Tough times: Browns tackle in practice for first time under Kevin Stefanski

BEREA — Rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger wrapped up rooking running back Dylan Sampson and drove him to the ground. Next it was running back Jerome Ford getting tackled. Then Sampson again.The Browns tackled Wednesday during a team period on another steamy day in training camp. Tackling in football doesn't usually make headlines. It does when it's the first time in coach Kevin Stefanski's six-year tenure in which the Browns held a fully live practice drill. The only players not tackled were the quarterbacks, who remained untouchable in their orange jerseys.Defense dealt another blow, as Martin Emerson Jr. out for season with torn Achilles, will have surgery"It's a welcome change," right tackle Jack Conklin said."I love it," Schwesinger said. "You talk to the defense, we're all excited about any live period we get because that's what we love to do is get guys on the ground."Linebacker, that's what you live for: running and hitting."Stefanski mentioned early in camp tackling was a possibility. On the seventh day, second in pads, it happened. It's another example of an attempt to increase the toughness and intensity coming off a 3-14 season that began with an uninspiring training camp.Many of the staff wear T-shirts with "Hardened Toughness" on the back. The coaches have talked repeatedly about developing calluses though physicality.Browns ownership talks patience and panic, how 3-14 'won't cut it' and the need to see rookie QBs in games"I'm just pumped that we're going back to that and we're having a tough camp this year and guys are fighting and it's great to see," Conklin said.Schwesinger said he tackled in camp at UCLA last year. For the Browns veterans, the change meant something."It was the first time since I've been here," said Ford, who's in his fourth season. "As you can see, the energy was high. We loved it. Hopefully we get to do it again."Hungry dawgs. We gotta get out there and we gotta work. We're in the dog days of camp right now. I think everybody is willing to do what it takes to get better."Rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. had a good run after catch before two defenders tackled him. Ford followed with a tough run down the sideline. Then undrafted rookie receiver Gage Larvadain capped the period by catching a short pass from rookie Dillon Gabriel, breaking two tackles and scoring a touchdown. Left guard Joel Bitonio and tight end David Njoku sprinted down the sideline to celebrate with him in the end zone.Browns ownership 'can't be more confident' new stadium will happen, hopes to break ground in February"It was fun. I had a good time," cornerback Greg Newsome II said. "Anytime that we are able to be a little bit more physical, tackle before we actually get to the season, I actually really like the idea. I'm super excited that we got a chance to be real physical today."Everything we do, every meeting, every walkthrough, every practice, we're coming out there with a purpose. It has to be great. I feel like the leadership, the energy is there from Day 1 and I'm super excited to see what we'll be able to do this season."The post Tough times: Browns tackle in practice for first time under Kevin Stefanski first appeared on BrownsZone with Scott Petrak.