Day 3 of Cleveland Browns training camp was the fan favorite for obvious reasons.
Here are the news and noteworthy moments of the day.
1. Baker Is Spreading The Ball Around
After saying yesterday that he knows he can play better than last year, Baker Mayfield showed us what he meant.
He put on an impressive aerial show to a variety of wide receivers including OBJ, Anthony Schwartz, and Ja’Marcus Bradley.
Mayfield is showing a confidence and composure early in camp that we have not seen before; it has a lot to do with starting the second year with the same coaching staff and playbook.
QB Baker Mayfield to WR Odell Beckham Jr.
(Via #Browns) pic.twitter.com/P23rWpj8KK— Brad Stainbrook (@StainbrookNFL) July 30, 2021
QB Baker Mayfield to WR Anthony Schwartz
(Via #Browns) pic.twitter.com/AwtlsdncEs— Brad Stainbrook (@StainbrookNFL) July 30, 2021
QB Baker Mayfield to WR Ja'Marcus Bradley. Touchdown.
(Via #Browns) pic.twitter.com/mkDehH4JxZ— Brad Stainbrook (@StainbrookNFL) July 30, 2021
2. Fans Are Back!
It is not clear who was happier to have fans back at the facility for the first open practice of the season.
The players were amped up and enjoyed hearing the cheers of the fans in the stands, and Coach Stefanski got his first dose of what the Dawg Pound will bring to home games in 2021.
“It is fun. I think there will definitely be some juice out here. I’m excited to see it. It will be the first time [here] for me.”
The fans are BACK at Browns Training Camp! #Browns pic.twitter.com/xmXNo38URT
— clevelanddotcom (@clevelanddotcom) July 30, 2021
Fans are back at Browns training camp. pic.twitter.com/mJUixLPlxE
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) July 30, 2021
Parents are fans too as evidenced by this touching encounter between Myles Garrett and his dad.
Myles Garrett took a second to give his dad a hug during today’s Training Camp practice. #Browns pic.twitter.com/KtXjmRQE5T
— clevelanddotcom (@clevelanddotcom) July 30, 2021
Browns fans will be back at the facility on Saturday, July 31 for another open practice session.
There is no doubt having fans onsite for the first time since the pandemic began in March 2020 brought an excitement and energy that the Browns players desperately missed last season.
Today’s #BrownsCamp track list has already included “Baba O’Riley” and “Roxanne.”
— Andrew Gribble (@Andrew_Gribble) July 30, 2021
3. Player Notes
Rashard Higgins returned after sitting out of Thursday’s practice.
He rolled his ankle on Wednesday.
Ronnie Harrison suffered a hamstring injury that prematurely ended his day, and Takk McKinley left after vomiting on the field.
Derrick Willies, the 26 year old wide receiver, retired today.
https://twitter.com/fantasysportsso/status/1421238825938939906
The 2018 UDFA appeared in 6 career games and made a clutch catch in the overtime win over the Ravens in 2019.
Remember this wild overtime win??
Game Pass Rewind: Baker Mayfield and Derrick Willies make improbable overtime connection to take down Ravens » https://t.co/DOqxrE2kvc#NortheastOhioFordDealers pic.twitter.com/P4r9Ar2iEu
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 13, 2020
He made the decision after having offseason knee surgery.
We wish him the best in his retirement.
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