The Browns held their second of two joint practices with the Vikings at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on Thursday, with spirited play on both sides of the ball throughout practice.
They used the two days of joint practices for their starters to take a majority of the reps against one another and will use the preseason game on Aug. 17 for their backups and younger players to get their work in a game setting.
"Got a lot of situational work done in the last two days," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "It was competitive. I thought both teams worked really, really hard. Credit to their staff. I think they do a great job offense, defense and special teams, which allowed us to get a ton of really good work. So, looking forward to seeing some young guys play Saturday night."
Here are the highlights from the second and final day of joint practices.
Browns offense vs. Vikings defense
QB Deshaun Watson played a majority of snaps during Thursday's practice, with QB Jameis Winston filling in throughout the day. Both quarterbacks will not play Saturday, with QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson set to start with QB Tyler Huntley to come in at the half.
The offense had a cleaner day Thursday than Wednesday, garnering fewer penalties and running a smoother operation.
Offensive line rebounds
The offensive line drew several penalties during Wednesday's practice, which Stefanski said the Browns "need to be way better offensively from an operations standpoint."
Thursday, it appeared that the group was much better, drawing just one false start penalty in the team's 11-on-11 red zone drill.
The Browns got most of their 11-on-11 done in the red zone other than a situational drill in which the offense was down eight points at their opponents' 45-yard line with 60 seconds on the clock.
Pass protection seemed to be an issue for the offensive line at times, as Watson and Winston were sacked and pressured multiple times. However, the group looked solid in clearing the way for Browns running backs.
From around the 10-yard line, T Dawand Jones, lined up at right tackle, pulled and led the way for RB D'Onta Foreman, who rushed for a touchdown. Later in the drill, RB Jerome Ford ran to the outside, untouched, into the end zone.
QBs have an up-and-down day
Watson looked sharp in Thursday's 1-on-1 drill, completing five of his eight passing attempts, all for touchdowns. He found WR Amari Cooper, WR Elijah Moore, WR Jerry Jeudy and TE David Njoku for touchdowns and got the ball out quickly to his receivers.
In 7-on-7, Watson's first pass was picked off by CB Ivan Pace Jr., who returned it for a touchdown. Watson seemed to take time in the pocket on a few throws, including both touchdowns.
Watson performed better in 11-on-11, which took place in the red zone. He threw touchdowns to Cooper and Jeudy but was "sacked" a couple times as plays took too long to develop.
Winston similarly had some strong plays in addition to making a few mistakes. On one series, he threw a ball that was nearly picked off by a Vikings defender and threw an interception to CB Dwight McGlothern on the following play. Early in the drill, he threw a nice ball to WR Jamari Thrash, who leapt in the air to secure the catch. Winston and the second-team offense struggled to get on the same page in the 60-second drill, with Winston sailing passes over WR Michael Woods and WR Matt Landers.
Jerry Jeudy shines for the offense
Jeudy had a strong practice on Thursday, showing his elite route-running ability that made him a coveted trade target for Cleveland in the offseason.
In the 1-on-1 drills, Jeudy made a cut and lost CB Nayshon Wright in the end zone, hauling in a pass from Watson for a touchdown. In the 60-second drill, Jeudy made a leaping grab on fourth down that would have set the Browns up in the red zone, but the clock ran out before they could run another play.
"I think it's progressing; I think they're doing a nice job with it," Stefanski said on the connection between Watson and Jeudy. "Jerry runs good routes. He's friendly for the quarterback."
Check out photos of the team during the fourteenth day of Training Camp and joint practice with the Minnesota Vikings at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Justin Hardee Sr. (28) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Safety Chris Edmonds (41) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Safety Chase Williams (31) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Kahlef Hailassie (25) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Safety Chase Williams (31) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) and Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Faion Hicks (49) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Tony Brown (38) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Safety Brady Breeze (39) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerbacks Coach Brandon Lynch during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Kahlef Hailassie (25) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Offensive Coordinator Ken Dorsey during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Faion Hicks (49) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Wide receiver Ahmarean Brown (87) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Kahlef Hailassie (25) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
A helmet during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Offensive guard Zack Johnson (63) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Offensive tackle James Hudson III (66) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden (83) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Defensive end Isaiah Thomas (96) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Fullback Giovanni Ricci (44) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Justin Hardee Sr. (28) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) and Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Kahlef Hailassie (25) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Faion Hicks (49) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Assistant Offensive Line Coach Roy Istvan during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Running back Pierre Strong Jr. (20) and Fullback/Center Nick Harris (53) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Kicker Cade York (36) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Fullback/Center Nick Harris (53) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
The defensive backs during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Kahlef Hailassie (25) and Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Tony Brown (38) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Kicker Cade York (36) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Kicker Cade York (36) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Offensive Assistant/Quarterbacks Coach Ashton Grant during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Browns defense vs. Vikings offense
After a dominate Wednesday practice, the Browns defense had a handful of moments throughout Thursday's practice. Overall, the defensive line looked solid, recording multiple "sacks" against QB Sam Darnold, and the secondary made plays in coverage.
Grant Delpit with standout pass breakup in 11-on-11 red zone
Throughout the 11-on-11 red zone work, the Browns secondary applied pressure in coverage and followed the receivers on their routes. The Vikings offensive line looked improved, which limited the number of "sacks" the Browns defensive line would have recorded.
While the Browns kept the Vikings from finding the end zone for a majority of the drill, S Grant Delpit came away with the pass breakup that caused the Browns sideline to erupt in cheers. As Darnold looked around the field and found WR Justin Jefferson running towards the sideline, he launched the ball in the air. However, Delpit was moving step-for-step with Jefferson and jumped, getting his hands on the ball to bat it down.
Defensive back vs. wide receiver 1-on-1 drills
As the Browns defensive backs lined up against the Vikings receivers in the end zone to work on a 1-on-1 drill, the Browns covered their man well and created difficult catches for the wide receivers. CB Martin Emerson Jr. picked off a pass in the end zone intended for WR Justin Jefferson. CB Tony Brown II also had two pass breakups during the drill.
1-minute situational drill
When the Browns defense faced Minnesota's starters for the 1-minute situational drill, they effectively stopped the Vikings from finding the end zone. Emerson broke up a pass intended for Jefferson on the sideline. Then, on the next snap, both DE Myles Garrett and LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah applied pressure and affected the pass intended for Jefferson that went out of bounds.
The rep for Minnesota's offense ended when CB Kahlef Hailassie picked off QB Sam Darnold's pass that was intended for Jefferson. The Browns sideline erupted in cheers as Hailassie came down with the ball and the defense celebrated the interception.
