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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
Takeaways from Browns practice and interviews …
Kevin Stefanski made one concession at his daily press briefing before the Browns’ first practice on the campus of UCLA – Joe Flacco has leapfrogged P.J. Walker as the backup quarterback this week.
But the coach would not state the obvious, that Flacco would replace concussed Dorian Thompson-Robinson and become the fourth quarterback to start a game for the Browns Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.
“No reason to make any decisions just yet. We’ll see how it goes,” Stefanski said.
This non-committal may be out of respect for DTR. The rookie was looking forward to returning to his alma mater, where the Browns are prepping all week for the Rams game, as the Browns' starting quarterback.
Thompson-Robinson has won one of his three starts – a huge verdict over division rival Pittsburgh – but the offense has scored only 3, 13 and 12 points in those games. DTR suffered a concussion at the end of the third quarter in Denver when linebacker Baron Browning launched into him after a lengthy head-on sprint as DTR was scrambling backwards. Browning pummeled DTR’s right throwing shoulder but also grazed his chin, which drew a roughing-the-passer penalty.
Asked how Thompson-Robinson was proceeding through protocol, Stefanski said, “It’s hard. I just follow the protocol and make sure we’re doing everything safely and he’s following everything and we’ll just continue.”
Stefanski said “no” when asked if he would name Flacco the starter if DTR can’t clear protocol by Thursday. That non-committal probably is geared to forcing the Rams to expend energy on preparing for both quarterbacks.
Joe Flacco is on track to make his first start for the Browns Sunday against the Rams. (Cleveland Browns)
A quick study
Flacco was signed on November 20 after receiving no interest all season from any team. He spent last week learning names and throwing to third-teamers and practice squadders.
After 15 NFL seasons with (mostly) Baltimore, Denver and the Jets, it shouldn’t be a problem for Flacco to pick up enough of Stefanski’s offense to execute a game plan in his second week on the job.
“No different than a lot of the pros that you bring in, whether it’s a lineman or a quarterback or a defensive back,” Stefanski said. “You spend a lot of time in the meeting rooms, you spend a lot of time with your coaches to get ramped up. So, Joe’s done a nice job.
“You know, Geron Christian went in there and played,” Stefanski said.
Christian came off the street and was signed to the practice squad on October 31 after left tackle Jedrick Wills was placed on injured reserve. Christian made his first start on November 12 and has held down the position through three games.
Stefanski said Flacco has looked “good.”
“I mean, Joe, you guys have been around Joe, big, strong arm. Obviously, he can make every throw, but he’s done a very nice job in the meeting room, getting to know his teammates, getting to know the assistants. He’s done a nice job,” the coach said.
Left guard Joel Bitonio, 32, lost his distinction of oldest starter on offense with the addition of Flacco, 38.
“He obviously brings a veteran presence, you know, the week and a half he’s been here,” Bitonio said. “Good guy, just loves football. You hear some of the stories he’s been a part of. Obviously, we played against him a bunch when he was in Baltimore and last year with the Jets, but it’s good to have a veteran presence.
“I’m sure we’ll have a few more wrinkles in there, just different styles. I’m guessing, you know less read options and stuff like that, but no, he’s seen it all. He’s been in a lot of offenses, so there’s a good experience background for him.”
Myles, yes; Denzel, maybe not
The Browns’ $100 million men on defense – end Myles Garrett and cornerback Denzel Ward – both were DNP’s with shoulder injuries on Wednesday. It sounded as if Garrett is closer to playing on Sunday than is Ward.
Stefanski said he still felt good about Garrett’s chances. But on Ward, he said, “We’ll see.”
In Ward’s place in Denver, Greg Newsome was victimized covering Courtland Sutton on the Broncos’ first scoring drive. Newsome drew a 34-yard pass interference penalty and was beat on a deep crossing routed for a 31-yard Sutton reception.
“It was just technique and eyes,” Newsome said of his game in Denver. “It’s very challenging. A lot of people who watch the game don’t really understand people running crossing routes, running away from leverage. So a lot of that’s just eyes and feet. But a lot of it is on me. I’ll play better this week. I’m not really too worried about it, but now it’s just getting my eyes in the right spot.”
Brownie bits
Through his father Ed, a long-time NBA team executive, Stefanski had Los Angeles Lakers legendary player, coach and executive Jerry West speak to the team before practice. West, 85, has been a player or executive with nine NBA championship teams; his silhouette is the model for the NBA logo. “He was talking a lot about integrity of a person, you know, playing for the guys around you,” Bitonio said. “He was very impressed with -- he’s actually a Browns fan, that’s what he told us … But he was very impressed with football players. He’s like, you guys are tough. You guys play through injuries. You guys do a lot of that stuff. So, he had a lot of respect for that. But the overall picture was just being a good teammate, playing for your guys, executing, having a bigger purpose out there. But it was very cool. I mean, he’s getting up there in age, but he’s still sharp and still really cool to hear a legend talk to us.” …
Receiver Amari Cooper (ribs) was a DNP but is expected to play. Other DNPs for injury reasons were receiver Marquise Goodwin (concussion), running back Kareem Hunt (groin), safety Juan Thornhill (calf) and guard Wyatt Teller (calf). Linebacker Anthony Walker (hamstring), who did not play in Denver, was limited.