in defensive coordinator Brian Flores's defensive system during his rookie season in 2023. Shaq Griffin was dealing with a left leg soft tissue injury that he suffered in the early part of training camp.
The Vikings are searching to find their depth players at corner as they head into the 2024 season.
Position battle at punter
While the Vikings are set with their kicker Will Reichard, they have a position battle at punter during training camp. Seth Vernon – who appeared in one preseason game for the Falcons in 2022 – and Ryan Wright are using camp to earn the job. The Vikings brought in Vernon to help challenge Wright, who has spent the two previous seasons with Minnesota.
In 2022, Wright recorded a career-high 58-yard punt and appeared in 17 games with 73 punts for an average of 47.4 yards per punt. Then in 2023, Wright appeared in each of the 17 games of the 2023 season, executing 59 punts for an average of 48.7 yards per punt.
Notes from Browns training camp
Deshaun Watson's progress
QB Deshaun Watson has continued to hit different milestones throughout the offseason in his shoulder surgery recovery. He progressed from throwing every other day to then throwing in 7-on-7 drills in minicamp, and then participating in training camp beginning at The Greenbrier. He took reps in individual drills and 11-on-11 team drills.
He will take the majority of the reps in joint practices against the Vikings but will not play in the preseason game on Aug. 17. Watson also did not play in the first preseason game against the Packers.
However, Watson will see game action before the regular season starts, as Stefanski said the plan is for Watson to play in the final preseason game against the Seahawks.
Wide receiver and defensive back battles
One of the consistent highlights throughout the first 12 days of training camp has been the one-on-one matchups between the wide receivers and defensive backs. They defensive backs have showcased their continued commitment to the Browns dominant defense, breaking up passes, grabbing interceptions and playing well in coverage. Players like CB Martin Emerson Jr., S Grant Delpit, S Juan Thornhill and CB Denzel Ward all have made plays throughout camp.
On the other side, the receiver corps has demonstrated their connection with Watson, with receptions from Amari Cooper, Elijah Moore and Jerry Jeudy. Other young players, like Cedric Tillman, have showcased their potential as other options at receiver as they have also connected with Watson and QB Jameis Winston throughout practices.
Progression of linebacker room
While the Browns defense ran it back on the defensive line and the secondary, the linebacker unit saw the most change during the 2024 offseason. They are anchored by Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who had a breakout season in 2023, but they added necessary depth at the position. The Browns signed Jordan Hicks and Devin Bush in free agency, and drafted Nathanial Watson in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Hicks brings veteran leadership and experience in his role among the group. Bush has learned the defense and adds NFL experience to the room, while Watson is acclimating to the NFL, asking questions and learning from his fellow teammates about the defensive system. Linebackers coach Jason Tarver has been impressed with the progress Watson has made as he's learned the tempo of play and what it's like to play against NFL linemen.
As a unit, the linebackers have dealt with some setbacks, as Tony Fields II has missed some time, and Hicks missed a few recent practices with an injury. However, over the course of camp, Tarver said all their linebackers have been working alongside one another to prepare for the season in order to handle any injuries in season.
Compelling matchups
As the starters face another starting offense and defense, there are a number of matchups to pay attention to over the course of the two days.
Justin Jefferson vs. Browns defensive backs
Just as the battles between the Browns wide receivers and defensive backs have been a highlight of camp, when the secondary faces off against the Vikings receiver corps – led by WR Justin Jefferson – the battles will be even more intense.
Jefferson finished the 2023 season with 68 receptions for 1,074 receiving yards and five touchdowns over the course of 10 games. In 2022, he tallied 128 receptions for 1,809 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, as well as four carries for 24 yards and a touchdown. Jefferson will be a main target in the pass game that the Browns defensive backs will have to cover well.
Watson vs. Vikings defense
When Watson faces off against the Vikings defense in joint practices, it will be the first opposing defense he's seen since Nov. 12 of the 2023 season. The joint practices are a controlled environment, with the quarterbacks not taking hits; however, it will provide Watson with a more game-like rep in preparation for the third preseason game against the Seahawks and the 2024 season.
Watson will be up against a number of new faces on front seven from the Vikings, especially in their outside linebackers with Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Grinkle – who brought in early during free agency – and first-round pick Dallas Turner. How they apply pressure will be an important element for Watson to adjust to during the play. In the first preseason game against the Raiders, Turner recorded a sack in the red zone, two quarterback hits and played about 22 snaps.
Myles Garrett vs. O'Neill or Darrisaw
Another interesting matchup to pay attention to will be how DE Myles Garrett plays against Darrisaw or O'Neill. Both had now Browns DE Za'Darius Smith to go up against in practice – who they will also face on the defensive line – but they will experience Garrett's ability on the edge to apply pressure.
With the physicality of the Browns defense, and Garrett's presence on the defense, it's a matchup that provides the necessary toughness O'Connell wants their offensive line to experience.
