BEREA, Ohio — Day 1 of Browns training camp was a success.
It was a long day out on the practice field, and that's the message first-year head coach Freddie Kitchens is sending early to this team: "If we get it done right, we'll stay to the practice time. If we don't, we're going to stay on the field until we get it right." They were on a field a little bit longer than expected today.
There were some thrilling moments, really the first when the Browns came out of the locker room. It was electric, a big crowd on hand, and that's going to be the norm for all 14 of the remaining practices open to the public here in Berea. These players were greeted with the enthusiasm and the excitement that has been building since the end of the regular season.
Then the offense took to things: Baker Mayfield and Odell Beckham Jr. hooked up on a couple of really nifty pass plays, and that is just the beginning.
Defensively and for the offensive line, things don't really start until they put the pads on (which will be on Saturday), and then we'll see how physical the Browns are going to be. They have to be a very physical football team when the bell rings at the start of the regular season in September.
A formation change defensively: Instead of being a 4-3 defense on this day, they ran a lot of 4-2 (two linebackers), and that might be the situation new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks is looking at this season.
So, as days went for the Browns, a good first day. A crisp day for quarterback Baker Mayfield. The wide receiver position much more loaded than its ever been before, and Duke Johnson with a smile on his face all day long.
It's just starting here in Berea. We'll see you back tomorrow.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS: Day 1 of Browns training camp