Browns Camp Takeaways: Defense Dominates Day 12

The Browns had their final practice before they face off against the Washington Commanders in a preseason matchup on Friday night. The defense won the day and Deshaun Watson spoke to the media.

It was near-perfect weather today in Berea as the Browns had their last training camp practice in front of their fans until Sunday, August 21.

Jim Schwartz's defense was the highlight of practice today, as they dominated all day long. 

Typically in training camp, you see all of the flashy catches and deep throws, however, on Day 12 for the Browns, the defense stepped up in a big way. 

Adding talented defenders to the roster was obviously a focal point to the Browns offseason plans and it has paid off up to this point. 

Guys like Za'Darius Smith, Ogbo Okoronkwo, Dalvin Tomlinson, Juan Thornhill and others have already made an impact. The head of the defense is the focal point though, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. 

Quarterback Deshaun Watson talked today about what he's seen from the defense in camp so far and raved about their level of intensity, something Schwartz has made a point of emphasizing to his players. 

#Browns QB Deshaun Watson’s thoughts on the defense thus far throughout camp: pic.twitter.com/8M3WsVfS7S

— Noah Weiskopf (@BrownsWithNoah) August 9, 2023

There were several interceptions made today during practice. One by Juan Thornhill, who picked off Watson early in practice. 

Later on, cornerback Denzel Ward got his arm out on a throw, tipped the ball into the air and linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk caught the ball in the tip drill. 

Several other times today, defenders broke up passes and got to the quarterback. 

However, one thing that needs to be talked about yet again is wide receiver Austin Watkins. Every day it seems everyone is talking about Watkins and how impressive he's been. 

Even Watson has taken notice of how well he's been performing throughout camp.

#Browns QB Deshaun Watson on WR Austin Watkins, who’s really been making a name for himself since being signed by Cleveland: pic.twitter.com/gRnvo1Piyk

— Noah Weiskopf (@BrownsWithNoah) August 9, 2023

If Watkins keeps this up for the remainder of training camp, he will make a really strong case for himself to stick around and potentially sneak onto the Browns final 53-man roster or if not, possibly the team's practice squad. 

Now, the focus turns to Friday where Deshaun Watson and a majority of the starters will kick things off at First Energy Stadium against the Washington Commanders.