With the Cleveland Browns’ training camp just having kicked off in Berea, Ohio, everyone’s thoughts have turned to what the team will do this fall. Head coach Kevin Stefanski and his staff are in a crucial week of preparation. The 49ers will provide more insight on their quarterback rotation plans prior to their first padded practice Monday. The camp has seen some downright jaw-dropping performances. Joe Flacco and rookie Shedeur Sanders are clearly in the active competition for the starting gig.
Things started to change on the field, too, as Joe Flacco started to strongly establish himself by splitting first-team reps with Kenny Pickett. That’s a major change for Flacco. He didn’t give them any snaps during the 11-on-11 portion of Day 1 of the camp. He certainly got the lion’s share of reps with the first-team offense. This accomplishment underscores his poise and acumen as a 2nd-year pro QB.
Meanwhile, Kenny Pickett struggled when his own hamstring injury kept him out of the lineup. Pickett’s late-game slump served as a catalyst for Flacco to assume a larger role. Coach Stefanski is careful not to get too far ahead of himself with any bold proclamations about the QB pecking order.
“I know it will get reported on who’s in there first, and it may change,” – Kevin Stefanski
To the coach’s credit, he emphasized that this is an evolving process. He noted that fans should be ready for lineup changes as training camp continues.
Shedeur Sanders Shines with Strong Performances
Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders was the headliner today! He’s calm, composed and then he uncorked a 60-yard, picture perfect deep shot over the top to tight end Sal Cannella for a touchdown. A great example of Sanders’ increased confidence and willingness to hit his targets deep.
Sanders threw for a third touchdown during practice—a third long score, this one going to wide receiver Luke Floriea. Most everyone on the coaching staff has salivated over his performance. This further underscored just how much progress he is making as he continues to adjust to the pro game.
“His first two days have been stellar,” – Bill Musgrave
With the offensive coordinator himself admitting to Sanders’ quick development and contributions, it only added to even more hype surrounding his potential impact on the field.
And of course, with Kenny Pickett nursing his injury, Sanders saw even more work with the second-team offense. The QB battle between him and Flacco just got a lot more intense. Fans have their eyes trained on this developing story as camp gets underway.
Beyond the QB battle, training camp has brought a cavalcade of injuries and comebacks for other key players. Running back Jerome Ford returned to practice for the first time after missing the opening week with an undisclosed injury. His return brings a nice layer of experience to the running back room as they head into the 2023 season.
At the same time, wide receiver Cedric Tillman exited practice early, going down with an apparent leg injury. His status is unclear, and the coaching staff will keep a close eye on him in the next few days.
David Njoku was back on the practice field after missing day 1 due to a personal matter. Njoku’s presence on the field is vital for the Browns’ offense as he is expected to play a key role in their passing game.
As the week progresses, safety Grant Delpit made headlines by recording the first interception of camp during a modified 7-on-7 drill, picking off Kenny Pickett’s pass. Plays like that are essential both for developing team chemistry and determining early in training camp where the defensive strengths should lie.
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