Isaiah Bond is so fast, he thinks he'll be able to take some reps in the Browns' final preseason game on Saturday after only three practices with his new team. (Cleveland Browns)
brought to you by Kaz Company - call 216-901-9300
You must have an active subscription to read this story.
Click Here to subscribe Now!
Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns and NFL analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
Newly signed wide receiver Isaiah Bond spoke in humble tones when he was introduced to the media before practice.
He politely declined to answer questions about the sexual assault charge that resulted in a no-bill, reiterated his innocence, and pledged to show fans and the Browns they made the right decision in supporting and signing him.
Then he took the field and on his first one-on-one rep, he made a catch over defensive back Darius Rush, jumped to his feet and cussed him out.
OK, then.
Bond, wearing No. 81, participated in all periods. Prior to practice, he said he’s in top condition and wants to play in the Browns’ final preseason game Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams.
“I've been told in the past I'm a very, very quick learner, so I should say it shouldn't take that long [to catch up to the Browns’ system],” Bond said. “Just learn the offense, get around the guys, and get an extra time with the coaches, get with my teammates. So it shouldn't take that long.”
Bond was arrested two weeks before the draft and had been team-less until the Browns signed him on Monday. He affirmed that GM Andrew Berry stayed in touch with his agent from the pre-draft process straight through his legal issue.
“The contact was definitely very frequent,” Bond said. “They definitely did their due diligence. They was along the whole way.”
Bond, 5-10 ½ and 185 pounds, boasted at the NFL Combine he would break Xavier Worthy’s 4.21 40-yard dash record. He had no excuses for coming up short with a 4.39 clocking. He improved to 4.37 at his pro day. Bond said he has been clocked at 4.2.
He said he brings speed, play-making “and hard work” to the Browns, and he’s not just a speed guy.
“I think if you actually turn on the tape and watch the highlights, watch the film, you would see I'm a complete receiver,” Bond said. “I know how to run the whole route tree. I'm not just a fast guy. I'm not just catching screens. If you watch the plays, even when I'm not catching the ball, I get open a lot. So I could just say I'm a very complete receiver.”
Until further notice
Joe Flacco will become the 18th quarterback to start a game over the age of 40 when he opens the season as the Browns’ starting QB.
“I think you have got to give a lot of credit to, obviously, Tom [Brady], for anybody even thinking about [playing past 40],” he said. “Obviously, there were guys before, you have Warren Moon and … Vinny Testaverde and other guys that have done it, but I mean [Brady] pushed the boundaries like he did in absolutely everything.
“But you know, I don’t think it’s necessarily something that I actively think about until people remind me with texts and things like that, and you guys ask me about it. I don’t think it’s a huge deal right now, but I’m sure when I look back on it, it’ll be pretty cool.”
Some might say Flacco won the job by default because Kenny Pickett was limited for four weeks with a hamstring strain. Coach Kevin Stefanski disagrees.
“Yeah, he earned it,” Stefanski said. “And I understand with the injuries, how that may look. That’s really not the case here. Joe performed really well, both in practice, in the joint practices, in the meeting room, you name it … in the walkthrough. What he’s able to bring to the football team, he’s earned that role.”
Still, Stefanski wouldn’t say whether the starting job is week-to-week, for the full season, or until further notice.
“I don’t get into those types of things right now,” Stefanski said. “I have a ton of faith in Joe, have confidence in Joe. I’m excited for him. His teammates know what he’s about. He’s a hard worker.”
Entering his 18th season, Flacco has no concern about how long is the leash on his job. He gets it.
“We all know how that works,” he said with a laugh. “I mean, that’s everybody in the league, but it’s not really my job to look at it in that way. It’s just to go out there and play my game. Kind of like I’ve been doing all training camp and not worrying about all that stuff, just going out there, playing my game and being the best I can.”
As for questions about his staying power over a full season at his age, Flacco said, “I feel as good as I ever have. You know, you get tricked a little bit when you’re in a locker room with all these guys. You just kind of assume you’re in your 20s and you keep telling yourself that, but I really do feel great. My arm feels just as good as ever. My legs feel really good right now to do the things that I’m going to have to do. So, I feel ready to go.”
Pickett back, Shedeur next
Kenny Pickett participated in a full team period for the first time since suffering a hamstring strain on July 26. Shedeur Sanders was held out to give his oblique muscle strain an extra day to heal. Stefanski said Sanders could return to full work on Wednesday.
Which raises the inevitable question of Stefanski’s depth chart at quarterback after Flacco. Who’s QB2, QB3 and QB4?
“Not so concerned about depth chart, honestly,” the coach said. “I really like our guys. They continue to work very hard, all of them. As you make decisions like this, you talk to the guys, and you let them in on your thought process. But all of them should consider themselves, get ready as a starter. That’s how you have to handle being a backup in this league.”
Asked if there still is a competition for the pecking order behind Flacco, Stefanski said, “We talked long ago with every player on the team that these roles are not given out, they’re earned, and that’s something that will always be true at any position. I will tell you I’m very, very pleased with that group and how hard they’re working.”
Brownie bits
On the first rep of a one-on-one period, Denzel Ward soared high to break up a pass for Jerry Jeudy, then fell awkwardly on his right shoulder. Ward was in pain and was attended by a trainer. Ward participated in the first rep of the first 11-on-11 period and then was pulled out by coaches. He left the field with a trainer. The Browns had no update on Ward’s condition at the end of the day …
For the first time all camp, defensive tackle Mike Hall was seen off to the side of the field working out with a trainer. Hall had knee surgery at the end of the 2024 season. He wore a heavy brace on his right knee. GM Andrew Berry perched himself close by to watch Hall’s deliberate workout …
QB5 Tyler Huntley is still getting reps. He threw the only TD of the practice on a long ball to Kisean Johnson.