National Football League

It's on! Browns DBs prepare for tighter rules with boxing gear

Published Aug. 5, 2014 3:00 p.m. ET

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As the NFL continues to increase the restrictions placed on defensive backs, the Cleveland Browns and new head coach Mike Pettine are trying their best not to get left behind.

Cornerback Joe Haden said on Monday that he and some of the team's defensive backs have been practicing with boxing sparring gloves.

The NFL has told its officials to enforce any contact after five yards, which has caused problems for defensive backs across the NFL through training camp thus far.

Green Bay Packers defensive backs noticed an influx of defensive penalties as opposed to ones on receivers. Cornerback Tramon Williams said "any tug of the jersey" is being called as a pass interference on the defense.

The Browns also had that problem in their scrimmage in Akron Saturday.

"You've got to get guys out of the habit (of grabbing)," Pettine said. "Instead of using boxing gloves, it is more the mentality of covering with an open palm, instead of grabbing."

It appears, for now at least, the league's officials are going to be watching closely for the contact, so the Browns strategy could become more widespread if teams struggle to adjust.

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