Browns, Giants to hold two joint practices in training camp
As the NFL starts to turn the page on the COVID-19 dominated 2020 season, the return of joint practices between teams in training camp will resume.
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski noted today that the Browns will have two joint practices with the New York Giants in advance of their preseason game together. The two teams play each other in Cleveland during the second week of preseason.
You can check out the Browns entire preseason schedule here
There are quite a few connections between the two teams starting with former Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens who serves as the Giants’ senior offensive assistant.
Kitchens held the head spot for only one season before being fired. His half-season as the team’s offensive coordinator prompted then-GM John Dorsey to promote him to head coach.
Two parts of the big trade between the two teams are still with the teams and could meet on the field. Odell Beckham Jr. is returning from an ACL tear and may be limited in the preseason while Jabrill Peppers suits up for the Giants defense.
Joint practices in the middle of training camp give teams a chance to measure themselves against another team instead of constantly going against their teammates. It is often seen as a good break but, as seen between the Browns and Indianapolis in 2019, can get very physical and lead to fights.
While the Giants hope to show improvement in 2021, the two teams are at quite different places in their development. The Browns hope to be preparing for a Super Bowl run while the Giants hope to establish Daniel Jones as their franchise quarterback and start winning games after four straight losing seasons.
Dates and times for the joint practices, as well as whether fans will be permitted during them, will be announced in the future.
