For an hour and a half, the rain in Charlotte, N.C. stopped, allowing the Browns and Panthers to battle against each other on the practice turf.
More than 500 miles away from Cleveland, the Browns had their first practice away from CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on Wednesday, practicing with the Panthers in preparation for their first preseason game on Aug. 8.
"We'll get two good 7-on-7 periods, we'll get two good team periods, we'll get two good special teams, defense, offense (periods), so everyone's getting a workout here," head coach Kevin Stefanski said before practice.
With competition and growth in Stefanski's mind, he looked forward to seeing how his offense and defense held up against an opposing side that wasn't wearing the same color jersey.
Going into practice, QB Joe Flacco thought the Browns were too amped up to face an offense and defense that wasn't made up of their teammates. On the offensive side, it led to pre-snap penalties, a point of emphasis for the Browns during training camp. However, Flacco, who has 17 years of experience under his belt and isn't worried about the penalties, knows there is a positive side to making mistakes early on in the year.
"To come out here and go against another team where maybe you're a little bit more revved up, I think that showed today," Flacco said. "So, we need to just need to refine a little bit. This is probably a good environment for that because it allows you to realize, like, 'Man, maybe I went a little overboard' and allows you to the next time you're faced with that, to relax a little bit more and just go play your game."
Like Flacco, DE Myles Garrett recognized the practice wasn't the team's cleanest. However, he chalked it up to a matter of the team's chemistry not being quite where it needs to be yet.
The answer to that, according to the four-time First-Team All-Pro, is more reps, a situation that will resolve throughout the preseason as Stefanski and the coaching staff tighten up the depth chart.
"There're so many different groups that we have. Ones, twos and threes are cycling through and sometimes you play with guys you haven't had a lot of reps with," Garrett said. "So, you're not expecting to be there, and the communication isn't exactly where it needs to be with a guy you're getting three or four reps with."
Check out the top shots from Day 11 of 2025 Browns Training Camp as players got to work with drills, workouts and team prep in Charlotte
Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) and Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Tight end David Njoku (85) and former Browns center Austin Corbett (63) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Safety Damontae Kazee (23) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) and Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Linebackers Coach Jason Tarver during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Running back Toa Taua (35) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) and Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Tony Brown II (11) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Linebacker Jerome Baker (17) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Assistant Special Teams Coach Kyle Hoke during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive Line Coach Jacques Cesaire during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Keenan Isaac (38) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Former Browns center Austin Corbett (63), Running back Toa Taua (35) and Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Assistant Defensive Line Coach Adam Morris during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Tony Brown II (11) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Former Browns center Austin Corbett, Running back Toa Taua (35) and Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (47) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive tackle Ralph Holley (63) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Assistant Athletic Trainer Maikee Migallos and Wide receiver Kaden Davis (89) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Senior Director of Player Development James Cook and Panthers outside linebacker Mapalo Mwansa (58) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Tony Brown II (11) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Keenan Isaac (38) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (96) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson (16) and Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (16) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cleats during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (90) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive Assistant Zach Dunn during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas (71) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Tight end Brenden Bates (82) and Carolina Panthers outside linebacker J.J. Weaver (47) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski and Joe Thomas during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) and Panthers wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (15) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson (16) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Offensive tackle Jackson Barton (68) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) and tight end David Njoku (85) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Cornerback Tony Brown II (11) and Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Pass Game Coordinator/Wide Receivers Coach Chad O'Shea during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Running back Toa Taua (35) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive end Julian Okwara (53) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) and Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Running back Ahmani Marshall (39) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Long snapper Rex Sunahara (50), Long snapper Brent Matiscik (48), Carolina Panthers long snapper JJ Jansen (44) and Carolina Panthers kicker Ryan Fitzgerald during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Luke Floriea (37) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Luke Floriea (37) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Quarterback Tyler Huntley (7) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Quarterback Tyler Huntley (7) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Quarterback Tyler Huntley (7) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Quarterback Tyler Huntley (7) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Center Luke Wypler (56) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Defensive end K.J. Henry (52) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Safety Donovan McMillon (31) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas (71) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Offensive guard Javion Cohen (67) and Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (47) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Center Bucky Williams (62) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.
Even with the limited chemistry among players who took drills together, the edge rusher saw the competitiveness that the Browns brought to the joint practice, just like what Stefanski wanted to see.
The Browns competed after 10 days of bumping and blocking people they see every day in the locker room. Garrett noted that the passion that comes during joint practices can cultivate a winning culture, and Wednesday started Cleveland on that path.
"The guys got after it, competing, stepping up to the challenge. It's the first time getting in front of another team," Garrett said. "I like where our heads are at. I like how well we handled the intensity and tried to raise it to our own. And it was a good step forward in trying to create a standard."
The step forward in building a culture and standard in Cleveland isn't just having to handle intensity, however. Two things Garrett didn't think were as present last year – attention to detail and staying disciplined – are crucial traits that he thinks the team needs to have to accomplish their goals.
"It's a heightened awareness and a heightened urgency right now, and we'll want to continue to see that through the rest of the year," Garrett said.
Following their game against the Panthers, the Browns have one practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus before travelling to Philadelphia for a two-day joint practice with the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles. The 14-day period from Aug. 5 to Aug. 19, when the Browns have just one practice on their home turf, is an important time for the team before the regular season starts.
While being outside of CrossCountry Mortgage, Garrett views the time as a chance to create chemistry and develop themselves.
"You've got to look at it as a way to get better. You can compete against some of the very best in the position across the league," Garrett said. "So, take it as a challenge. Use these different looks, these different players, as a way to grow the player, the team, as a leader and just look forward to working with your brother. Take it with a smile on your face and continue to attack the role every time."
