Published August 17, 2008 05:26 am - BEREA — The horn sounded one last time. The portion of training camp open to the public was over for 2008.
End of the beginning Spirits high as Cleveland’s training camp nears finale
STEVE DOERSCHUK Canton Repository
BEREA — The horn sounded one last time. The portion of training camp open to the public was over for 2008.
The short ride to the Sept. 7 opener against Dallas passed another milestone.
The next one comes at the Meadowlands, where a game against the Giants will take the Browns through the halfway point of their preseason schedule.
“We’re gonna see where we are against the world champs,” said safety Sean Jones, practically smacking his lips at the thought.
Saturday’s last call for fans put players in a festive mood under a hot sun.
Slim cornerback Eric Wright ran out of the locker room and put a flying head lock on strongman Robaire Smith.
“You’re lucky I like you,” said Smith, aiming a mosquito-swat slap at Wright.
The young starting cornerbacks have been the life of the party throughout camp. Brandon McDonald strode out the door alongside quarterback Brady Quinn.
“Write this in your book,” McDonald shouted to a writer. “I’m gonna pick No. 10 today.”
During a light practice intended to ease into the Giants game, McDonald never got that interception.
“Quinn didn’t come at me,” McDonald protested.
After practice, the Browns spread out to sign autographs for another big crowd, this one surpassing 2,000. One by one, players filed back toward the locker room door. On the way, they signed an orange foam pad wrapped around a goal post — it will be sold for charity.
Long snapper Ryan Pontbriand did not sign his name, instead sketching a center looking between his legs. No. 64 wrote a 6 on one of the sketch’s butt cheeks and a 4 on the other.
Amid the tension-relieving scenes, this camp left one paramount thought about the Browns: They are convinced they are a serious team.
To prove it, they will need a big contribution from new defensive lineman Shaun Rogers, who nursed camp aches and didn’t practice Saturday but is expected to suit up Monday.
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