BEREA, Ohio – The temp hit 80, but the Vikings found it refreshing to practice against another team.
The Browns hosted the Vikings Wednesday for their first of two joint practices before the teams meet again in Saturday's preseason game.
"Being able to go against some people we haven't seen yet made it more fun, and the energy was up," safety Camryn Bynum said.
He and the rest of Minnesota's defense has been practicing against their offensive teammates since late July, so a fresh challenge is always welcome.
Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski and Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell ran a well-organized practice that included 1-on-1 drills, 7-on-7 and team sessions, with Minnesota's first-team defense facing Cleveland's first-team offense, and vice versa.
View photos of players during joint practice with the Cleveland Browns on Aug. 14 at the Browns training facility.
The Vikings defense made things difficult for the Browns on a few occasions, including when Bynum went up against receiver James Proche II in 1-on-1s and intercepted Deshaun Watson's pass.
"I still look at 1-on-1s as competition. I got a pick there, got the ball out a few times," Bynum said. "I just felt like our defense, we just felt clean on all of our assignments, and it felt competitive.
"They're really good players on their side of the ball, so it's fun to be able to go against guys that you've been watching for a while, that you know are really good players in this league," he added. "It's fun to be able to compete, and we felt good out there."
Vikings center Garrett Bradbury spoke with Twin Cities media members following an afternoon of competing against a talented Browns defensive line. He echoed Bynum's sentiments on appreciating the opportunity for joint practices.
"We've been hitting the same guys. Our d-line knows what we do; we know what they do," Bradbury said. "So it's good structure-wise, too. It's a completely different style of defense, similar to San [Francisco]. It's good work. It was good, smart work. Came in, got some work in, and we've got another day tomorrow."
Bradbury and Bynum both participated in last year's joint practices with the 49ers and Cardinals at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center. As with that experience, they understand "smart" is a key emphasis in working with a team.
O'Connell and Stefanski have each accentuated the importance of avoiding skirmishes.
Bynum acknowledged Wednesday's session provided "more space to be physical" but that both teams also respected boundaries.
"I feel like everybody's [being smart]," he said. "Being a professional, you have to do that every single day, making sure you get great work, but everybody's out here to get better and come out … healthy.
"The most important thing that you can do is help the person in front of you get better," Bynum added. "But also, keep them safe and healthy, and stay off the ground."
