BEREA, Ohio -- If Mike Pettine’s mantra for the 2015 season is “words into action,” his team has some lofty words to bring to life.
Dwayne Bowe, signed as a free agent in the offseason, told the media that Josh McCown is showing “all the potential of being a top five quarterback in the NFL.”
Bowe added that second-year player Taylor Gabriel “is going to be a top receiver in the NFL.” Perhaps Bowe sees a young Antonio Brown developing.
Free safety Tashaun Gipson said the team’s secondary is “the best, bar none.”
These are lofty words, especially for a team that hasn’t been over .500 since 2007. But with his mantra, Pettine does not seem to mind the words. He’s backed his players more than once, saying they are a prideful group.
What he wants them to do is put words into action.
Or not just talk the talk. He wants them to walk the walk.
Highlight: McCown put several passes right on receivers during an excellent day of work. One deep sideline route to Bowe was thrown perfectly -- and Bowe helped with a veteran left-arm pushoff of K’Waun Williams before making the catch. McCown later dropped two deep crossing routes right over the underneath coverage and in front of the deep help. Receivers made the catches in stride, and in one instance just before going out of bounds. It would have been tough to place a ball better. It would not be at all surprising if the defense had a good day Saturday; often that's how it works in camp when one side of the ball has a productive practice.
Roster move: The team activated WR Marlon Moore off the non-football injury list. Moore will make a strong case to make the team. He is a very valuable member of the special teams group.
Not participating: Missing due to injury were LB Darius Eubanks (knee), DB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (knee), DB Charles Gaines (hamstring), TE Randall Telfer (foot) and RB Glenn Winston (knee).
Camp tidbit: Rookie receiver Vince Mayle has taken part in his first two full practices with the team since he was drafted in the fourth round. Mayle was sidelined in the spring and summer after surgery to repair a broken thumb. “The first day wasn’t what I would have liked it to be,” Mayle said, “but I am willing to improve off of that. The second day was better. I was more confident in myself and playing like I was in college.”
From the coach, on McCown’s day of work: “That’s the one thing that has jumped out is his accuracy, not just on the underneath stuff but those intermediate to deeper throws. I talk about having to watch the film and being able to evaluate, but I don’t have to watch the film to know he threw some pretty good balls in practice today. It’s good to see. Hopefully, that will carry over when we’re in pads.” -- Mike Pettine
From the GM, on his relationship with the coach: “Great. The guy doesn’t invite you to his summer home if he is mad at you or there is a problem. I think Mike said it best when he said we were both singing from the same hymnal. The reality is that me and Mike don’t have any issues. I can’t tell you when I have ever been in a knockdown, drag-out argument with the man ever. Do we agree on every player? No. Can we sit down and have a conversation? Yes. I like Pett. I think he likes me.” -- Ray Farmer.
Saturday: The Browns return to the practice field in Berea for another workout at 9:30 a.m. This will be the first in full pads and will include an added session on inside run, but will not include any live tackling.