CLEVELAND BROWNS TRAINING CAMP REPORT - DAY 16 (8/23/16)

1. Welcome to Tampa: The Cleveland Browns held their first of two joint practices with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday, leading up to their preseason game on Friday. Practice started around 10:00 AM, and the temperature was 90 degrees with a “feels like” of 109 degrees.

Here is the “sideline tent area” that was reserved for Browns players and coaches:

Team makeshift locker room for final preparations. They get ready at the stadium then are bused over to facility. pic.twitter.com/QUtEzNgCQy — Jason Gibbs (@BGSUGibbs) August 23, 2016

2. Duke Johnson Back in Action: On Sunday, RB Duke Johnson left practice after being “tagged,” which led to some concern that he might have had a concussion. Fortunately, he passed the concussion test and was taking part in practice Tuesday.

3. Buccaneers Attack Gilbert Early: Last year, the Browns practiced with the Buffalo Bills for two days, and it’s been reported that Cleveland was basically “owned” in those sessions by Rex Ryan’s club. One of the consistent stories was that CB Justin Gilbert was being picked on repeatedly.

Early on, the Buccaneers also decided to target Gilbert early. The first clip shows QB Jameis Winston completing an out route to WR Mike Evans.

Video: #Bucs QB Jameis Winston connects with Mike Evans with Browns' Justin Gilbert covering. pic.twitter.com/jGt4kKpxRl — Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 23, 2016

The other clip shows QB Mike Glennon hitting WR Adam Humphries. Both completions were during 7-on-7 drills, though, so you can’t put too much stock in to this...right?

Video: #Bucs QB Mike Glennon hits Adam Humphries in traffic against Browns defense. pic.twitter.com/xGh4ISnqjz — Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 23, 2016

And if you want one more for good measure, here you go.

4. Kicker Issues...in Tampa: While the Browns are trying to settle their own kicking competition, their fans are already getting a bit nostalgic about one of their former kickers:

Tampa fan yells "Bring him back!" as Patrick Murray kicks. — Dan Labbe (@dan_labbe) August 23, 2016

We’re not talking about a legend like Phil Dawson. We’re talking about Patrick Murray. That’s because Roberto Aguayo, the kicker who Tampa Bay drafted in the second round this year, has missed two field goals and an extra point this preseason. According to Dan Labbe of Cleveland.com, Aguayo was “shanking a couple” during today’s practice too.

Back to Cleveland’s competition — the edge still goes to Murray over Travis Coons:

Patrick Murray continues to separate himself in #Browns' kicking duel. He went 4 for 4 on FGs. Travis Coons 2 for 3. — Nate Ulrich (@NateUlrichABJ) August 23, 2016

5. Browns’ Defense Log Interceptions: Cleveland’s defense was able to grab a couple of interceptions during the first scrimmage day. Let’s start with ILB Dominique Alexander, who intercepted a pass by QB Mike Glennon in 7-on-7 drills:

Video: Nice leaping interception by Browns LB Dominique Alexander on throw by #Bucs QB Mike Glennon. pic.twitter.com/eTC3CZjYAg — Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 23, 2016

A little bit later in 11-on-11 drills, ILB Demario Davis tipped a pass by QB Jameis Winston, which was then picked off by CB Joe Haden (see one clip here). A better angle of the tip+pick is below:

After that, QB Mike Glennon had a quick slant bounce off his receiver and into the arms of CB Jamar Taylor:

#Bucs CB Mike Glennon picked off by #Browns CB Jamar Taylor. Pass was intended for Kenny Bell. pic.twitter.com/9vBEgkvcIM — JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) August 23, 2016

Lastly, of Haden intercepting Winston during 11-on-11s.

6. A Few Notes About the Offense: Let’s get through a few notes about Cleveland’s offense:

QB Robert Griffin III’s first pass of the day went to WR Josh Gordon (yay!)

first pass of the day went to WR (yay!) Rookie CB Vernon Hargreaves intercepted one pass by Griffin during 7-on-7 drills, and one during 11-on-11 drills. Despite the picks, though, it wasn’t one of those “RG III had a bad day” type of practices.

intercepted one pass by Griffin during 7-on-7 drills, and one during 11-on-11 drills. Despite the picks, though, it wasn’t one of those “RG III had a bad day” type of practices. Jason Gibbs of ESPN Cleveland likes what he’s seeing:

It's the pre-season I know. But the offense looks REALLY good. Trying to resist getting hooked. Trying hard. — Jason Gibbs (@BGSUGibbs) August 23, 2016

I had wondered if WR Andrew Hawkins’ roster spot could be in jeopardy due to him having missed some time with an injury. However, this quote makes it sound like Hawkins is going nowhere:

"He's one of the leaders of this team....we expect that man to go out and make plays for us" - Jackson on WR Andrew Hawkins — Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) August 23, 2016

Even Tony Grossi was optimistic!

Grossi: Gordon looked tremendous out on the field today. He and Terrelle Pryor excelled today. — ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) August 23, 2016

7. Public Opening Tomorrow: Wednesday from 9:45 AM to 11:50 AM, the Browns and Buccaneers will practice again, but this time it’ll be open to the public. Details are here.