Browns Film Breakdown

Browns Training Camp: Monken's Practice Style, Defensive Intensity, Rookie WRs Shining and QB Updates

Brad Ward — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 04:15:06 GMT

After spending two days at Browns training camp in Berea, there is finally enough on-field work to move beyond offseason speculation and start talking about what is actually happening. While it’s still very early, the first practices under Todd Monken already feel noticeably different than what we’ve seen the last few years.

Peter Moses joins Brad to tal…

Cleveland Browns Training Camp: Notes and Observations From Days 3 and 4

Brad Ward — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 23:18:21 GMT

Kennedy Rodriguez/Cleveland Browns

Practice Notes – Days 3 & 4

The Browns continued installing Todd Monken’s offense over both practices, with execution taking a back seat to teaching and communication.
Day 3: The emphasis was on third-and-extra-long situations, allowing the offense to work through longer-developing concepts while the defense focused on getting off the field.
Day 4: The focus shifted to red-zone work and situational hurry-up.
Installation periods continued to be run at roughly half speed, as the priority remained learning assignments, motions, and adjustments before the intensity increases later in camp.

Quarterback Notes – Day 3

Deshaun Watson worked primarily with the first-team offense.
Friday’s practice was a tale of two halves. He struggled early with timing and consistency before settling in and finishing stronger as practice progressed.
Even with the improved finish, Watson still hasn’t put together the type of practice that clearly separates him from the rest of the quarterback room. More on that later.
Shedeur Sanders turned in one of his sharpest practices of camp, displaying good timing, accuracy, and decisiveness while leading the second-team offense.
Sanders connected multiple times with rookie receivers Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion, continuing to build chemistry with the Browns’ young pass catchers.

The Opening Drive 7/31: What The Ward And Delpit Extensions Mean For Todd Monken And The Browns New Timeline; Plus Berry Appears More Comfortable Than Ever

Brad Ward — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 12:06:08 GMT

(Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

Being a first-time NFL head coach is difficult enough. Doing it for the first time at 60 years old raises the stakes even more.

Todd Monken doesn’t have the luxury of being seen as a young coach learning on the job. Fair or not, coaches hired later in their careers are expected to hit the ground running. There isn’t the same assumption that they’ll get four or five years to build a program slowly.

There was a turning point this offseason when the Browns traded away the face of their franchise in Myles Garrett, where things could have gone a different direction and put Monken in a tough spot. If the Browns continue to unload veteran assets like Denzel Ward and Grant Delpit, this thing becomes a throwaway year pretty quickly. It’s easy to say lets reset again next year when things look lost, and I’m not saying they are all better or that Monken still wouldn’t have been able to keep his job, but it would have been tough with no veterans.

I think the Browns’ decision to extend both Denzel Ward and Grant Delpit is about more than rewarding two of the defense’s best players. It also tells me Andrew Berry believes this team is built to compete sooner rather than later. Needless to say, this should benefit Monken as he begins the biggest challenge of his coaching career.

To me, these extensions signal some stability, and the presence of players like Ward and Delpit helps validate the message Monken is trying to instill in his team.

Berry isn’t acting like a general manager preparing for a complete rebuild. He’s keeping the core of one of the NFL’s better defenses together while allowing his new coaching staff to establish its identity. That’s an important distinction because Monken shouldn’t be judged only by his record in Year One.

Can he establish an offensive identity that has been missing for years?

Can he develop the young talent on offense?

Can he finally provide the Browns with clarity at quarterback, whether that answer is already on the roster or eventually comes from somewhere else?

Those are the questions that matter most.

I don’t believe Monken is coaching for his job this season. In fact, barring a complete disaster, I think he should have at least another year, if not longer, to see this through.

That’s not because of his age. It’s because of the task in front of him.

The Browns are changing systems on both sides of the football. They’re evaluating a young quarterback room, implementing a new offensive philosophy and asking players to adapt to an entirely different vision than what they’ve played in over the last several seasons. That isn’t something that’s fairly judged after one year.

Progress matters in 2026.

If this offense looks more organized in December than it did in September, if the young players are developing, then Monken is doing exactly what he was hired to do.

The win total will matter, but it shouldn’t be the only measuring stick.

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Has Berry Done The Improbable

(Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

All Eyez On Cleveland: Browns Camp Day Two - AB Speaks, Monken, Defense Ahead As Expected

Brad Ward — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 11:35:25 GMT

The second day of Browns training camp generated plenty of optimism as Brad Ward and Casey Kinnamon broke down the biggest storylines coming out of Berea. From Andrew Berry’s press conference to the quarterback competition, contract extensions, and the early impressions of Mike Rutenberg’s defense, there was no shortage of discussion.

Andrew Berry Looks Like a General Manager in Control

The biggest takeaway from the show centered on Andrew Berry. Brad argued this was the most relaxed, confident, and comfortable Berry has looked since becoming Browns general manager. After navigating the fallout from the Deshaun Watson trade, extending both Denzel Ward and Grant Delpit, and putting together consecutive strong drafts, Berry appears to have regained organizational stability and the trust of ownership.

The discussion focused on whether Berry has somehow survived what many consider the worst trade in NFL history and positioned the franchise for another competitive window.

Ward and Delpit Extensions Signal the Browns Intend to Compete

Rather than beginning a full rebuild following the Myles Garrett trade, the Browns doubled down on keeping veteran leaders in place.

Brad and Casey viewed the extensions for Denzel Ward and Grant Delpit as evidence the organization believes its timeline to contend is much closer than many outside observers believe. The moves also provide stability for first-year head coach Todd Monken, making it far less likely the Browns would quickly hit another reset button.

Todd Monken Benefits From Organizational Commitment

The hosts discussed how the veteran extensions also benefit Todd Monken.

Instead of coaching a roster that could have been stripped down following Garrett’s departure, Monken now has proven veterans around whom he can build the culture while developing the team’s young quarterback. The expectation remains progress and development in Year One rather than immediate championship contention.

Quarterback Competition Continues

The Browns continued rotating quarterbacks with the first-team offense.

Shedeur Sanders received his first opportunity with the starters while Deshaun Watson continued to struggle according to multiple practice reports discussed during the show.

Neither quarterback separated himself, but Brad emphasized that the defense should be expected to dominate this early in camp. The belief remains that Sanders has an opportunity to earn the job as practices become more physical and preseason games begin.

The hosts also discussed Deion Sanders attending practice and whether his presence this early in Shedeur’s development was beneficial or simply added unnecessary attention.

Browns Defense Ahead of the Offense

One consistent theme from training camp was that Mike Rutenberg’s defense is already playing at a high level.

Grant Delpit spoke about the new defensive system emphasizing disguises, creativity, and more exotic coverages—something Brad has been advocating for since the coaching change.

Both hosts agreed the Browns must generate confusion on the back end now that Myles Garrett is no longer dictating offenses by himself.

Jadeveon Clowney Reunion?

News surfaced that Jadeveon Clowney visited the Browns.

While both acknowledged Cleveland still needs veteran edge depth, they questioned whether Clowney is the right fit considering how his first tenure ended. They discussed whether Derek Barnett might make more sense while recognizing Monken’s previous relationship with Clowney in Baltimore could influence the decision.

Which Browns Must Step Up?

Brad posed an interesting question:

Which five non-quarterbacks have to play at a high level for Cleveland to be successful?

The discussion centered around players like:

Quinshon Judkins
Mason Graham
Jared Verse
Spencer Fano
Denzel Boston
Carson Schwesinger
Denzel Ward

Ultimately, both agreed Cleveland’s young core must develop quickly if the Browns are going to outperform expectations.

Offensive Line Development

The hosts discussed Spencer Fano’s development while also acknowledging that Dawand Jones may begin camp ahead of him simply because of experience.

They believe the coaching staff is making Fano earn the job rather than handing it to him immediately.

Joint Practices and Injury Concerns

Brad and Casey expressed disappointment the Browns will only have one joint practice with Buffalo after discussions with Chicago fell through.

The conversation also shifted to the growing number of training camp injuries around the league and once again raised concerns about artificial turf.

Browns Need Grass at the New Stadium

The show concluded with another discussion about the Browns’ future stadium surface.

Brad argued Cleveland should do everything possible to install natural grass at the Brook Park stadium, even if it requires investing in the same tray or lighting technology being used for FIFA World Cup venues. Both hosts believe player safety should make natural grass a priority moving forward.

The Opening Drive 7/30: Deshaun Watson Struggling is What We've Come to Expect

Jake Burns — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 11:17:31 GMT

(Photo Courtesy of the Cleveland Browns)

Training camp opened Wednesday at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus, and Todd Monken got the moment he’s been building toward since his introductory press conference back in January — his first real practice as an NFL head coach, in front of a quarterback competition he still refuses to hand to anyone. Before the pads came out, he made clear nothing had shifted since the spring: all four quarterbacks would work, but Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders would keep splitting the ones on parallel fields, with Watson drawing the bulk of the starting-unit reps for Day 1 and Sanders getting more the following day. Monken’s guiding rule for how those reps get carved up hasn’t changed either — starters near half the workload, the twos a third, the threes filling in the rest, “according to the depth chart,” as he put it, while acknowledging that ratio rarely survives contact with an actual practice schedule.

What followed was more of what we’ve come to expect with Watson. Working almost exclusively with the starting offense, he struggled to find any consistency and threw interceptions on back-to-back attempts during 11-on-11 work. The first was on a bootleg where he had Tylan Wallace on a crossing route that he left behind Wallace without pace and was easily intercepted by Denzel Ward.

The second interception to Damarri Mathis was on a play-action concept where Watson stares down his deep dig and throws it without seeing Mathis at all.

Todd Monken spoke on both interceptions with Cleveland Browns Daily following the session. “It was a great play more by (Ward) than to me a poor decision. I was standing right behind Deshaun, I would have made the throw … the second one was a dig where he was late.”

Watson also nearly gave up a third, with linebacker Carson Schwesinger getting a hand up on an underneath route before the ball fell incomplete. Watson had a run of misses, picks and floaters that defined the day overall — which tracks with a passer who never found a rhythm across either team period or really since 2020.

Sanders, working the parallel field against the second-team defense with plenty of reps with rookies KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, didn’t light the world on fire but also didn’t turn the ball over. At this point a clean day of ball security matters, even if it’s against a lesser look. The box score is the least interesting part of this despite Cleveland having a local outlet determined to release this everyday.

The offense struggling in Day 1 is no surprise, but the interceptions, miscalculations, and poor performances from either quarterback in this battle is noteworthy.

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BEREA, OHIO - JULY 29: Quinshon Judkins #10 of the Cleveland Browns runs a drill during Cleveland Browns Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on July 29, 2026 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

Grant Delpit Extension, Jadeveon Clowney Visit, Deshaun Watson's Rough Day One, and Training Camp Mailbag Part II

Jake Burns — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 04:21:42 GMT

Our first 2026 Training Camp edition is finally here and it’s a busy one. Jake and Brad open with thoughts and analysis on Grant Delpit’s new extension— three years, $48M, $35M guaranteed — before covering Jadeveon Clowney’s visit to Berea and what it means given the history, a rough Day One for Deshaun Watson, and the conclusion of the pre-camp subscri…

The Opening Drive 7/29: Todd Monken's Schemes to Know -- Perimeter Screen Game

Jake Burns — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 14:45:59 GMT

(Photo Courtesy of the Cleveland Browns)

We’ve focused plenty on run concepts in the last week as we continue to provide you guys with the schemes you will see from Todd Monken this year. Our last edition we focused on some specific run-action toss play-action concepts Monken loves when hunting for explosives. Today we hit on the screen game, and in particular his use of Zay Flowers, that became dangerous for the Ravens offense. As you well know, the Ravens loved moving their offensive lineman, stressing the second-level of opposing defenses, and forcing defenders to tackle his skill position players in space. That idea perfectly translates to Cleveland, and in particular, the use of rookie KC Concepcion.

Under Monken, the Ravens ran screens to their skill players often and just about as deliberately as anyone in the league, and Zay Flowers was the player who absorbed the bulk of it. Since 2023, Flowers has drawn 65 screen targets — tied with Ja’Marr Chase for the fifth-most among wide receivers over that stretch, trailing only DJ Moore, Khalil Shakir, Deebo Samuel, and Rashee Rice. That’s the kind of volume that gets a receiver’s name into “featured weapon” conversations and I expect most of that to translate for the Browns this year.

Flowers caught 57 of those 65 looks — an 87.7% catch rate, fine but unremarkable relative to the group — for 341 yards, an average of 6.0 yards per catch and 8.5 yards after the catch per reception. Both numbers sit squarely in the middle of the pack among the sixteen most-targeted screen receivers in football since 2023. He ended up with the eighth most yards on screen concepts in that time frame and the concepts Monken used for Flowers were often deliberate and built on deception pre and post snap. Flowers has a way of making defenders miss in space and slithering into tight spots for cheap yards. Again, another familiar trait of Concepcion that I am sure Monken will attempt to streamline immediately to make his rookie feel comfortable. Let’s look at the specific screen concepts Monken preferred and how they translate.

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BEREA, OHIO - MAY 27: KC Concepcion #1 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during the Cleveland Browns OTA Offseason Workouts at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 27, 2026 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

Monken used the screen as a rhythm and honesty tool rather than an explosive-play generator — a low-risk completion that kept a talented but streaky route runner involved and staying on schedule with down-and-distance, not a home-run swing. Flowers’s zero drops on 65 targets support that framing; whatever the concept did or didn’t produce, it wasn’t for lack of reliable hands or execution. There’s nothing more Monken loves than selling movement one direction and hitting the opposite direction quickly.

That brings us to our first screen concept: trap influence tunnel screen. Now, we’ve discussed this in-depth already but we have to hit on it again here because it’s a staple and drove defenses crazy.

Denzel Ward Extension Analysis, and Training Camp Mailbag Part I

Jake Burns — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 11:44:57 GMT

We have a busy show today as training camp is officially underway — Jake opens with Anthony Moeglin to break down the surprise Denzel Ward extension from every angle — including why his value is higher in Cleveland, how he fits the transition period, and more. Then Brad joins for the first installment of the Training Camp subscriber mailbag. They cover …

The Opening Drive 7/28: The Position Battles That Will Define Browns Training Camp

Brad Ward — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 12:30:24 GMT

(Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

While the quarterback competition will dominate the headlines, several other battles could have just as much to say about what the Browns become in 2026. Todd Monken’s first training camp isn’t simply about installing a new offense or getting players into football shape. It’s about identifying who fits the culture, who earns trust, and which young players are ready to become part of the franchise’s foundation.

When camp breaks in late August, the Browns won’t simply have named a 53-man roster. They’ll have answered some important questions about the future of this football team. Here are the position battles I’ll be watching most closely.

Quarterback

Everything begins here.

Deshaun Watson enters camp with the experience, but Shedeur Sanders enters with opportunity. The Browns have repeatedly said every position will be earned through competition, and quarterback should be no different.

I’ve said it before, and I still believe it now: if Sanders proves throughout camp and the preseason that he can perform at the same level as Watson or if he makes it close, the Browns owe it to themselves to find out what they have. Organizations spend years searching for franchise quarterbacks. If Cleveland believes Sanders has that kind of potential, contracts and previous investments can’t influence the decision.

This isn’t simply about naming a Week 1 starter. It’s about determining whether the Browns have finally found their quarterback of the future. The quarterback who gives Cleveland the best chance to win not only in Week 1, but throughout the season should leave training camp atop the depth chart.

The longer the battle goes and the more preseason snaps are played with the outcome still in the balance, the more I like Sanders’ chances to win the job. Watson looks fine in shorts and a t-shirt, but when live bullets are flying, I am interested to see who looks better; my money is on Sanders. I also have real questions about how Watson’s shoulder holds up week over week.

Nickel Cornerback

If there is one non-quarterback battle that could have the biggest impact on this defense, it’s nickel corner.

Mike Rutenberg asks more from that position than most defensive coordinators. His nickel defender has to cover in space, blitz, tackle in the run game, and communicate with the safeties.

Myles Harden enters camp with the inside track after starting there last season, but I don’t think this job is nearly as secure as many assume. Myles Bryant brings significantly more experience playing inside, Damarri Mathis has intriguing athletic traits, and Michael Coates Jr. has quietly put himself on the radar.

If I had to make a prediction today, Bryant is my favorite to win the job. He has logged well over 1,000 career snaps in the slot, has consistently been productive against the run, and offers the versatility Rutenberg covets. Harden may still have a role, but I believe this battle is very much open entering camp.

Wide Receiver

This isn’t just about who makes the roster; it’s about who becomes part of the Browns’ future.

Jerry Jeudy is firmly established as the No. 1 receiver from the outside looking in, but his positioning is far from secure with loads of talent behind him. Denzel Boston has generated as much buzz as anyone on the roster during the offseason program and already looks like the big-bodied X receiver Cleveland has been searching for. Isaiah Bond appears stronger entering Year 2, KC Concepcion brings positional flexibility, while Cedric Tillman, Tylan Wallace and Malachi Corley all have something to prove.

The player I’m watching closest is Tillman. Every offseason he flashes, but those flashes haven’t consistently translated to Sundays. If Boston continues to ascend and Bond takes the leap I expect, Tillman may find himself asked to play on special teams if he wants to make this roster.

Monken’s offense rewards complete receivers. Blocking, route discipline, and understanding the offense will determine playing time just as much as catching the football. I hope Corley can find a way to stick on the roster, but the numbers seem to be working against him as we start camp.

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(Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

EDGE Rotation

Training Camp Battles, and "26 for 26" Continues with Watson and Sanders

Jake Burns — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 04:23:46 GMT

Jake and Brad are back as Browns Training Camp continues to get moving. Today’s show hits on the camp battles they're most eager to watch on both sides of the football with a keen interest on the offensive skill battles before closing with a lengthy conversation on the next two players in the “26 for 26 series“ with a combined profile of Deshaun Watson …

The Opening Drive 7/27: Todd Monken's Schemes to Know -- Run-Action Toss Series

Jake Burns — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 16:17:25 GMT

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken takes notes during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (USA Today)

Every offensive coordinator claims his play-action is dangerous because of scheme — bootlegs, run-pass conflicts, a receiver leaking behind a safety who bit on the mesh point. Almost none of it matters if the run action being faked isn’t a real threat first. Play-action doesn’t create explosive plays on its own. It borrows credibility from everything else in the run game — trap, crunch, outside zone, power — and cashes that credibility in against a defense that has already been punished enough times for guessing wrong. Monken’s play-action numbers in Baltimore are less a separate skill than a receipt for how thoroughly his run game had already done its job.

The volume alone tells part of the story. During one stretch as Baltimore’s play-caller, Monken had Lamar Jackson running play-action on 32.2 percent of his dropbacks, tied for third-most in the league, and Jackson was nearly unstoppable on those snaps specifically — a 72.9 percent completion rate, 10.0 yards per attempt, four touchdowns against zero interceptions, and a 127.2 passer rating. That’s not a marginal boost from faking a handoff. That’s a quarterback playing a meaningfully different, easier version of football than he plays on standard dropbacks, because the defense is being asked to solve two problems at once and consistently failing to solve either. The run threat matters, as we all know, where Baltimore led the league in yards per carry on first down at 6.0 and ranked third on second down at 5.3, which is exactly the profile a defense has to respect before a fake means anything.

Cross compare how the Baltimore run offense worked well with how well the play-action off of it thrived. The Ravens led the NFL in passer rating (132.1) and completed a whopping 73.1% of their play-action dropbacks. That is where we will be turning our attention this week. 1,115 passing yards in 2025 when using the manipulation and 11 touchdowns. The volume wasn’t as high as others that led the league but each usage was meaningful and the most effective you will find when studying the tape.

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Today I want to dig into the Ravens use of the toss-action for chunk plays. We have covered how Monken loves to use pin/pull in a variety of ways, whether on a sweep, quick toss, or quarterback run. Pin defenders inside and then push the ball to the perimeter to stress the defense laterally.

The Opening Drive 7/25: Todd Monken's Schemes to Know -- Power and Counter

Jake Burns — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 13:35:28 GMT

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken calls out to his players during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (USA Today)

We’ve now covered Todd Monken’s use of trap, influence, crunch, and outside zone. We close with his final core run usage and it was perhaps the Ravens best over his three seasons. Gap concepts are popular across the sport because of the point-of-attack advantages it provides and Monken loved to tap into it with a powerful downhill runner. Power and counter announce themselves with physicality. Which is precisely why Monken has kept it as a base call in Baltimore even while building an offense that leans so heavily on misdirection everywhere else.

The blocking rules are the most straightforward of any concept in this series. The playside of the line down-blocks — every lineman working the man to his inside, taking away penetration rather than reaching for width — while the backside guard pulls through the hole to log or kick out whichever defender shows up first, usually a linebacker who’s had to fill against a double team he couldn’t do anything about. A fullback or H-back, when the personnel group has one, leads through the same hole to clean up whatever the pulling guard doesn’t finish. Power isn’t hiding who’s unblocked, it’s simply overwhelming the point of attack with more blockers than the defense has defenders to match.

Counter aims to accomplish the same goal, with one or two pullers, as it’s a gap down concept with a puller from the backside. This time, however, the lead puller is looking to kick out the EMLOS (end man on line of scrimmage) instead of trying to pull for the playside inside linebacker.

The Ravens ran these gap concepts better than anyone in the NFL since 2023 when Monken arrived. They lead the league in usage, yards, and touchdowns by a wide margin so expect to see plenty of this in Cleveland this year as well.

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That physical, well-blocked simplicity is exactly why it’s been such a consistent complement to Henry specifically. Henry’s game has never been about elusiveness in space; it’s about vertical push through contact, which is what power is designed to create. With Patrick Ricard on the field as a lead blocker, Baltimore’s ground game turned genuinely absurd in 2024 — Henry produced more rushing yards behind Ricard alone (1,324) than the entire Raiders offense gained on the ground that season, scored more rushing touchdowns (15) than fourteen full teams managed, and posted a higher yards-per-carry mark (6.2) than every team in the league. That’s not outside zone’s patient, cutback-dependent profile. That’s a downhill, gap-scheme identity built on double teams and a lead blocker clearing the specific hole the play is designed to hit.

The Opening Drive 7/24: Todd Monken's Schemes to Know -- Outside Zone

Jake Burns — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 16:00:58 GMT

Coach Todd Monken and Travis Switzer, offensive coordinator, watch players practice at the Browns mini camp in Berea on April 21, 2026. (IMAGN/USA Today)

We’ve covered a slew of trap-based concepts Todd Monken loves to use, and they’re all beautiful in scheme and creative, but they work because the staples work as a baseline. That staple is outside zone. It doesn’t ask for deception and it only relies on execution and forcing a defense to work in unison. It’s a key run concept in Monken’s system that isn’t selling something else at all; it’s selling patience, and it wins by making an entire defensive front declare its intentions honestly before the runner ever commits to a lane.

The blocking rules are almost the opposite of trap’s. Instead of leaving one defender unblocked and hitting him from an angle he doesn’t see, outside zone has every lineman taking the same lateral step in the same direction, reaching or “covering” whichever defender lines up in their playside gap, regardless of whether that’s the man they’d normally be assigned. The whole line moves as a unit toward the sideline, double-teaming at the point of attack and climbing to linebackers only once the first level is sealed. There’s no misdirection built into the blocking itself.

The deception, such as it is, happens after the snap, inside the running back’s own decision-making — he’s reading whether the defense has overplayed the stretch or stayed home, and picking a cutback lane based on how the entire front reacted rather than following a design that already picked the gap for him.

The coaching points underneath that description are where outside zone actually gets won or lost, and they have almost nothing to do with size or power. A lineman’s first step is a lateral “bucket” step at roughly 45 degrees toward the sideline, not a drive step upfield — the aiming point is the playside number of whichever defender is aligned in the next gap over, not the man lined up directly over him. That’s the “covered versus uncovered” rule that defines zone blocking: if a lineman has a defender head-up or shaded to his playside, he’s covered and works that man alone; if he’s uncovered, his job is to help double-team the nearest playside threat before climbing to the second level once his partner has the block secured.

Get that footwork wrong — overstep flat downfield instead of working the proper angle, or come off a double team too early before the linebacker is actually threatening the gap — and the entire line loses its rhythm, because zone blocking depends on every lineman moving in sync rather than on any single block winning in isolation.

The running back’s job is built on the same discipline in reverse. He’s not picking a hole before the snap; he’s tracking a landmark, usually the outside hip of the playside tackle, and reading the block in front of him in real time to decide among three answers coaches shorthand as bang, bend, or bounce — hit the play downhill if the double team creates immediate movement, bend it backside if the frontside is clogged but the backside cutoff block has sealed a cutback lane, or bounce it outside the tackle if the defense has overplayed the interior. That’s the entire premise of why the concept doesn’t need a lie: the defense is shown the truth of where the double teams are working, and the back’s whole job is reading that truth correctly and late enough that he isn’t guessing. A back who commits to a lane too early is playing a different, worse version of the same concept trap punishes on the defensive side of the ball — aggression without patience, just in the backfield instead of at the line of scrimmage.

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Coach Todd Monken talks with Quinshon Judkins during the Browns OTA camp in Berea on May 20, 2026. (IMAGN/USA Today)

That single-cut, patience-based structure is exactly why the concept has been such a fit for the backs Monken has had in Baltimore. Derrick Henry doesn’t have to be the fastest back on the perimeter for outside zone to work for him — he needs contact balance and the vision to identify a crease late, both of which are strengths he’s built a Hall-of-Fame case on. PFF’s tracking of Baltimore’s run-scheme mix put the Ravens at roughly 40 percent zone-blocking concepts against 49 percent gap schemes in the 2023 season, which tells you outside zone was never the dominant call in Monken’s offense — trap, duo, and gap concepts carried more of the load overall. But the aggregate results across his three years as play-caller speak for themselves regardless of how the workload split by concept: Baltimore led the NFL in rushing yards from 2023 through 2025, racking up 8,512 yards at 166.9 yards per game over that span, the best mark in the league over that stretch by a meaningful margin. and in Monken’s tenure alone they led the NFL in outside zone rush yards per carry (5.7).

All Eyez On Cleveland: Browns Training Camp Primer - Position Battles, Surprise Standouts, and Cut Candidates

Brad Ward — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 12:38:44 GMT

Training camp is finally here.

With rookies and quarterbacks reporting on Thursday, the Browns’ 2026 season officially begins. Brad Ward and Casey Kinnamon preview everything fans should be watching over the coming weeks, from the latest Browns news to the biggest position battles, surprise contributors, bold predictions, and roster decisions that will shape the season.

Before diving into Browns training camp, Brad and Casey discuss several storylines from around the NFL, including the league’s international schedule, the Rams and 49ers opening the season in Australia, concerns over division games being played overseas, and early LeBron James speculation before shifting their focus back to football.

SHOW NOTES

Week 1

With Week 1 right around the corner, Brad and Casey take an early look at the opening betting lines around the league. They discuss the Browns’ matchup with the Jaguars, along with Patriots-Seahawks, Rams-49ers, Chiefs-Broncos and Vikings-Packers, while highlighting several numbers they believe could move significantly before kickoff.

Browns News: Rookies & Quarterbacks Report

With rookies and quarterbacks officially reporting to training camp, the Browns also received encouraging injury news. Malik Collins opens camp on the Active/PUP list, allowing the team to be cautious with one of its veteran defensive linemen, while Quinshon Judkins has been fully cleared and is expected to participate from the start of camp. Brad and Casey discuss what both developments mean as the Browns officially begin preparations for the 2026 season.

Position Battles

Nickel Cornerback

One of the most intriguing competitions entering camp takes place at nickel corner, where Myles Harden, Myles Bryant, Damari Mathis and Michael Coates Jr. will battle for one of the most important positions in Mike Rutenberg’s defense. Brad and Casey compare each player’s strengths while discussing whether experience or upside ultimately wins out and how the defensive scheme could impact the competition.

Outside Cornerback Depth

While Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell headline the position, the battle behind them remains wide open. The discussion focuses on Damarri Mathis, D’Angelo Ross, Trey Avery and several young defensive backs competing for valuable depth roles, while also examining whether Andrew Berry could look outside the organization following final roster cuts.

Wide Receiver

The Browns have one of their deepest receiver rooms in years, creating one of the most competitive position battles on the roster. Brad and Casey discuss Cedric Tillman’s future, Isaiah Bond’s growing role, Denzel Boston’s impressive development, KC Concepcion’s potential impact, Tylan Wallace’s roster security and where Malachi Corley fits into the equation.

Offensive Line

The interior offensive line remains one of the biggest storylines entering camp. Brad and Casey break down the competition at center and right guard involving Elgton Jenkins, Teven Jenkins, Luke Brailsford and KT Leveston while discussing how Todd Monken may use the preseason to build chemistry among a largely rebuilt offensive line.

Safety

Behind Grant Delpit and Ronnie Hickman, several young safeties are competing for important depth roles. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Donovan McMillon, Daniel Thomas and Zion Washington are all discussed as the Browns continue building a versatile secondary capable of fitting Mike Rutenberg’s defensive philosophy.

Tight End

With Harold Fannin Jr. locked into a major role, attention shifts to the competition behind him. Brad and Casey evaluate Joe Royer, Jack Stoll, Blake Whiteheart and Brenden Bates while discussing how Todd Monken’s history of utilizing multiple tight ends could influence roster decisions.

EDGE

The Browns have established starters on the edge, but the competition for rotational snaps remains wide open. Julian Okwara, Tyreek Sapp, Khordae Sydnor and Logan Fano are all highlighted as players looking to earn meaningful roles in one of the NFL’s deepest defensive line rotations.

Defensive Tackle

Behind Malik Collins, Mason Graham and Mike Hall Jr., several defensive tackles are competing to round out the rotation. Brad and Casey discuss the depth battle while examining how injuries and preseason performances could shape one of the Browns’ deepest position groups.

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2026 Surprise Contributors Coming Out of Camp

Every training camp produces unexpected contributors, and Brad and Casey each make their predictions for this year’s breakout player. Isaiah Bond and Myles Bryant headline the conversation as two players capable of earning larger roles than many currently expect heading into the season.

Surprise Cut Candidates

No training camp is complete without difficult roster decisions. Brad and Casey discuss several recognizable names who could find themselves on the roster bubble, including Dillon Gabriel, Nathaniel Watson, Corey Bojorquez, Zach Zinter and other veterans whose futures with the organization remain uncertain.

Camp MVP Predictions

Who will become the biggest story of Browns training camp? Brad and Casey each offer their predictions, with Denzel Boston emerging as a favorite to dominate practices while Harold Fannin Jr., Isaiah Bond, Shedeur Sanders and Taylen Green are also discussed as players capable of stealing headlines throughout camp and the preseason.

Final Camp Thoughts

Brad and Casey wrap up the show by sharing their final expectations heading into training camp, discussing which players they’re most excited to watch, how quickly the Browns’ roster could begin taking shape, and why the next few weeks will be critical in determining both the starting lineup and the final 53-man roster. They also spend a few minutes discussing several television shows and movies they’ve recently watched, offering a few recommendations before signing off and looking ahead to the start of Browns training camp.

The Opening Drive 7/23: Todd Monken's Schemes to Know -- Pin and Pull Sweep

Jake Burns — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:55:27 GMT

Jun 9, 2026; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken reacts to a play during mandatory mini camp at Cross Country Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

It has been a busy July here at Browns Film Breakdown as we discuss and preview the 2026 season. Of late we have covered the schemes that will be staples of the Browns this year with Todd Monken and we have covered several trap variations:

But today we change the pace. We have covered the guards pulling along the interior but not we switch to getting lineman on the perimeter as the offense looks to stretch the defense horizontally. Monken is know for diversification in the run game and pin/pull and trap go well together to keep those linebackers in chaos.

Monken ran plenty of pin/pull in the last decade and his Georgia teams were dominant using the scheme behind tight ends Brock Bowers and Darnell Washington. They ran at a whopping 6.1 yards per attempt using the scheme in his Georgia tenure and used the lateral scheme for 15 rushing touchdowns.

Monken uses several variations of the concept and mixes it up through formation, motion, and more. I noticed the Browns running this concept in the open OTA session in late June so there is no doubt it will be in the core set of concepts in Cleveland. It can be run in a variety of ways but the basic concept needs two bodies doing two key roles.

The Pin Block The inside lineman — typically a guard or center — engages a down defender and seals him inside, preventing him from pursuing laterally toward the ball. The goal isn’t to drive the defender backward; it’s to control his inside shoulder and wall him off from the play’s path. Watch the job done by Isaiah Likely (80) here to pin the EDGE inside.

The Pull The outside lineman — typically a tackle or guard — pulls around the pinning blocker and kicks out or log-blocks the first threatening defender outside. This is often a linebacker, edge rusher, or overhang defender who is aligned too wide for the inside lineman to reach so he is either kicking out or logging that defender inside. If you get two pulling lineman, then one will often kick out and another will be “up and through” the alley for the next level threat in pursuit. Here are a couple variations.

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The scheme solves a specific alignment problem: when a defender is positioned outside of a blocker’s reach, a traditional reach block won’t work. Rather than losing a one-on-one matchup in space, the offense uses the two-man combination to outnumber and outflank the defense at the point of attack.

It’s a staple concept in:

Browns Standing in NFL's Under-25 Talent Rankings, and "26 for 26" Continues with Harold Fannin Jr.

Jake Burns — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:30:42 GMT

In this Thursday BFB — with rookies reporting reporting today — Jake and Brad open with ESPN’s under-25 talent rankings (Browns jump from 29th to 4th in one year), dig into what that leap actually means, and the real optimism it should have you feeling. Then they close with another “26 for 26” player focus. It’s a wide-ranging Harold Fannin Jr. discussi…

The Opening Drive 7/22: The Dilemma Facing Browns Fans In 2026 and Where I Have Landed

Brad Ward — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:34:15 GMT

(Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)

The Cleveland Browns are stuck in one of the strangest positions a franchise can find itself in, and Browns fans are right in the middle of it.

On one hand, there is a quarterback class in the 2027 NFL Draft that already has scouts excited. Todd McShay has 12 quarterbacks with day-one or day-two grades on them right now, and the NFL Draft averages about 12.7 quarterbacks taken in the entire draft typically. 12.7. The Browns have spent years searching for their long-term answer under center, and the thought of finally landing that franchise quarterback is understandably appealing.

On the other hand, nobody who invests emotionally in this team wants to spend an entire season rooting for losses. I can’t stand the feeling of knowing the best thing for your team is to lose, and I’ve begrudgingly not allowed myself to go there for 2026, even though many smart people around me have a very good case for why a poor win-loss record is the best outcome for the Browns this season.

It creates a genuine dilemma.

Can Winning Outweigh The Premium Draft Selection?

Photo by Dustin Markland/Getty Images)

Nationally, the Browns have become one of the trendy picks to finish near the bottom of the league. The projections are understandable. There are questions at quarterback, a first-year coaching staff under Todd Monken, a revamped offensive system, and plenty of young players expected to contribute.

But those outside expectations don’t necessarily align with what’s on the roster.

The Browns have invested heavily in youth over the past two drafts. They believe players like Quinshon Judkins, Denzel Boston, KC Concepcion, Carson Schwesinger, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and others can become foundational pieces. It can be argued that one way to accelerate that development is by playing meaningful football in December.

A case can be made that there is value in that experience for this young core that cannot be replicated by simply drafting higher. Learning how to close out games, learning how to respond after difficult losses, learning how to handle playoff races, and developing a winning culture under a new coaching staff.

Those experiences matter just as much as another premium draft selection, except for one exception. That exception is when that premium pick leads you to landing the organization’s next franchise quarterback.

So, to answer the question, does winning outweigh the value of a top-five pick? Normally, yes; however, the one exception is likely the position the Browns will be facing. It’s when that top-five pick will land you the quarterback of the future. For some, that is enough to accept a losing season in hopes of landing a highly regarded young quarterback on a roster already well-equipped with quality talent and a very intriguing youth movement.

The Schedule Complicates Things

This isn’t a roster staring at a tough schedule. Instead, the Browns drew one of the easiest schedules I can remember in recent memory.

There are winnable games throughout the year. If the Browns receive even average quarterback play while their defense remains a top-ten unit without Myles Garrett, it isn’t difficult to envision this team hanging around the Wild Card race far longer than many expect.

Ironically, that may create the biggest problem. What if the Browns finish 8-9 or 9-8? What if they spend December playing meaningful football? What if the young core takes obvious steps forward?

Most organizations would celebrate that outcome.

Yet, as Browns fans, we will immediately begin wondering whether they just played themselves out of a realistic shot at drafting one of the elite quarterback prospects.

Honestly, this wouldn’t be such a conversation if the schedule was stronger. Now, it should be noted that the preseason strength of schedule often means little once the season starts and teams establish themselves.

The worst-case scenario isn’t necessarily winning too many games. It also isn’t finishing with the worst record. The nightmare is ending up somewhere in the middle without solving the quarterback position.

Imagine a season where Cleveland wins seven or eight games, shows enough promise to feel optimistic, but still lacks clarity at quarterback heading into 2027. Now they’re drafting outside the top ten.

They’re too competitive to naturally land one of the elite quarterbacks. Yet they still need one.

That outcome is entirely possible because of the favorable schedule.

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Andrew Berry Prepared For This

(Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

When the Browns traded Myles Garrett, they weren’t simply collecting draft picks for the sake of collecting draft picks. They were creating flexibility. Extra first-round selections and premium assets give Andrew Berry options that many quarterback-needy teams won’t have.

If Cleveland identifies a quarterback they believe can become the face of the franchise, they should have enough ammunition to move up the board and get their guy after trading Garrett.

That doesn’t make the move easy.

History has shown the cost of trading into the top three can be enormous. Multiple first-round picks, additional Day 2 selections and sometimes established players become part of the conversation.

The Browns would feel that price, but they at least have given themselves a realistic path to making that aggressive move if necessary.

Without those extra assets, they may have found themselves completely boxed out.

Rooting For Growth Over Draft Position

While I fully understand and respect those who are hoping for the Browns’ youth to play well and develop, they are losing enough games to ensure they get a top-5 pick in the draft so they can get their franchise quarterback and avoid unloading premium draft assets that could be used at other valuable positions. I also see the possibility in which the Browns still get boxed out even with their draft capital because too many quarterback-hungry teams end up at the top of the draft.

All viewpoints are understandable here.

Personally, it’s difficult to root against the hope for meaningful football.

Watching a young roster exceed expectations, develop confidence and build a winning foundation has lasting value that extends well beyond one season. If the Browns’ young core proves it belongs while remaining competitive throughout the year, that is a successful season.

For me, the Myles Garrett trade was the move that allowed us not to have to agonize over the draft spot this season and let this team’s fate play out, with the understanding that, more than likely, they will be able to find a trade partner high enough in the draft to get their guy should Sanders not prove to be the answer.

Thanks to the additional draft capital acquired through the Garrett trade, the Browns have at least positioned themselves to make a bold move next April if needed.

In my mind, until they are eliminated from playoff contention, the Browns don’t have to choose between competing now and setting themselves up for a franchise quarterback. They have given themselves the flexibility to pursue both. I will live with the hefty cost to move up if it means this team comes together and plays good football this season.

AYOs: Inside NFL Rooney Rule coaches say is rigged, Aaron Rodgers likes his family again, Panthers OT Taylor Morton to miss start of the year, NFL made more in 2025 than NBA/MLB/NHL combined, Dolphins ink three-year extension with LB Jordyn Brooks, NFL’s most over/under rated quarterbacks in 2026, Quinshon Judkins getting ready for a big season

Browns Film Breakdown will return soon with more fresh content.

Browns Make a Move in the Secondary, and "26 for 26" Continues with Spencer Fano

Jake Burns — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:15:12 GMT

Today’s show has Jake and Brad discussing the Browns move to waive CB Dom Jones and sign CB Damarri Mathis. The two discuss the decision on Jones, his future, and what Mathis brings to the table in a room lacking depth. They also have some banter on the Browns uniform combinations with a new coach, which quarterback is likely to be left off the roster, …

The Opening Drive 7/21: Todd Monken's Schemes to Know -- Trap Influence and False Pulls

Jake Burns — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:19:33 GMT

BEREA, OHIO - JUNE 09: Head coach Todd Monken of the Cleveland Browns looks on during the Cleveland Browns Mandatory Minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 09, 2026 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

Just in case you have been in a football slumber — with an alarm set for next week — we have been breaking down the popular schemes we can expect from Todd Monken. As I have studied the Browns new head coach from Georgia to Baltimore, and even back to his first Cleveland stint, some very common threads stand out. We started with simple trap, a core run game scheme for his Georgia and Baltimore teams, then we advance to his usage of WHAM and CRUNCH from those same trap concepts and today we build on that once more.

We know Monken loves to use those “influence” traps where he is messing with opposing linebacker reads and defensive tackle “stick” rules on pulling lineman. This makes life challenging for the box defenders. When you think they might be running pin/pull, and you attach to the moving guard, he has the other guard coming downhill to deliver and earhole shot that springs a downhill run. It’s not fun to defend.

When Monken is really rolling in his play sequencing he will have those interior defenders so confused about who to block and how to get there it can leaving some gaping run lanes. As you saw above. Now this is where Monken tries to layer things even deeper.

Most linebackers spends his whole career being coached on one non-negotiable rule: if you see a guard pull, you trigger downhill immediately, because a pulling guard means a run is coming to that gap and hesitation gets you gashed. That rule is so deeply wired into how linebackers are taught that it can be turned into a weapon against them. The false pull screen exists entirely to exploit it — an offensive lineman shows the exact same pull step used on trap, power, or counter, sells it hard enough to get the linebacker triggering downhill, and then the ball never comes anywhere near where that pull suggested it would. The even tougher part is the natural pathway of those non-pullers in trap, working those block back angles, also naturally sells the run before sliding out into space and forming the tunnel blocking.

There are many alignment, motion, and receiver position variations but here is the general play-art concept below. Notice how it all looks like the trap variations we have studied in the last week but then those lineman out in space have the natural pathway already set for them.

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The mechanics borrow directly from trap’s own stylistic approach. Trap works by leaving a defensive lineman unblocked and inviting him upfield before hitting him from an angle he isn’t watching. A false pull screen runs the same con one level back, on the second level instead of the first. The guard or tackle takes his real pulling step — same footwork, same initial angle a defense has scouted all week off actual trap and power film — and a linebacker who has been drilled to attack pulling linemen does exactly what he thinks he’s supposed to do. He hesitates a split second thinking he has to fill the gap the pull appears to be leading toward. Except the ball isn’t going to a runner following that guard. It’s either being thrown behind the linebacker’s vacated zone, or the “pulling” lineman peels off his fake track entirely and becomes a lead blocker for a screen developing somewhere else on the field. Either way, the discipline that makes a linebacker good against the run is the exact quality that gets him beaten. Monken started really perfecting this craft back at Georgia.

Browns Fantasy Football Preview, and "26 for 26" Continues with Grant Delpit and Elgton Jenkins

Jake Burns — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 06:22:38 GMT

The latest BFB has Jake and Brad with a preview of the Browns best dynasty and redraft fantasy football assets. An honest look at skill position player optimism for the team and when the last time we felt this way about drafting Browns players in our yearly drafts. Then “26 for 26” series marches forward looking at two big veteran pieces in Grant Delpit…