As the Browns continue through the second week of the preseason, they held their first of two joint practices with the Vikings at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
"Really good work out there with Minnesota," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "Tried to hit a bunch of situations today – normal down in distance, third down. We'll get in the red zone tomorrow and we'll do a two-minute tomorrow. I thought both sides got some really good work in."
Here are the highlights from the first day of joint practices.
Browns offense vs. Vikings defense
The Browns offense faced a talented outside linebacker room and a cornerback room searching for depth. QB Deshaun Watson and Jameis Winston led the offense for the Browns throughout practice.
However, Stefanski said they dealt with a number of operational issues on the offensive side of the ball that they will have to clean up moving forward.
"Some of it was the cadence, some the tackles were aligned too deep at times," Stefanski explained. "So those are all things that are correctable, and we will correct them."
Deshaun Watson connects with multiple pass catchers
Watson read the defense well through both the 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills to find open receivers downfield to practice normal down with distance and third down situations.
He connected with a number of pass catchers like WR Jerry Jeudy, WR Amari Cooper and TE David Njoku, who were open downfield for the reception. He also found RB Jerome Ford throughout the offensive drills down the sideline, as well as WR Cedric Tillman for two separate passes where Tillman was open near the sidelines.
On the day, Watson threw two interceptions and took two "sacks" throughout the team periods.
Receivers excel in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11
Even when covered by a defensive back, the Browns wide receivers created separation for the reception. They also found open space on the field for the open reception. Receivers also exceled at catching the ball near the sideline, breaking by a defensive back and running downfield.
Njoku continued to showcase his yards after a catch throughout the drills, while TE Zaire Mitchell-Paden caught a deep ball from Winston with a defensive back in coverage on the play.
Vikings with handful of plays
While the Browns offense led the way on the first day of joint practices, both the Vikings front seven and secondary came up with a handful of plays. In a 7-on-7 period, S Jay Ward batted down a pass from Watson. In the first 11-on-11 period, S Camryn Bynum broke up a pass intended for WR Elijah Moore in the middle of the field.
But it wasn't just the secondary that make plays. LB Blake Cashman picked off another pass from Watson, and LB Ivan Pace Jr. broke through the Browns' offensive line and would have sacked Watson in live contact.
Check out photos of the team during the thirteenth day of Training Camp and joint practice with the Minnesota Vikings at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus
The defensive line during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Vikings Wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) and Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Offensive guard Germain Ifedi (65) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Offensive guard Zak Zinter (70) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski and Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Former Browns Cornerback A.J. Green (28) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) and Running Backs Coach Duce Staley during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski and Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Vikings Wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) and Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Wide receiver Ahmarean Brown (87) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II (90) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Defensive tackle Chris Williams (98) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Vikings Wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) and Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Defensive tackle Chris Williams (98) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Wide receiver Ahmarean Brown (87) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Defensive Line Coach Jacques Cesaire during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Wide receiver Matt Landers (89) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson (72) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Safety Chris Edmonds (41) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Safety Juan Thornhill (1) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Cornerback Tony Brown (38) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Running back Aidan Robbins (49) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell and Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Safety Chase Williams (31) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Fullback Giovanni Ricci (44) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II (90) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Wide receiver Ahmarean Brown (87) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Tight end Jordan Akins (88) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Former Browns Cornerback A.J. Green (28) and Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Wide receiver Ahmarean Brown (87) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
The facility during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Linebacker Brandon Bouyer-Randle (36) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Offensive guard Zack Johnson (63) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Safety Juan Thornhill (1) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Offensive guard Wyatt Davis (50) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson (72) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Offensive guard Javion Cohen (67) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
The defensive line during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Defensive tackle Siaki Ika (62) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 13 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 14, 2024.
Vikings offense vs. Browns defense
The Browns defense welcomed a talented group of Vikings pass catchers to CrossCountry Mortgage Campus Wednesday, led by star WR Justin Jefferson.
QB Sam Darnold took first-team snaps for the Vikings offense, lining up against a ferocious Browns defensive front that was clearly eager to go against unfamiliar faces after spending all of camp going against their teammates.
Here are some of the defensive highlights from a busy day at training camp.
Browns pass rush dominates
DE Myles Garrett was a sight to behold Wednesday afternoon, as he weaved through or bulldozed over Vikings offensive linemen in pursuit of Darnold. Garrett had at least three sacks and multiple pressures, forcing Darnold to get rid of the ball early.
Along the line, LB Caleb Johnson, DE Ogbo Okoronkwo and DE Alex Wright also sacked Vikings quarerbacks, each earning an uproar from the Browns defensive sideline. After Garrett walked off the field following the first 11-on-11 drill, injured teammates DT Dalvin Tomlinson and DE Za'Darius Smith dapped him up for his dominant showing against the Vikings.
Vikings WRs vs. Browns secondary does not disappoint
The Browns secondary had a nice day against the Vikings wide receivers and were certainly aided by their teammates at the line of scrimmage.
Covering Jefferson, however, is no easy task. Near the end of practice, Jefferson beat CB Martin Emerson Jr. on a long ball from Darnold – who Browns defensive players said had been "sacked" on the play.
Emerson and Jefferson battled back and forth all practice, with Emerson making some nice plays including a pass breakup on a deep ball early in the day.
CB Myles Harden had an explosive day in coverage, coming away with two interceptions on QB Nick Mullens in 11-on-11 drills – one of which he returned for a touchdown.
Run defense looks strong
The Browns defensive line excelled in stopping the run Wednesday, although with no full tackling, the outcomes of specific plays were a little up in the air. DE Ogbo Okoronwko had a strong start to the first 11-on-11 period with two stuffs of RB Aaron Jones. Garrett, DE Isaiah Thomas, CB Cameron Mitchell and S Grant Delpit also had tackles for loss as the Browns enjoyed a dominant day at the line of scrimmage.
