Mayfield, others bond in Montana over break
QB, receivers get away ‘before the grind starts’ Sunday against Chiefs.
BEREA — Baker Mayfield believes he is closer to his Browns teammates than ever before.
The quarterback didn’t need to say how crucial such bonds are to Super Bowl-winning teams. It’s an understood fact. Mayfield and some teammates used their three-day break this past weekend to work out and play cards together in the Rocky Mountains.
Who’s the best card player? “Well, no comment on that one,” Mayfield said with a laugh before Wednesday’s practice.
Mayfield revealed his recent get-together with wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry and tight end Austin Hooper by posting photographs Wednesday morning on Instagram. The mini-vacation took place at Yellowstone Club, a private, members-only ski and golf community in Big Sky, Montana.
“Little getaway for a quick game of Phase 10 before the grind starts,” Mayfield wrote in a caption.
The grind begins in earnest Sunday when the Browns open on the road against the defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Mayfield has faith his connection with his teammates will be on display.
“You’re going to see that improvement, just because of the trust, the open communication, all the things we’re able to openly talk about,” he said.
NFL teams were required to give their players a break this past Friday through Sunday. The change in the work schedule compared with previous years stems from the league adding a 17th regular-season game for the first time in history.
“Anytime you can spend more time off the field, you build chemistry,” Mayfield said. “That three-day mandated time off from the league, just a chance to get away and do it safely, not exactly being around a whole lot of people. We’ll benefit from that just based on bonding and that time off the field.”
The Browns players even made use of a lined field at Yellowstone Club.
“I think No. 12 down in
Tampa Bay had something to do with that one,” Mayfield said of the field, which Tampa Bay Buccaneers quar- terback Tom Brady has frequented in the past.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said he didn’t know about his players’ trip to Yellowstone Club ahead of time.
“I wasn’t invited to that,” Stefanski joked. “No, I think it’s great. I wasn’t aware of it. They told me when they got back in. But anytime you can get together away from this building safely and build the team chemistry, I think it’s a big deal. It’s something really last year you couldn’t do [because of COVID-19 protocols]. You just were prohibited from getting together outside this building, so maybe they’re making up for lost time.”
In the offseason, Mayfield and some teammates gathered for workouts at House of Athlete in Weston, Flor- ida, and at the quarterback’s alma mater, Lake Travis High School, in Austin, Texas.
“Those are the types of things you remember,” Mayfield said. “You look back on those trips. You look back on it and enjoy the year because of the friendships and the bonds you have.”
Clowney ill, but tests negative for COVID-19
Starting defensive end Jadeveon Clowney missed Wednesday’s practice with an illness, but Stefanski said Clowney tested negative for COVID-19.
The Browns were plagued by injuries during training camp but are in the best shape they’ve been in since late July.
Guard Michael Dunn (back) was the only other player announced as sitting out.
“He’s negative. He’s just ill,” Stefanski said of Clowney before practice.
Asked if Clowney was expected back today, Stefanski said, “Hope so.”
Clowney is expected to team with All-pro Myles Garrett, anchoring a pass rush that totaled 38 sacks last season. Clowney signed a one- year, $8 million free-agent contract after spending last season with the Tennessee Titans.