Not taking training camp seriously

Here we go. It’s starting already.

It’s been just a few days since training camp opened for the Browns and the microscopes have been hauled out.

In this need-to-know-now world we live in, immediacy is paramount. It is essential to keep everyone up to date, seemingly by the minute, in this camp with quarterback Brandon Weeden squarely in the crosshairs. The tweets are flying.

Brandon Weeden has a pass knocked down at the line of scrimmage. Brandon Weeden is intercepted in the end zone. Brandon Weeden looks awkward while running a naked bootleg.

Can’t he do anything right? Apparently not. Not, that is, yet. Meanwhile, his competition for the starting job flourishes.

Jason Campbell makes a great pass to Jordan Norwood for a 37-yard TD pass. How exciting (sarcasm intended). Can’t wait for “Brandon Weeden displays a nice touch with a touchdown throw in the end zone.”

This camp has become one gigantic Brandon Weeden Show, starring Brandon Weeden, co-starring Brandon Weeden and Brandon Weeden with a guest appearance by Brandon Weeden. Give the guy a break.

In the dizzying world of the Twitterverse, the news must be disseminated NOW. Doesn’t make us any smarter or more knowledgeable. Just makes us more immediately informed.

Practically every move by the players is being scrutinized by the media and fans. Unfortunately, they are being taken seriously. The first exhibition game is 10 days away for goodness sakes. Even then, the four practice games should not be taken too seriously.

What the players are going through in the early stages of camp is relatively meaningless. It’s more of a familiarization with brand new systems on both sides of the ball. It takes time.

Mistakes are going to be made. That’s inevitable. Football is a game is mistakes. The team that makes the fewest usually wins.

Some coaches believe that how you practice is how you’ll play. Other coaches know better. It’s nothing more than a philosophical difference.

I’ve seen lazy, terrible practice players show up on Sundays and play well, making solid contributions. Conversely, I’ve seen great practice players show up on Sundays. That’s it. They showed up.

It’s OK to report who is injured or not participating. But c’mon, let’s not give this blow-by-blow stuff much credence. 

So Greg Little drops a pass. Big deal. Doesn’t mean he’ll drop a similar pass in the regular season. You know . . . in a game that counts.

Rookie linebacker Barkevious Mingo is looking good. Seems to making the transition from defensive end smoothly. That’s nice to know. Let’s wait and see what he can do when the player across from him is wearing a different uniform.

And Jabaal Sheard’s similar transition has received some high marks. We’ll see how well that translates when he’s asked to drop into pass coverage in the home opener Sept. 8 at what used to be called Cleveland Browns Stadium (I can’t wrap my head around that other name yet).

That’s when I’ll begin to take seriously just what kind of a team Rob Chudzinski has in his rookie season.