Report: Browns DC Jim Schwartz confronted by Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell at Wednesday's joint practice

Wendi Oliveros

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Report: Browns DC Jim Schwartz confronted by Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell at Wednesday's joint practice image

The Athletic's Alec Lewis and Mark Craig are among those reporting that Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell talked with Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz about how the joint practice was going.

O'Connell did not like the physicality and wanted it toned down, especially after wide receiver Thayer Thomas went down with an injury shortly after Jordan Addison was carted off the field with an injury.

Browns reporter Nick Karns seemed to have a different take on it suggesting that the Browns were dominating defensively which could have prompted O'Connell's frustration.

This will lead to an interesting atmosphere as the two teams have additional joint practices scheduled this week and face each other in a preseason game on Saturday, August 17 at 4:25 PM ET at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

There has been a lot of discussion over the years about joint practices.  The fights and physicality sometimes supersede the ability of each team to get valuable practice time with an opponent as part of its preseason preparations. 

Bill Belichick recently discussed the issue during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.  Belichick believes both teams' coaches have to be on the same page about the tone and tempo of the practice which may not have been the case today in Cleveland.

 

Wendi Oliveros

Wendi Oliveros Photo

Wendi Oliveros is an avid sports fan who has reported on NFL, MLB, and professional tennis throughout her career. She lives in PA but is not a Steelers or Eagles fan. She is a lifelong Baltimore Orioles fan, and her favorite tennis tournament is the US Open, which she has been privileged to attend a few times.