BEREA - The only sound louder than what was produced by neighboring trains, planes and automobiles at Browns' practice Sunday was that of pads on pads.
The second practice of training camp was as physical as any that fans will see. It wasn't full-go, but it was close enough at times to generate a regular-season feel.
Coach Pat Shurmur liked the sounds and sights of it all.
"My favorite day of the year other than game day of course is the first day of pads," Shurmur said. "I wasn't disappointed. I thought there was good banging out there. Some of these guys haven't been in pads since last year. It takes a few minutes to get their sea legs to carry their pads around.
"The focus was on running the ball and play action. There was a lot of grinding it out, which I think is important on a day like today."
The highlight of the session was a short pass from quarterback Brandon Weeden to running back Trent Richardson, who caught the ball going opposite the bootleg action. Richardson made two quick cuts to avoid tacklers and took off down the field to the delight of the large crowd.
Richardson liked the physicality of the practice.
"That's when I get to do what I do best - bouncing off guys, breaking tackles and trying to run people over," Richardson said. "When I get into full pads it's a whole other me. Not to be cocky, but that's the confidence in my game and what I'm blessed with."
A STATEMENT: Second-year player Eric Hagg is increasing his hold on a starting job at free safety. He made the defensive play of the day when he intercepted a Weeden pass to Mohamed Massaquoi, who was running a seam route from the slot.
"I think things are going really well," Hagg said. "Of course, I've had some mental mistakes. You have to correct those and get better."
INSIDE EDITION: Rookie defensive tackle John Hughes continues to receive praise from Shurmur, who's also had positive comments about rookie defensive tackle Billy Winn. Both are working with the second team, but they might be able to push for playing time in the absence of Phil Taylor.
"My biggest thing is working on my transition and being able to get everything down," Hughes said. "I feel like the more knowledge I get the more I'll develop on the field."
PICK ONE: Richardson was asked which practices are more demanding - Shurmur's or Alabama coach Nick Saban's.
"Coach Saban's practices are turned up, and it's turned up here, too," Richardson said. "It's about the same."
Saban is known for conducting very physical practices in weather that's usually hotter than what Richardson is dealing with now.
Put on the spot, Richardson said, "You're going to get me in trouble. It's about the same."
TO THE POINT: Shurmur was asked to respond to Joshua Cribbs' comments that he's a special teams player more than a receiver. Cribbs has been noticeably missing from the offensive plan.
"His role isn't changing," Shurmur said. "He's a special teams player playing receiver."
CAMPING OUT: Other than throwing the interception, Weeden had some good throws and one case of bad luck when Owen Spencer dropped a pass across the middle" A Colt McCoy pass for rookie receiver Travis Benjamin was intercepted by James Dockery" O'niel Cousins practiced with the first team at right offensive tackle. Shurmur said rookie Mitchell Schwartz will share time with Cousins until a decision is made on the starter" Running back Montario Hardesty appeared quick and elusive. Shurmur said it's the best he's seen Hardesty look since he's been the coach" Receiver Greg Little was pulled for one play after he jumped the snap. Shurmur could be heard yelling, "Get out of the huddle."
