The final joint practice session between the Cleveland Browns and the host Indianapolis Colts got heated. Several post-whistle pushes and shoves marked the day in suburban Indy.
There was even a big fight between Browns LB Ray-Ray Armstrong and whoever was in swinging distance. It was clear the Browns were not taking any lip or pushback from the Colts, not in any facet of the joint practices.
That’s what rookie head coach Freddie Kitchens wanted to see, much to the delight of standout wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
Kitchens told his team to stand up for itself prior to the Indy sessions. Teh Browns players, from captain Joel Bitonio to undrafted rookie J.T. Hassell, made sure they let Kitchens know they listened.
“Message was received,” Beckham said to reporters after practice. “We came here to impose our will the same way we would do in the regular season when it comes up. We’re not backing down from anybody and I love that mentality. That’s all I’ve ever known.”
That kind of togetherness and toughness mentality will go a long way for the sudden media darling Browns, who will likely get every opponent’s best shot.
