DawgTalkers.net
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Ski Daily Presser. - 08/06/21 09:49 AM
I thought it would be interesting to take a daily look at Ski's presser and it might lead to some interesting conversation because it sort of touches on everything when it comes to the team.

With that said I will try to keep this updated from one day to the next but I won't be the least bit offended if someone else puts it up if they happen to be the 1st to see or read his daily remarks.

With that said here goes.

BEREA, Ohio – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski answered questions from reporters prior to Wednesday’s training camp practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.

Here’s a transcript, as provided by the Browns’ media-relations department:

Opening statement:

“Good to see everybody. (RB) Tre Harbison yesterday suffered a concussion – unfortunate; it was an accident in seven-on-seven – he will be out.”

On the hit Harbison took in practice yesterday:


“Just kind of a freak thing where they collided. It was unfortunate. Talked to him this morning. He is doing fine.”

On what the Browns will be working on during practice today:

“Everything.”

On if the Browns will work on goal line today:

“No, not yet. We have a little bit more of our third downs going in. You will see a move-the-ball period at the end where we will get everybody off of the field and get used to substituting on offense and defense and they do not have their coaches next to them with the script and telling them what play is coming next. Going to challenge them a little bit mentally and physically in that regard.”

On recapping the team’s first day in pads yesterday:

“First of all, I would say the guys did a nice job of taking care of each other. I thought they practiced really hard and it was physical, but they did not take any kill shots and they helped each other. If a guy was in a precarious position, you do not finish him and those types of things. It is important that the guys understand how we practice and how we get our work in while taking care of each other. The red zone work was great. As you know, it is an important part of the game. It becomes tight-window throws. In the run game, the safeties are closer to the line of scrimmage so the blocking force becomes more difficult. There were some really nice moments from our defense playing really tight coverage down there, which is required.”


On if he ever does periods with live tackling to the ground during training camp:

“We will see. It is something that we talk about. We tackle every day in a drill setting, if you will, but we want to see where we are in the next few days before we make that determination.”

On if there will be full tackling periods during the team’s joint practices with the NY Giants:

“I will talk to (NY Giants Head) Coach (Joe) Judge about that.”

On LB Mack Wilson’s interception yesterday and Wilson’s shape to start camp:

“An outstanding play by Mack – elevated, went and got it and displayed great hands. He has been trying to get on goal line offense for a long time telling me about those hands (laughter). He came in great shape physically. I think he is running really well and is still powerful, and then mentally, I think he is just in a really good spot.”


On DE Jadeveon Clowney getting penetration and pressure consistently in yesterday’s practice:

“He has been disruptive certainly in the run and the pass game. He is a long athlete with power. He and (T) Jack Conklin, that is two pros going at each other. It is fun to watch. I think he is fitting into what we are doing and who we are. This is the first time at length he is around his teammates. I think he is assimilating well.”

On the importance of having many players who can be disruptive on defense:

“You want to pressure the quarterback. Sometimes they materialize in sacks and that is obviously the goal, but being around the quarterback, affecting the quarterback, affecting the throw and making him get to his check-down sooner than he wanted is a big deal. For our entire defense, we have a rush plan. It is about creating one on ones and winning those one on ones, but you have to rush together in order to have that plan have some success.”


On if the team tracks the number of times a Browns player disrupts a play but may not get a sack or QB hit:

“Yes, definitely. It is important to know the guys who are affecting the passer.”

On balancing QB Baker Mayfield wanting to be competitive with also teaching and learning, given Mayfield’s reaction during one period of practice yesterday:

“That is the point is you have to learn from every single rep that you get. That period in particular, I think the defense was outstanding – I really do. Guys were tightly covered. They did a nice job. Conversely on offense, someone has to make a play – someone has to shake free and the quarterback has to put it on the money in those tight windows. It is a great competitive drill, but I would give a hat tip to the defense.”


On if it is expected for the defense to be a little bit ahead of the offense at this point in training camp:


“That is the classic ‘the defense is always ahead of the offense [at this point].’ I do not know how true it is or is not, but I think both sides and both units are progressing.”

On evaluating success of run plays when the team is not doing full tackling:

“From the offense’s perspective, you are trying to make sure that the front is blocked up, are you assignment sound and is everyone getting to their responsibility. (RBs) Nick (Chubb) and Kareem (Hunt), they will finish the run regardless of if they were tackled five yards in the backfield. We also want them to be able to finish the run because we want the defense to ball search. We want to get 11 hats to the ball. We want guys poking and trying to pull that thing out and raking at it so that is part of working together. Let the runners run, fit them up, show that you are in position to make the tackle and let them run so the next guy can come in and get their ball-security work.”


On if the NY Giants’ fight in practice yesterday raises any concerns ahead of the joint practices in two weeks:

“No, I am worried about the Cleveland Browns.”

On his impression of Clowney off of the field:

“Jadeveon is doing a really nice job. I enjoy having him out here. He is a lively presence. He is a good teammate. He enjoyed practicing and enjoys running around. I see that from him. You mention the meeting rooms, he has been on point. He is trying to learn what we are doing and learn these techniques. He has been so far so good.”

On Clowney saying this is the healthiest he has been in his NFL career and if the team is managing his reps to help keep that the case:

“We will be smart with all of these guys, and Jadeveon is somebody we will be smart with as we continue along. He has worked really hard. He is in a good spot physically.”

On if the Browns have a timeline for when S Grant Delpit will participate in team drills:

“I think we will mix him, and I think he has been mixing in as we go. We will just bring him along at the discretion of the medical staff.”


On if Delpit’s timeline is based on rehab from the Achilles and that Delpit is not dealing with any other ailments:

“He is coming back from the Achilles. Just listening to the medical staff.”

On WR Donovan Peoples-Jones cerebral nature, if that manifests itself in football IQ and if it is unusual for that at the WR position:

“For sure, it does. No, I do not find it unusual for that position. There are a bunch of smart receivers. We have talked about Jarvis’ understanding of football. We have a young kid (WR) Anthony Schwartz who is really ahead of the curve when it comes to understanding ball. I have been impressed with that room in total. Donovan certainly is a guy who we knew last year would put a lot on his plate, and he was able to handle all of it.”

On how well K Cody Parkey has responded to a rough first day of training camp:


“He is doing a nice job. It is a body of work. The evaluation does not end today. It is a continuous thing. That goes for Cody and every single one of our players.”

On if CB Greedy Williams still needs to be cleared for contact:

“No, he is good to go.”

On if Williams will get more work today:

“Yes, he is doing fine.”

On LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s first day on the field:

“It is going to take time for anybody coming back and missing some time, but he is getting extra work in. It is hard for me to make any judgments off of one day so far.”

On if Williams will participate in team drills today:“Yes.”

On some players not wearing shoes during walkthrough:


“It is basically do not be in cleats. It is either be in flips flops or socks or barefoot – I do not really care – or sneakers. The idea is just to slow the pace down. You can say walkthrough, and guys get competitive and they want to go fast. I just want to make sure we are smart when we are walking through and that we are truly walking through. Now, some guys have some interesting foot [wear] choices out here, but that is up to them.”

On the importance of doing push-ups with the them and his strong form:

“I am glad you noticed it (laughter). Whenever we have a competition for push-ups, I am losing no matter what. Whether the offense wins or the defense wins, I lose.”

On what he learned about LT Jedrick Wills over the past year after transitioning to LT:

“He has done a nice job. I was just to Jed yesterday about how it may be only one calendar year but just how much farther along he is right now, and that is just from a technical standpoint, from a comfort level, like you mentioned, and moving from right to left without the offseason without the preseason games so he is in a really good spot.”


On if the Browns were always confident in Wills’ ability to switch positions despite all of the adversity last season:

“We had a lot of confidence in him because of the mental makeup and because of the physical skills. We knew it was not going to be perfect early, and for 99 percent of rookies, it is not perfect early. There is a learning curve to how that goes, and we understand that.”
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/06/21 09:58 AM
Quote:
On the importance of having many players who can be disruptive on defense:

“You want to pressure the quarterback. Sometimes they materialize in sacks and that is obviously the goal, but being around the quarterback, affecting the quarterback, affecting the throw and making him get to his check-down sooner than he wanted is a big deal. For our entire defense, we have a rush plan. It is about creating one on ones and winning those one on ones, but you have to rush together in order to have that plan have some success.”


I am very interested to see what this team does as the season goes along. I believe because of the team speed and the ability of the back end to be interchangeable will see pressure coming from all over the place. I think we will have some sort of pressure coming on nearly every play and that this defense will be a big play attacking defense because there will be so much diversity across that entire group. Sort of fun to think of what is possible?

I also think that there has never been this sort of defense put together it's all new and I wonder how much will just have to wait as it evolves and grows as the season unfolds. For sure I don't see the Browns giving so much as a whiff of what they intend to do with this defense until September the 12th.
Posted By: THROW LONG Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/06/21 11:50 AM
Tre Harbisson Rb concussion.

Tre rushed for 2600+ total career yards in 3 college years of whatever tiny 2nd-3rd tier schools he played at. Not all Rb's rush for 2000+ yards, John Kelly didn't.

I believe you don't get to 2000 yards, even in a double-lesser school without building muscle memory and an understanding of the full days work at Rb, one would think.
( So in my mind I nicknamed him 2K Tre. "Not 2K Tre! He has a concussion, oh no.") Why it matters.

I think among the Rb's beyond Chubb and Hunt, the others, so
Felton, D'Ernest Johnson, John Kelly, the 2 fullbacks, one of the front runners is Demetric Felton
and,
if Felton has one weakness
is it the up the middle all day long aspect of RB.

This is also the 3 week stretch most important for someone in Tre Harbissons position if they are going to overachieve.
(Tre Harbisson #37 rb, and other udfa Emmanuel Rugumba Cb, Miami (oh), #37 share the same jersey number.) frown
(Demetric Felton Rb, #25 and Brian Allen Cb, #25 share the same jersey number.) frown
Posted By: AZBrown Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/06/21 07:08 PM
Originally Posted By: Brown to the Bone
BEREA, Ohio – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski answered questions from reporters prior to Wednesday’s training camp practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.



1 -On LB Mack Wilson’s interception yesterday and Wilson’s shape to start camp:

“An outstanding play by Mack – elevated, went and got it and displayed great hands. He has been trying to get on goal line offense for a long time telling me about those hands (laughter). He came in great shape physically. I think he is running really well and is still powerful, and then mentally, I think he is just in a really good spot.”



2 - It is a great competitive drill, but I would give a hat tip to the defense.”


On if it is expected for the defense to be a little bit ahead of the offense at this point in training camp:


“That is the classic ‘the defense is always ahead of the offense [at this point].’ I do not know how true it is or is not, but I think both sides and both units are progressing.”



3 - On if the NY Giants’ fight in practice yesterday raises any concerns ahead of the joint practices in two weeks:

“No, I am worried about the Cleveland Browns.”



4 - On if CB Greedy Williams still needs to be cleared for contact:

“No, he is good to go.”

On if Williams will get more work today:

“Yes, he is doing fine.”




On #1 - Fingers crossed on Wilson and his possible contribution to the LB rotation.

On #2 - I know it's just training camp speak, but wouldn't it be great if the defense were gelling a little sooner in the season than some believe (including me)?.

On #3 - Just good to hear the obligatory words, I guess.

On #4 - Love hearing this about Greedy.
Posted By: GratefulDawg Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/07/21 12:24 AM
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/07/21 01:13 PM
Here is your daily Ski transcript.

On LB Mack Wilson saying he considered retirement last season and if he had sensed Wilson was at that level of frustration:

“Maybe not to that level, but I think it points out that everybody is dealing with things in the course of the season. We go through adversity as a team, and sometimes you go through personal adversity. Really pleased with where Mack is right now physically and mentally.


On if DE Takk McKinley or WR Anthony Schwartz will be practicing today:

“Schwartz is working through a hamstring. Takk is excused. He is excused for personal reasons but expect him back.”

On how difficult it is to separate football from the personal side of the business when evaluating players:

“I think you are right that there is a personal aspect to this. We talk about being a family, and we try to act like it. It is difficult when you have to release players. I have said it before, I would love to keep everybody. It is just not the reality of the National Football League. Until that time comes, we are going to just compete every single day. I think the guys are doing a nice job of that.”

On the significance of CB Greedy Williams practicing in pads yesterday following a long rehab process:

“Extremely happy for him. You remember last year, he is in the training room, there is a lot of uncertainty and he is trying and trying and doing everything he could. That was a lot on him – physically and mentally – so for him to get back out here with the pads on and compete with his guys, yeah, I am really proud of him.”


On if Williams has been knocking off the rust during practice:

“He is doing a nice job. It is totally reasonable to be rusty like you mentioned. He is really working on his technique. He is taking everything that (pass game coordinator/defensive backs) Coach (Jeff) Howard, (assistant defensive backs) Coach (Brandon) Lynch and (defensive coordinator) Coach (Joe) Woods are giving him. He is working really hard.”

On Williams’ fighting spirit:

“Any time you are injured and you are away from the team, it is a lot. It is hard to go through. He has kept fighting from the jump. He is another great example of guys who are faced with adversity, in this case football adversity and injury, and he really overcame it.”

On how the Browns plan to manage playing time in the preseason:

“We have had a lot of discussions about it. As we get to that week, we will firm up some of those decisions. Certainly, something I have talked with coaches about.”


On what the Orange & Brown Practice will look like for fans:

“It is going to be a nice spirited practice in FirstEnergy Stadium. Going to fun to be around our fans again in our building. We will have a nice two-hour long practice where guys are competing against each other. We will do some red zone work. We will do some two-minute work. We will see some situational ball.”

On if there will be tackling to the ground on Sunday:

“We shall see.”

On if he is considering allowing full tackling on Sunday:

“We consider everything.”


On if it was a high priority to have a joint practice during training camp:


“I think it is always a great opportunity to go up against another team. For us, it just worked out really well. Schematically, they are different than us on offense and on defense so both of our units get to face a different unit. I just think it is a great point in camp when you are tired of going against your own guys and you are tired of going against the same scheme to mix it up and get really good competitive work in a controlled environment.”

On if he considered having joint practices with two teams this training camp:

“Like I said, we consider everything (laughter). We felt like this was the right way to do it.”

On if he foresees teams holding more joint practices in the future, given the shortened preseason schedule:

“That definitely could be in the future. I do think it is just a great chance to get two teams on a field. You get to determine what you want to do. For instance, sometimes you get into a preseason game and you do not an opportunity for a two-minute drill. Now, you can control it and you can get exactly what you want to get in that setting where you are typically taking care of each other, being safe and those type of things.”


On what has been most impressive about WR Donovan Peoples-Jones:

“He has done a nice job. Physically, when he showed up on campus here, he was ready to roll and looked great. Worked very hard in the offseason. He has been productive in practice, catching balls that are coming to him. Probably the most impressive thing is special teams – running around returning kicks and covering kicks. He is an all-day guy right now.”

On what it can do for Peoples-Jones’ future to be around wide receivers coach Chad O’Shea and WRs Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry:

“I think it is a big deal when you are raising these rookies in the rooms that they grow up in, sort of speak. To be around some veterans that have done it at a high level and to be around a coach like Coach O’Shea, who has multiple Super Bowl rings to prove it, I think that is great for a player’s development.”

On if he still feels strongly about the FB position after acquiring more talent at the RB and TE positions:


“I think we feel strongly about the position. We have to see how it shakes out. We like our two fullbacks we have – it is a competitive group – and then those types of discussions occur over time.”

On if anything has stood out most about CB Greg Newsome II:

“Similar to Donovan Peoples-Jones, he can run and he runs all day, and he gets a ton of reps. He is out there on special teams. There is no shortage to what he is doing right now. We are really throwing a lot at him, and he has been able to handle all of it.”

On how DE Jadeveon Clowney has fit into the Browns defense:

“A really a good fit. Cultural, he has been great to be around. A fun teammate. Enjoys practice. He is having fun. I think he talked about it with you guys. He is healthy so he is feeling good and moving around. Then the fit schematically, he has played in systems similar to this so it is fun to see him be very disruptive throughout the course of practice.”

On if the team puts more emphasis on the practice at the stadium and the upcoming joint practice with the New York Giants:


“No, I think it is all part of the evaluation. It is really a practice down there on Sunday – you can call it a scrimmage if you want – but we are still trying to get better. It is not time for the lights to come on – that will happen in Jacksonville.”
Posted By: PitDAWG Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/07/21 05:14 PM
I love the way he says a lot without really saying anything at all. He never over hypes our players nor does he undermine them. He speaks in generalities. And I mean that as a good thing.
Posted By: Pdawg Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/07/21 11:29 PM
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/08/21 10:18 AM
Ski's daily

Opening statement:

“Good to see everybody. It is going to be a hot one out here. Get some good work in. We are going to bring the tempo down a little bit towards the end of practice just as part of our plan. We will be in the stadium tomorrow.”


On if a lot is being asked of the slot CBs like CB Troy Hill mentioned and how Hill has picked up the scheme:

“Troy has done a nice job. The scheme he played in, there are some similarities and there are some differences. You certainly are part of the run fit, you are in the pressures, you are playing coverage and you are playing man. He has a well-rounded game in there. You have to be really smart in there. Being part of that run fit, you have to think about different formations and how you fit in. He has done a nice job.”

On if Hill takes the mental side of the job very seriously:

“He does. You have to spend time. There are so many looks you can get in that space, and the you have to be in coverage. You have to know how to disguise – that is a big part of it. Film study with those nickels is a big deal.”

On how nice it is to hear that Hill is excited to be a part of CB Greg Newsome II’s NFL journey:

“That is Troy Hill. I That is part of the reason he is here is those leadership abilities. He has been through a lot in his life. I think he is looking forward to mentoring guys in where he is.”

On the extra work that QB Baker Mayfield and WR Odell Beckham Jr. are getting on the side:


“When you are talking about the pass game in general, it is about precision and it is about being accurate when you are throwing the ball, getting the right depth, running the right route and quarterback getting the right feel for how a receiver runs a route because all the guys are different. There is great value in the work those guys are getting. It is scripted. The coaches know exactly what throws they want to get an in what order. Those two, that battery has gotten a ton of great reps over there.”

On when Beckham will join 11-on-11 drills:

“Appropriately is the plan. We are just taking in all the advice of the medical team and Odell himself, and just making sure we do this the right way.”

On how Ts Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills Jr. have handled facing DEs Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney in practice:

“Those guys are getting an honest day’s work. That is a great testament to how you can practice out here, push each other, compete and try and make each other better. Jed and Jack get really good work versus different styles. Myles and Jadeveon are different in how they rush, but certainly, the effort is there and they are going full speed all of the time. It is only going to make both sides better.”


On DT Andrew Billings:

“He is a big man. He is moving people in the run game. Can defeat double teams. He has a great motor. He goes sideline to sideline and is a big man running. He is not the loudest guy, but he brings an understated toughness to that group.”

On if there have been any hesitancies for the Browns to welcome back teammates who opted out last season:

“No, none at all. They were upfront with us last year. We were upfront with them and stayed in communication with them. No, nothing lasting from that at all.”


On if Billings will only be used on running downs:


“I do not think so. All of the rotations need to be played out and we will see how that goes, but certainly, when you are talking about his strength in there at the nose position – whether he is playing shade or a 2I – he brings power to the game. That can show up certainly in the pass game to push the pocket.”

On DT Tommy Togiai:

“I really like what Tommy has been doing. Going all of the way back when he first showed up here on campus, just in the meeting room, in the weight room and on the field, does everything that is asked of him and does it the right way. I see him getting better with some of the technique work that he is getting with Coach Kiff (defensive line coach Chris Kiffin) and (assistant defensive line) Coach (Jeremy) Garrett out there. Tommy is really putting in the work, and I am seeing it show up.”

On if Togiai’s strength and bench press ability is translating to the field:

“Definitely. You see it when the pads are on and those guys come off of the ball and can extend their arms versus the offensive line. You can definitely see that power.”


On if the team has to guard against players being overly aggressive in the weight room where they could get injured:

“Our strength coaches are smart about those types of things. They work with everybody at the level they are capable of, and we work hard in there. Talk about you want to be bigger, faster and stronger, a lot of that shows up in the weight room. We want to work hard in there, but we are making sure that we are being smart.”

On if bench press or power lifting is a better indication of strength:

“I am the wrong person to answer that (laughter). I will get you with one of the strength coaches.”

On how to ensure the team can consistently compete and last year’s playoff berth not be a one-off circumstance:

“We have talked about it with the team before – obviously, we have talked about it in this setting – every year stands on its own merit. You have to show up every day to compete, and that is where our focus is.”


On offensive line Coach Bill Callahan entering his second year working with the Browns:

“Work is a good word for Coach Callahan and those guys. They are constantly working. Scott Peters, our assistant offensive line coach, you have to include him in that group, too. Those guys really every period if you watch, we may be in special teams and they are over there working on something. That is just a great message to the veterans and to the young guys that you have to work on your craft. I think we have two experts in that area to work with those guys, and we have (offensive quality control coach) John Decoster over there, as well. I see a lot of technique going on. I have seen Coach Callahan on his hands and knees getting guys into three-point stances how he wants it. They are certainly learning from some coaches who I think have a ton to give them.”

On if it is a good precedent for players to think Callahan is a tough coach:

“Coach Callahan has a way about him. That is how he has been coaching for years. I have heard the stories going way back to his college days. He coaches them hard, and he is fair. I think the guys respect that.”


On T Chris Hubbard coming back from his season-ending injury:”Hubb is doing a nice job. I think physically, he is doing really well, and then he has kind of picked up where he left off. In drills and on the field, he is looking like Hubb to me, which is a testament to the hard work he has put in to get to this point.”

On if the specialists will kick towards the Dawg Pound at tomorrow’s practice:

“If you want us to, we will (laughter). I will talk to (special teams coordinator) Coach (Mike) Priefer. We are going to have to wait and see. It will be worth the price of admission.”

On if DE Takk McKinley will return to practice today:

“We will not have Takk back today.”

On if there was an expectation for when McKinley will return:

“I really do not.”


On the next steps for QB Baker Mayfield:

“It is Year 2 in the system for Baker so it is fine tuning on all the things that we have been building upon going back to last year. That is true of really all of our returning guys is building off of what you did last year and some of the hard work that you put in. Then as you get into Year 2, 3 or 4, the nuance of all of these things starts to become even clearer.”

On if Mayfield is allowing him in the QB RV:

“Nope, I did not get an invite to that either.”

On what he admires the most about Hubbard as a person:

“Great teammate. I think you can judge a lot about a player out here on the field in how they treat their teammates. He is always supportive and constantly around the guys offering any help. I think he is just outstanding in that regard.”

On what does it take to have the mindset and ability to come back year after year like Callahan:


“Coach likes to grind. He likes to coach, and he likes putting the gameplans together. He is somebody who is in the fray. He does a great job for us. His office is right next to mine. He is a huge resource to me with him being a former head coach, and he has seen so much. I just think the guy is outstanding.”

On what number training camp it is for him:

“I was not a math major so someone is going to have to figure that out (laughter).”

On if he knows what day of training camp it is:

“I do not. I get reminded sometimes the day of the week (laughter).”

On if he worked with Callahan before last year:

“No, I had not worked with coach Callahan before, but (former NFL coach) Brad Childress had worked with Coach Callahan back at the University of Illinois so there was a connection there.”

On Callahan having the most booming voice on the coaching staff:


“He is pretty good. (Tight ends coach) Drew Petzing, when he is in his meetings, he is an auctioneer – we can hear him through the walls. Prief can get up there in the octaves.”

On if McKinley will be back during training camp:

“I just do not have a timeframe yet, but I can’t really get too far into it.”

On if he can disclose if McKinley will be back for the start of the regular season:

“I am hopeful, but I do not have a timeframe.”
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/08/21 10:31 AM
Originally Posted By: PitDAWG
I love the way he says a lot without really saying anything at all. He never over hypes our players nor does he undermine them. He speaks in generalities. And I mean that as a good thing.


I really think he does present a great deal of information but the one thing he also always does is support the player, and issues between the player and staff is handled in house. I assume there are issues that come up and you never get a feel for what that is.

I really think the players appreciate his style and the fact that he always presents them in the best light. There is a genuineness to him that players seem to really gravitate to and hey it's impossible not to see the huge difference he is making for some players, Baker being #1 by a wide margin, and I think DPJ has been #2. I love that he seems to have a plan for everyone, what they need to work on and how to get to the desired results. He is IMO a great problem solver. That truly is a lost art in todays world. He identifies problems, then he sets about developing a plan be it adjustments to scheme tossing out plays or be it challenging the player to say work on their footwork.

I truly think we will see Baker again take a leap forward in his development. And I really view Baker at this juncture as being a second year player, because he simply wasn't getting the coaching he needed from his prior coaches in fact he was left to set the tone and the course and of course he was unprepared and regressed as a result. I truly respect this man Ski he is going to be here for a long long time and not every year is going to be a great year will scratch our heads at times but I have never felt more comfortable with a Browns HC he is a great teacher and leader, IMO.
Posted By: bonefish Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/08/21 11:16 AM

I have watched every press conference KS has given.

Some head coaches seem to view the press as adversaries. They act guarded and short. Like the press is trying to get them in a gotcha moment.

Kevin looks directly at the person asking the question. Listens and responds. He answers the question but will never go overboard in praise nor will he ever slight a player.

He praises and supports his coaches. He is always on the moment trying to improve. That goes for himself and others.

He epitomises the phrase "have a plan; work the plan."

We are fortunate to have him as our head coach.
================================================

The Takk absence "seems" to be some kind of mental health issue. Be that personal or within his family.

When there is no known time frame for a return. That points to "do what you must do to get right."

Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/08/21 11:58 AM
Quote:
We are fortunate to have him as our head coach.


Absolutely, a person who can motivate and make people around them better is a rare beast, I sure am glad he is on our side.

I respect this man greatly and while we will never know he is a huge reason we win football games.

I have re-watched the KC playoff game several times over the past few days and something stood out to me in that process.

Whatever he said to the team at half time really got their attention because the entire team kicked it up they began really giving everything they had on every play. I sure hope that is what we see game one this year and think a great showing in game one will be a precursor to the season ahead. I also think losing the 1st game might not be all that bad for us in the long haul.

Ski is a pro in every sense of the world and he gets everyone else around him to function on that level while enjoying each other and fighting for each other a real leader. I guess we know it now that we really have it where in the past we struggled to understand what it even looked like.

I view Ski as the next generation of football coaches. He like Paul Brown has brought a whole new way to the sport of football, IMO.

He is always looking ahead especially where IMO he shines most which is player development. He truly is in his element when it comes to breaking down players and helping them be their best version. In the past we failed so many times with our drafts I think we have seen the last of bad drafts and the reason is if the talent is there he will draw it out.
Posted By: Damanshot Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/08/21 12:39 PM
Originally Posted By: PitDAWG
I love the way he says a lot without really saying anything at all. He never over hypes our players nor does he undermine them. He speaks in generalities. And I mean that as a good thing.


Refreshing isn't it?
Posted By: bonefish Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/08/21 01:44 PM

I made mention of this in another thread.

IMO in baseball and basketball the manager or head coach is less influential on the outcome of a game than football.

A head coach in football is balancing a large 53 man roster. They have a huge staff. Their staff was hired by them in most cases. Their responsibilities are massive. They devise the game plan. Some call the plays. Most have major input on one or both sides of the ball.

They organise practice. They teach. They manage their staff.

They manage the team. That includes player development. And they set the tone for the team culture.

Teams in many ways reflect their head coach.

A difficult and consuming job.

Then add that they are all on a win now mode. For all the talk of building winning is all inclusive. You don't win. You don't last. In addition you don't get many chances.

NFL head coaches who last a long time with a team should get major credit. There is a lot stacked against them.
Posted By: THROW LONG Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/08/21 01:49 PM
I wish the media would give the Takk McKinley questions a rest.
Until Takk comes back, who is outside defensive lineman 3? (As If, I didn't already have favorites to list).
Posted By: oobernoober Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/08/21 02:53 PM
The lack of timetable is the worrisome part. It could point to something pretty serious going on on the personal side. It could also point to non-communication from his side. Either would be really bad at this point.
Posted By: Ballpeen Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/08/21 05:32 PM
Originally Posted By: bonefish

I made mention of this in another thread.

IMO in baseball and basketball the manager or head coach is less influential on the outcome of a game than football.

A head coach in football is balancing a large 53 man roster. They have a huge staff. Their staff was hired by them in most cases. Their responsibilities are massive. They devise the game plan. Some call the plays. Most have major input on one or both sides of the ball.

They organise practice. They teach. They manage their staff.

They manage the team. That includes player development. And they set the tone for the team culture.

Teams in many ways reflect their head coach.

A difficult and consuming job.

Then add that they are all on a win now mode. For all the talk of building winning is all inclusive. You don't win. You don't last. In addition you don't get many chances.

NFL head coaches who last a long time with a team should get major credit. There is a lot stacked against them.


I'd say all the sports are about the same. Probably baseball the least, but it is still a lot.
Posted By: Ballpeen Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/08/21 05:34 PM
Originally Posted By: oobernoober
The lack of timetable is the worrisome part. It could point to something pretty serious going on on the personal side. It could also point to non-communication from his side. Either would be really bad at this point.


It could be a lot of things. I have a hard time trying to figure out any positive reasons, so I just count the egghead out until he isn't.
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/09/21 10:07 AM
Post Orange and Brown Practice Ski Pressor

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski answered questions from reporters following Sunday’s Orange & Brown Practice at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Here’s a transcript, as provided by the Browns’ media-relations department:

Opening statement:

“Good to see everybody. Great seeing our fans out here. This was incredible. Not surprised. This is a uniquely loyal fanbase, and I appreciate that. Great seeing all of the kids out here and people bringing their families out here so that was outstanding. They brought the energy. They definitely brought the juice out here. I know the players responded to that. Got some really good work in situationally. Saw us down in the red zone a couple of times. Saw some two-minute drills. Pleased with the work today.”


On Hall of Fame Head Coach Tony Dungy visiting today’s practice and addressing the team:

“I met Coach Dungy through (Bills defensive coordinator) Leslie Frazier years ago. Obviously, he is a Hall of Fame coach, but he is a Hall of Fame person. He has been very supportive of me, and we have stayed in touch. I made sure if he was in town for the festivities down there, I wanted him to come over and visit the team. I got to spend some time with him before practice and then he shared some words with the team. It was outstanding.”

On if the competition elevated in practice today due to having more fans and being at FirstEnergy Stadium:”Yeah, you definitely do. We track the intensity at practice via the GPS. It is amazing when you are in the stadium or the lights are on for a night practice and you have fans, all of a sudden, guys are running faster and they are running longer and the intensity picks up. Not surprised by that. Again, just kudos to our fans for coming out in mask.”

On if he was ever concerned that practice would have not taken place due to the weather:

“I do not if you remember last year, but there was some strange weather last year, as well (laughter). That is nothing new to us. We were pretty confident it was going to pass through and we could safely of practice.”


On if he feels like the TE group is coming together strong, especially as TE David Njoku performed well today:

“We feel good about that room – we have talked about it. We think all of those guys have unique skills. They all complement each other in their skills. Pleased to see them making some plays. They are going to have to continue to do that for us.”

On QB Case Keenum making tight throws today:

“Case did a job in there. The ball to (TE) Harrison (Bryant) was a really nice throw and a really great catch that Harrison made with the DB’s back turned to him. Case was good.”

On if S Grant Delpit missing multiple practices and if there is more to it than managing Delpit’s return from season-ending injury last year:

“He is dealing with a hamstring that he is working through.”

On if Delpit is expected to return is soon:

“I would hope so.”

On CB Denzel Ward being on the sideline in today’s practice:


“Just normal resting.”

On if speeding up the tempo is part of taking the offense to the next level:

“It is the natural evolution of things. To say we are going to do it every game, I do not know that, but you have to have many ways to attack a defense. We want to make sure that we are growing in that regard. For us, we always look at each game as ‘How do we win this game? What does this game call for?’ That is what practice is for – working all these things.”

On DT Malik McDowell leaving practice early:

“He had an oblique. I hesitate to call it a strain because I do not know. They took him in so we will see.”

On if he can share anything Dungy told him personally:

“It was a great conversation between coach and I. Again, he is somebody I could not have more respect for Tony Dungy and what he has meant to this game. He is a special, special person. He was upfront. He made sure that guys knew he was a Steeler, we get that (laughter), but he is an ambassador for football. I think he is an important figure in our game. I really could not be more humbled to have him out here to talk to the team.”


On if anything stands out about QB Baker Mayfield through the past weeks of training camp:


“He is pushing along. He has had some really good moments and some moments to learn from. That is the natural course of training camp. I think the defense has made our offense really really work. They have done a nice job of being tight in coverage. The pass rush and the run fits have been outstanding. It is a really good battle back and forth, and we have said that I know you want to score every practice, but I think these guys are trading blows every day.”

On if there was a particular reason the kickers kicked near the Dawg Pound:

“I knew you were going to ask me that (laughter). They came down this past week and kicked in the Dawg Pound so I made sure of that for you. We will work both sides as we get going.”

On if any young Browns players have stood out through this point in camp:

“That whole rookie class, they work really hard. That is no surprise to me because I was around them back in May seeing how they operate. They are pushing each other. I am pleased with all of those guys.”

On the first team offense not getting the results they wanted and if that helps when going back through film:


“You have to learn from every rep, good or bad. Certainly, it is not very fun when you learn from the bad reps, oftentimes for the players. We can teach off of it. It is our first time being in a two-minute team drill like that so communication just has to be on point. I thought the guys did a nice job, but you could say bad job by the offense and say good job by the defense. Just as long as we are continuing to learn and trying to get better with each rep.”

On if practice will be ramped up more on Tuesday after tomorrow’s off day ahead of the preseason game at Jacksonville:

“Not really. We are still in training camp mode. We will spend a little bit of time on Jacksonville on Thursday as we install a gameplan, but really, the focus for us is we have to get better at a lot of areas and we are not going to spend too much time on Jacksonville. Really, I should say, we will not spend time on that until Thursday. You are in training camp. There is a lot of work that needs to be done as opposed to putting in a gameplan to try to win the game.”


On if today’s practice marked the end of the first portion of training camp before things get ramped up in another phase:

“Not really. You get into where you are travelling and you are going to play some opponents, but we are definitely still in the dog days of training camp.”

On how his relationship with QB Baker Mayfield has evolved:

“It is like any relationship with all of those players. I feel like I know (WR) Jarvis (Landry) better. Jarvis can come up and tell me what he is seeing because we are not teaching the system brand new for all of the guys. I think certainly Baker, but all of those guys have made strides in understanding what we are doing. That is where the nuance comes in – I have talked about that before – where as coaches we can dive a little bit deeper into it. Baker is doing a nice job continuing to try and get better every day.”

On if he has an update on DE Takk McKinley:

“No.”


On how Mayfield is handling contract negotiations:

“Our guys are professionals. They understand there is a business side to this, but we keep it focused on practice and on the meeting room – that type of thing.”

On if Mayfield is locked in and not focused on the outside noise:

“I see him locked in.”

On if he ever met former Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden, who recently passed away:

“I did not. Condolences to the Florida State family and the Bowden family. A legend. I was reading about him this morning. The records are unbelievable.”
Posted By: PitDAWG Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/09/21 04:44 PM
I especially liked reading this....

Quote:
On if speeding up the tempo is part of taking the offense to the next level:

“It is the natural evolution of things. To say we are going to do it every game, I do not know that, but you have to have many ways to attack a defense. We want to make sure that we are growing in that regard. For us, we always look at each game as ‘How do we win this game? What does this game call for?’ That is what practice is for – working all these things.”


There have been many discussions about how "we are a running team" or "we are a passing team.

All along I've stated that a smart, good coach doesn't dictate one style to model. That you study each opponent, find their weaknesses and game plan to exploit those weaknesses whatever they may be. Not only will a good coach do that with their defense, but also their offense.

If your opponent has a top 10 run defense and a bottom 10 pass defense, a good coach will exploit that team with the passing game and visa versa.

Some fans claim that our team should dictate their will on the opposing team. It seems Stefanski feels your will to win is the most important and you do that by adjusting your game plan to exploit the weaknesses of your opponent.

One week we may be a passing team and the next week we may be a running team. We are certainly built with the talent to be either when the situation calls for it.
Posted By: oobernoober Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/09/21 04:58 PM
I'll admit that I'm starting to come around to this line of thinking. I don't think people calling our team 'a running team' at the beginning of last year was out of line. Our passing game (put another way, Baker) made huge progress over the course of last season. Browns definitely have an offense that's built to hurt defenses in different ways, but that was certainly NOT the case less than a year ago.
Posted By: PitDAWG Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/09/21 05:07 PM
I agree. People try to use the analogy that he's a "system QB". But I think that's a term that is often misused as it is here. Sure you can implement a system that takes advantage of your teams strong points if you have weaknesses.

But no matter the system, a QB and the entire team needs some time to adjust to any new system. Simply looking at last years record indicates it didn't take long for this team and Baker to adjust and now we can score on opposing teams and win whether it's via the pass or the run.
Posted By: 10YrOvernightSuccess Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/09/21 08:45 PM
Originally Posted By: bonefish

I have watched every press conference KS has given.

Some head coaches seem to view the press as adversaries. They act guarded and short. Like the press is trying to get them in a gotcha moment.

Kevin looks directly at the person asking the question. Listens and responds. He answers the question but will never go overboard in praise nor will he ever slight a player.

He praises and supports his coaches. He is always on the moment trying to improve. That goes for himself and others.

He epitomises the phrase "have a plan; work the plan."

We are fortunate to have him as our head coach.


It’s called being a professional. I remember in past years with lots of past coaches and many posters on this board and elsewhere that wanted a highly emotional firebrand type, someone to really whip the team into shape (but really just reflect the anger of the fans). Stoicism, thoughtfulness, emotional sobriety and reservedness is often foolishly mistaken for passivity. But the best leaders IMO are almost always the adults in the room, the steady guiding hand, they think before the speak/act and don’t lose control of their emotions. They can absolutely marshal emotions when they need to but most days it’s about work, clearly communicating objectives and expectations and holding the team to them. The bigger and more dynamic the organization, the more you need your leader to be in control of themself. I would also contend they also need to be recognized as smart, confident and credible at a glance. But emotional smarts and self control are near the top of the list.

Needless to say, I hated the kitchen’s hire 10 seconds into the 1st interview I watched of his.
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/11/21 12:19 PM
From Yesterday

Opening statement:

“(LB) Anthony Walker (Jr.) will be back out there, which is great. Will see him go through some individual. (DE) Myles Garrett is dealing with a hamstring injury so we will hold him out. (CB) Denzel (Ward) is dealing with some soreness – we are going to rest him. There will be a few other guys that we are being smart with.”


On if Garrett’s injury is day to day:

“Yes.”

On if he expects Garrett to play on Saturday:

“We will talk about who is playing and that plan later in the week.”

On what has been most impressive about CB Greg Newsome II:

“When you are playing defensive back, it is and occupational hazard to get beat and there are those humbling moments. He is doing a nice job. He is so diligent about his work, understanding his job, understanding his techniques and constantly working on them to fine tune them. That is part of being a rookie, and particularly at that position where you are going up against some really good players. Some vets have some really crafty moves that you are going to see. It is only going to make him better.”

On how important it is for a rookie like Newsome to have humility:

“All of these guys are different. I have been around many different personalities, but I appreciate Greg. He is very authentic, and I think his teammates are enjoying getting to know him.”

On how Newsome has improved in the slot:

“He is doing a nice job. With all of these guys, you are trying to cross train them but be smart about not giving them too much and understand what rookies can handle what. He is somebody who we certainly want to take a look at outside and inside because oftentimes, you will end up inside even if you are playing outside corner. He is doing a nice job, and we are just continuing to bring him along appropriately.”


On if he prefers for WR Odell Beckham Jr. to be assimilated into team drills before or after the joint practices with the New York Giants:

“It does not matter. We are just making sure that we are being smart, taking everything into account and getting the work in that he is getting on the field and in the weight room. Taking it all in with the advice of the medical professionals, but when and who that is worth does not matter.”

On if TE is one of the toughest positions to transition from college to the pros:

“It can be. I would tell you there are not many tight ends that have their hand in the dirt and are base blocking a 6 technique or cutting off a 6 technique and getting involved in combinations with the tackle. We certainly see guys come from the collegiate level who have not done those things so there can be a learning curve. (TE) Harrison (Bryant) is as coachable as they get so he has listened intently over the course of this last year, and I think you are seeing some of the nuance in his game start to appear as he understands what it being asked of him.”


On if he can notice Bryant put on weight in the offseason:


“Yeah, I did. You notice it right when you see him for the first time. You want to put the right weight on and still be able to move around. I think he has done that. He looks good.”

On how he and tight ends coach Drew Petzing decide who to play among the TEs and when to play them:

“What you are trying to do is play everybody to their strengths. We are not at the point of game planning yet and saying, ‘This play is in for this player. This play is in for that player.’ Ultimately, we will get there, and understanding what their strengths are and asking a guy to do something that he is good at is part of our job. We have a year-plus with our tight ends and understanding what each one of those guys do, and they complement each other and they feed off of each other. They really push each other to compete. That is part of our job as you get to game planning is making sure that you are specific about where you are putting each guy.”

On if he game plans in the preseason:

“It is all part of the process. It is all part of the evaluation, but you do not want the guys to be thinking when they are playing. Similar to being on the practice field, you want them just to play, react and go. We will spend a little bit of time on our next two opponents. We will treat Atlanta like a game week in terms of schedule, but it is not like we are going to be doing everything in our power to game plan like crazy. Just want the guys to acclimated back to that regular seasons schedule.”


On if there is anything he is most looking forward to doing this preseason that he did not get to do last season:

“No, not really. What we had to do last year going down to the stadium and go through our pregame warmups, that was one thing you had to do because you do not want to show up to Week 1 and the guys are asking how do you warm up. It will just be three dress rehearsals, if you will, to get used to those type of things.”

On if offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt will call plays for a full game during the preseason:

“No, Alex will call some of it. I might have some of the other coaches call it, too, and get them some reps calling some plays. That is kind of an important part of development , as well. We are working through all of that right now.”

On the Browns working out multiple players this week, including QBs, and if the team hopes to add a ‘developmental QB’ to the roster:

“AB (Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry) and the guys do a great job of keeping tabs of who is out there. Specifically to say we have to get a ‘developmental guy’ in there, it is really just making sure we keep tabs on a bunch of guys.”


On CB Greg Newsome II saying WR Jarvis Landry is one of the NFL’s best route runners, if he agrees and what makes Landry so good at it:

“Yeah, I do agree with that. There are a lot things. First of all, he is so competitive. When the ball is in the air, he goes and gets it and his hands are so strong. He had a play over here on a shallow cross where (CB) Troy Hill is all over him, and he just snatches that ball. He is a very competitive catcher of the football. He has a savviness to him. He makes very hard cuts coming out of his breaks. Just that competitive nature is what really defines him.”

On determining how much of a game assistant coaches may call during the preseason:

“We are working through it. AVP has done it. Obviously, he has done it previously in his career, but there are certain guys where I want them to know what it is like to call plays. It may be the second-to-last series of the fourth quarter that somebody get some reps of doing that.”


On if he has ever distributed play calling duties to other coaches in that fashion in the past:

“I have never done it, but I know of other teams who have done it. I think it is really smart.”

On why it is smart to give other assistant coaches the opportunity to call plays in preseason games:

“Getting guys reps. Just developing the coaches. I tell the story of my first time calling plays was my first time calling plays. I am worried about how to press the button and send the play in, when if I could not figure that out, we had bigger problems than previously thought. I just want those guys to go through that experience.”

On if COVID-19 plays a factor into allowing other assistant coaches to call plays, especially given he missed last season’s playoff game:

“It does not.”

On if he first called plays in a preseason game:


“In a regular season game.”

On if he was nervous during his first time calling plays in a game:

“Yeah, very nervous. You would be, too (laughter).”

On if he wished he had the opportunity to practice calling games sooner than he had to officially for the first time:

“Respectfully, I do not think it is that big of a deal. I just think it is good for guys to get reps at it.”

On the focus of allowing assistant coaches to call plays in the preseason being their personal development rather than team contingency plans:

“Yes.”

On if his first play call during his first game calling plays worked:

“Yes, it did.”

On what DT Malik Jackson is contributing to the Browns now:


“Leadership. He has been outstanding in the meeting rooms and on the practice field. He is a really nice schematic fit. He comes off of the ball. He is aggressive. He is long. He has done a nice job.”

On the value of new veteran additions bringing leadership to a team:

“Certainly, you look at our defense and (DE) Myles Garrett obviously, but to bring in Malik, (LB) Anthony (Walker) and (S) John Johnson (III) all on three different levels and throw Troy Hill in the mix – guys who are not afraid to take leadership roles on is important when you are talking about a defense gelling or a team gelling.”

On DE Porter Gustin rotating in when Garrett is resting and if other players will rotate in that ‘starting spot’:

“We will rotate a lot of those guys. It is reps. There are no jobs that are nailed down. We have to see a lot of guys. We will weave them in.”

On what DT Jordan Elliott’s second year will look like:


“That remains to be seen. These guys are still going through the process of training camp, figuring out their roles and those types of things. I would say with any player in Year 2, the comfort level with what of being asked of you and the comfort level organizationally should allow you to take that next step. Jordan is no different than all of those guys. He is doing a good job and he has to continue to do it. The fun part for these preseason guys is they get to see those guys go, play football, play a bunch of series and see how they respond to having to go back out there.”

On if DT Malik McDowell’s oblique may be a long-term injury:

“I would not call it long term, but we will be smart as he works through it.”
Posted By: Milk Man Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/11/21 05:41 PM
j/c...

Posted By: Ballpeen Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/11/21 08:07 PM
I wonder what Paul Brown would have to say about soreness?
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/11/21 10:06 PM
From today 8/11/21

On injury updates for TE David Njoku, DE Myles Garrett, CB Denel Ward and DE Jadeveon Clowney:

“David in particular is working through an injury. I think we will see him out there limited. The rest of the guys, we are just going to continue to be smart with them and see what they can do off of the field as we make sure we are taking care of them in the short term.”


On CB Denzel Ward’s injury and soreness being ‘mysterious’ to media to some degree:

“Not trying to be mysterious. He is working through some soreness, but he is doing a nice job. He is close.”

On what makes offensive line coach Bill Callahan so special:

“He is very sharp. He is meticulous. He coaches his guys hard, but he is very fair. He has a great demeanor. He is excellent as a game planner. He has been through a lot and he has seen a lot as a coach so he provides great value there to myself and to the other assistant coaches. Just on a specific technique level, he and (assistant offensive line coach) Scott Peters do an outstanding job with our players in getting them better and utilizing techniques that get them better. He is obviously outstanding in that regard.”

On if he has asked Browns leadership for a bigger indoor field house, given practice is taking place inside today:

“No. We can get our work done in there. It is going to be a lot of bodies. It is going to be hot and humid, but we can get our work done.”


On if practice will be scaled back today, given it will be inside:

“Obviously, we would prefer to be outside if we can. Unfortunately, we have to go inside. The good news is we are working red zone today and we are working goal line today so those are smaller area drills, if you will. We have been in there before with the full team. We will space out as much as we can. The intensity ramps up when you are inside, there is shorter area and you are not running from one field to the other. We will definitely get our work done.”

On the outlook for S Grant Delpit, who sustained a hamstring injury during training camp after having a season-ending injury last year:

“He is working hard to get back out there. You can’t rush that process. When he is ready, he will be out there. Reps are a premium. We all know that. We talk about it all the time. There is no substitute for those reps so when he is ready, he is going to get a bunch of them. It is what you do with those reps that matters, as you all know.”

On C JC Tretter taking himself out of a drill yesterday but returning later and his thought process when seeing a player potentially get injured:


“You do not want anyone to get injured at any point. As we all are well aware and the players are well aware, injuries are part of this game. We try to do everything in our power to stay safe, protect each other and practice really hard while taking care of each other. They try to do everything in their power prior to practice and training wise to make sure they are ready. The stark reality is that injuries are part of the game. Fortunately, that was nothing serious for JC. When I see something like that happen, I wait for the trainer to come over and give me an update – got a good one in that particular play. Just have to make sure we get our work done and continue to take care of each other.”

On if it is good to have a competitive and heated practice as long as players are taking care of each other like yesterday:

“Definitely. It was hot out there. The guys when they were walking by me, I could hear their feet squishing because they have all the sweat in their feet. You get hot and it can get physical, but the guys understand there is a way we practice. We can get a lot of work done and take care of each other and be physical. You can fit up the runner and let him run. You can ball search. An offensive lineman can have a defensive lineman in position where in a normal game you would drive him into the ground, but you hold him up because he is your teammate, and it is vice versa. A safety could have a kill shot on a wide receiver coming over the middle, and you do not take that because it is your teammate. The guys understand how we practice and how important it is to get our work in and do it safely.”


On DEs Porter Gustin and Curtis Weaver:

“They are doing a nice job. The guys understand how we want to play from a technical standpoint and from a scheme standpoint. Those defensive line individual drills are competitive. You see the guys pushing each other. To see those young guys out there getting reps and doing a nice job is important. It is going to be important to do today and then do it under the lights down in Jacksonville so we can evaluate these guys.”

On if he will be calling offensive plays during the regular season:

“Yes.”

On if he is more comfortable calling plays in his second year in the system:

“I think that is kind of what it is. You have a year under your belt as an offensive staff, the communication that has to occur during a game and the communication that occurs between me and the defensive staff and the game management side of things. We do have a year under our belt. We know how we want to be better. We know how we can communicate better. Just talking about play calling, it does give me the opportunity to mention, we do it very collaboratively. I am very, very fortunate to have coaches on my staff who have called plays before and guys who are outstanding on game day in particular in making sure that I have all of the information that I need.”


On the first thing that pops into his head when thinking about G Wyatt Teller:

“I met his wife yesterday so I have to say something nice (laughter). Tenacious. Physical football player. Oftentimes is playing through the echo of the whistle. He brings certainly a physicality to that group.”

On how infectious Teller’s attitude and toughness can be for a team:

“A lot of teams have that guy that plays a style, and if you are fortunate, you have multiple versions of that player. It is a physical football game. To be able to have guys, particularly along the offensive and defensive line like we do, who play that physical brand of football, it just plays into who we are as a team. Wyatt is certainly part of that.”

On if QB Baker Mayfield will play this week at Jacksonville and other details on play time in the first preseason game:

“Baker is not going to play in this game. I will give you that. I will let you guys know tomorrow. I will give you a rundown tomorrow.”


On confirming Mayfield will not play at Jacksonville:

“Confirmed. Will not play.”
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/11/21 10:25 PM
I wonder WHY Mayfield isn't playing is the thought process that most of the offense played last year without Pre-Season and they all understand their rolls and the risk of injury isn't worth the marginal amount of work they would get anyway.

If memory serves me correctly most teams play one series then shut it down. Does that mean that game 2 becomes the dress rehearsal game and for sure game 3 non of the starters will get much if any work?
Posted By: superbowldogg Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/11/21 10:27 PM
glad to see baker is not playing
Posted By: GratefulDawg Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/12/21 12:25 AM
Posted By: oobernoober Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/12/21 01:54 PM
I expressed skepticism about not giving starters preseason reps in another thread. I just don't think the offense as a whole is to the point where we're in sync and don't really need preseason anymore (but I'm also NOT the coach nor am I at practices, so what do I really know?).
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/12/21 03:24 PM
Originally Posted By: oobernoober
I expressed skepticism about not giving starters preseason reps in another thread. I just don't think the offense as a whole is to the point where we're in sync and don't really need preseason anymore (but I'm also NOT the coach nor am I at practices, so what do I really know?).


And to top it all off for me I truly trust these folks to get it right. In the past that wasn't so but with the bunch we have running things now I truly just sit back
Posted By: thedawggene Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/12/21 03:30 PM
OOBER,

Agree that our offense should not be considered a finished product in no need of practice, but I think that's the wrong judgement to be made. The question is whether you'd rather have a series more of live action/tape or a 0% chance of injury. Especially as injury risk is already going up with 17 games, I think you make every effort to reduce that risk unless the benefit is really significant. 1 series against Jax? Meh.
Posted By: THROW LONG Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/12/21 03:56 PM
Baker has yet to play in a preseason opener #1. any of the 3 years of his career. (True or False?)

Either way I don't think it's significant.
Posted By: PrplPplEater Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/12/21 07:33 PM
There's Pros and Cons to either approach, and then there is the part where the coaches have one fewer game in which to evaluate the guys filling the spots not taken by starters.

The starters will get to spend all of next week running reps against another team before the next pre-season game.

It's a decent trade-off, I think. The bubble guys get just that little bit extra time to put something on film and the starters get to avoid any chance of injury for one more week.
Posted By: GratefulDawg Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/12/21 09:40 PM
Posted By: Pdawg Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/15/21 02:39 AM
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/16/21 11:03 AM
Daily Pressor,

BEREA, Ohio – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski answered questions Sunday during an off day for the team.

Here’s a transcript, as provided by the Browns’ media-relations department:

Opening statement:

“Injury front, still awaiting test results on those guys we talked about [last night] so I do not have an update there. Just looking at the tape and like we talked about, I really was proud of the guys in how they competed. I really thought the guys gave great effort out there. We had great meetings this morning pointing out all of those things that we have to clean up. It is a bunch of little things that together they can become a big thing. Making sure that the emphasis is on cleaning up some mistakes and reminding the guys that we are very much in training camp mode so we have a lot of work left to do.”


On if last night was a relatively clean preseason game, given the limited penalties and other factors:

“I think that is fair. I think the operation was good. I like the communication with the coaches. I thought the communication between the coaches and the players was really good. On the sideline, the guys were doing a nice job of making corrections and then taking it out to the field. They were on point. Definitely things we need to clean up. The pre-snap penalties are the ones that are really inexcusable.”

On if he got into a pretty good flow with play calling last night:

“For the preseason games, we do not game plan. It is so generic and so vanilla because we are just trying to make sure the guys can play fast and not worry about scheming it up, so of speak. In terms of flow, we are trying to make sure that we are getting multiple run types and we are getting multiple pass types, making sure that you are mixing in plays so that you can evaluate as opposed to going down there with a goal of scoring a bunch of points and defending, as well.”

On if anticipates he will be able to share an injury update today:


“I do not. I will not have that information until later, but I will get that to you ASAP.”

On when did LB Mack Wilson’s shoulder injury occurred:

“It was early in the game – one of the first couple of plays and just dinged that shoulder. Honestly, not exactly sure which play it was. I can vividly remember him grabbing him. We will see how he comes out of it after the MRI.”

On if the Browns expect some injured players back to practice this week, including some of the players who sustained hamstring injuries:

“A lot of those guys are really close and I am optimistic about it, but I want to get to Tuesday to see exactly where everybody is. Use these next days, today and tomorrow, as part of that rehab, but I am optimistic that we will get some guys back.”


On T James Hudson III’s performance last night:


“James did a nice job for his first night out there. It was not perfect. It was pointed out to him that it was not perfect. (Offensive line) Coach (Bill Callahan) does a great job of being very clear with those guys of what he expects in terms of technique. James had some nice moments and some moments I know he wants back. He played both sides of the line for us. He is somebody who we are going to continue to grow. The kid wants to work, and he really wants to be coached so that is always a good thing.”

On how beneficial it is for the team to have a veteran QB like QB Case Keenum playing last night to help younger players:

“That is a big part of playing that position is how you are in the huddle, that the guys believe in what you are saying to them and that you are speaking to them clearly. There is so much that goes into playing quarterback. Case obviously has a bunch of games under his belt. There are certain plays… I will give you for instance he had a play there in the first half where he was going on a quick count, but then the receivers were not aligned properly so he had to slow it down. There is a way to do that and make sure that you talk to your linemen and understand that, ‘Hey, we are not in the quick count anymore.’ Little things like that I think all of the young players can learn from.”


On what stood out most about LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s performance and where Owusu-Koramoah can make improvements:

“If you watched it live and then even watching it on tape, he did make splash plays. He made good tackles along the sideline. He made a nice play on that screen. He needs to clean up his eye progression, and he understands that and the coaches are working very hard. To really play fast in this league, it is when you are not thinking. I think he is getting there. With a lot of work, I think he will get there. Overall, he understands there is plenty of work to be done.”

On if Owusu-Koramoah earned future opportunities with the first team defense during last night’s preseason game:

“All of these guys as we continue to progress through training camp, we will continue to meet as coaches and discuss those type of things. With all of our rookies, as you know, we bring them up all on different timeframes. Some guys are ready for more. Some guys are not. We will make that on a case-by-case basis.”


On how CB Greedy Williams and T Chris Hubbard are doing after playing in last night’s preseason game following season-ending injuries:

“I think Hub was in there for 17 plays and Greedy 18. That was kind of our plan going into it. It was good exposure for them. I mentioned it the other night but I will say it again, really proud of those guys to be out there Preseason Game 1 off of those injuries. They rehabbed like crazy. They did a nice job. The next step is coming back to practice, work that soreness out type things and continue to build.”

On RB Demetric Felton and if the team plans to play him at RB in the second preseason game:

“We have had some early discussions on that. I think we will see how the week goes. We know he can do both. At some point, yes, we want to get a look at him at that position, but I am not ready to say that it will be this game.”

On the Browns could potentially keep three QBs:

“I think that is discussions that are ongoing. I thought both (QB) Case (Keenum) and (QB) Kyle (Lauletta) did a nice job last night, but any question related to the roster I can tell you is just ongoing.”


On CB Greg Newsome II’s performance last night:

“He did a nice job. That one big play was a pretty good play – a pretty good throw and a pretty good catch. It is hard to cover a guy for that long. That is where rush and coverage tie together. All in all, I think Greg had a nice night. It was the first time out there for him so a lot of these guys you have to remember the butterflies, the anxiety and that first time under lights, and now, they get that out of the way and hopefully can play a little bit freer in the next one.”

On WR Davion Davis’ TD catch last night after joining the team during training camp:

“I thought it was awesome. You just look at the boundary when he scored and how excited the sideline was. DD is a great kid. Works very hard. It is funny, (wide receivers) Coach (Chad) O’Shea recently in one of their wide receiver meetings showed a highlight reel catch that Davion had in college so when the ball was in the air, I had that going through my mind. The kid came down with it and made a great play.”


On what WR Anthony Schwartz showed at the beginning in training camp prior to sustaining an injury:

“We are eager to get him back. He is progressing nicely. Optimistic on some of these guys, but we will see as we go. Anthony in particular has done a very nice job. Extremely attentive in meetings. He is going to be ready to go mentally. What we saw, the speed is real. (QB) Baker (Mayfield) and he got a lot of work together in the early portion of training camp when he was out there, which I think is really important for any battery to understand each other, if you will. We are excited to get him back out here. As it relates to hands, all of our guys are working on their craft. I think they do a great job of getting extra work in, whether it be pre-practice, post-practice, etc. A lot of our rookies are working very hard on the extra stuff that they can do to try and become better players because they are still rookies and they are going to be rookies for a pretty long time here.”

On WR JoJo Natson’s performance last night:

“JoJo did a great job. Glad you mentioned him. Another guy coming off of an injury, coming off of surgery, battling out there on the practice field and to be out there in preseason game number one and making plays on special teams and playing offense – he had some really nice reps on offense, as well – he did a good job. JoJo, you are always going to feel his speed when he is on the field. I thought he showed that a few times.”


On how the Browns will approach the practice week, including joint practices with the New York Giants on Thursday and Friday that could result in Tuesday and Wednesday practices being lighter:

“Tuesday and Wednesday will be lighter days. As we get the Giants in here, those practices will be ramped up more in terms of reps. We have a four-day block so we will be smart in the first two.”
Posted By: hitt Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/17/21 01:30 AM
Ditto, we have Coach of Year, outstanding line coach, solid staff, and we are limiting best players injury chances....smart. Look what happened to our TE, gone in one play. These games mean nothing until Sept...I trust our team....GO Browns!!!
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/18/21 02:30 PM
Yesterdays pressor:

BEREA, Ohio – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski answered questions from reporters prior to Tuesday’s training camp practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.

Here’s a transcript, as provided by the Browns’ media-relations department:

Opening statement:

“Good to see everybody. Injury front, (LB) Mack Wilson is day to day with a shoulder injury. I know you guys saw the news on (TE) Stephen Carlson – he will be out for the season. Really feel for Steve. Important part of this team. He is going rehab, I know, and come back even stronger. We will get some guys back today off of the injury list and back out on the field. Looking forward to a good couple practices here and then get the Giants in here Thursday and Friday.




“Condolences to the Schafrath family (following the passing of Browns Legend Dick Shafrath). An Ohio man – Ohio State, a Cleveland Brown. A legend. I was not fortunate enough to meet him, but again, condolences to his family.”

On the plan for WR Odell Beckham Jr. this week:

“Ramping him up appropriately. It is what we have been doing the whole time. He will be out there today and get some good work in.”

On if Beckham will participate in the joint practices with the NY Giants:

“We will kind of take things day by day.”

On which Browns players will be returning to practice today:

“I think (S) Grant (Delpit), (S) Ronnie (Harrison Jr.) and (WR) Anthony Schwartz. With everybody, we are just trying to make sure we are smart. As you know, the guys that maybe are not practicing are getting a ton of work inside. We are just going to make sure that we are smart about all of these guys.”


On if Wilson dodged a significant injury:

“All of those injuries are big deals, but yeah, I think we dodged anything long term. He is going to work hard. Hopefully, we see him sooner than later.”

On if DE Jadeveon Clowney will practice today:

“We will rest Jadeveon.”

On if Clowney is dealing with a specific injury:

“With all of these guys, they have things that are bothering them, and we are working through it.”

On CB Denzel Ward’s injury status:

“He is working really hard. Was running after this. We are getting close.”

On if the goal is for Ward and Clowney to be available for the joint practices with the NY Giants:

“Honestly, you would love to have all of those guys available today but just want to be smart about it. Specifically to those Giants practices, we will see when they are ready, if they are ready.”

On how and when the Browns will decide who plays on Sunday:

“We will wait until we get through Thursday and Friday to make the determinations.”


On if the Browns starters need to play in either of the remaining preseason games:

“Like we have talked about, we will make determinations based on every individual player as we get going in these next couple of games. That is something that is ongoing conversations.”

On the contingency plan for joint practices if it rains Thursday or Friday:

“Do not say that. Do not try to speak it into existence there (laughter). We have contingency plans, but we are hoping that does not happen.”

On if the joint practices with the NY Giants could be held at FirstEnergy Stadium if it rains:

“That is not one of the things we talked about. Obviously, we would love for it to be safe out here for both teams.”


On if the Browns potentially are being ‘overly cautious’ with the players who are being held out of practices due to injuries:


“I want to say we are being appropriately cautious. I just want to make sure we are doing the right thing by each player. As you know, we are treating each player specifically to their condition and what they need.”

On if any of the young Browns DEs have stood out with additional reps:

All of those guys played, we got some really good reps from them. They played really hard. There were a ton of passing situations where they could rush the passer and try to disrupt the quarterback. I would not single any one guy out. I would just tell you, I was really pleased with how they came off the ball and were constantly working their technique.”

On what WR Davion Davis has to do to earn a spot on the roster, given the team’s depth at WR:

“Davion has to do what every young player is doing right now – I think they have to show up, be professional about their job, be attentive in those meeting rooms and put some great work out here together with their teammates on the field, and really, that is all they can control. I think Davion is a great example of a young player who is just going to control the things that he can control.”


On his message to the team ahead of the joint practices with the NY Giants about the balance between intensity and practicing smart:

“I have talked about it with a few of the guys. I will talk with the entire team about it as we get closer to it. Really, it is not any different than when we are out here today and how we have been out here. We get some really good work in, and we take care of each other. It is because we respect each other. It is no different when the Giants come in here. They are our guests, and we want to make sure that we work, we work hard and we compete against each other, but we are always going to be taking care of each other and making sure that it is a safe, controlled environment.”

On if it seems inevitable that players from each team will be going at it or fight during the joint practices:

“I would not say that it is inevitable. I think it is incumbent upon both teams and the veterans on those teams to make sure that they understand that this is a work trip. We have two days of practice versus the Giants, we are playing them on Sunday and both teams are looking forward to getting some good work in.”


On if there are concerns that the NY Giants have shown a willingness to fight each other prior to arriving in Cleveland:

“No. Again, I am worried about the Cleveland Browns.”

On if WR Davion Davis performance on Saturday was a strong argument to have preseason games:

“I think it is a great opportunity for those guys – young players, sophomores – getting a ton of reps, and you can only get so many out there. To see all those guys get plenty of reps the other night was awesome. We are looking forward to doing that again with these guys. They need to play and then give opportunities for them to show what they can do.”

On if practicing indoors will be an option if the weather is not up to par during joint practices with the NY Giants:

“We would have to think about it.”


On the contingency plan if there is inclement weather:

“Talk to (Chief of Staff) Callie (Brownson).”

On if TE Stephen Carlson or WR Ryan Switzer will need surgery:

“Stephen Carlson? Yes. Ryan Switzer is always undergoing surgery.”

On if Switzer’s injury happened right after he scored the TD at Jacksonville:

“I am not entirely sure.”

On if Carlson’s injury has the team reconsidering the potential for a fourth TE on the roster:

“All of these spots when you look up and down the roster, there are battles for all these spots. Obviously, you take a good player like Steve out of the mix, unfortunately, it opens up opportunities for other guys to see if they can go grab that spot.”

On if the Browns needs four TEs for the offense or if he is comfortable going with three TEs:




“We will see how it all shakes out. It is our job to put the best players on the field and play to the strengths of your team. Ultimately, (Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager) Andrew (Berry) and his staff, along with the coaches, will make those determinations down the road.”

On if he has had any major deviations through training camp:

“We really have not. We have tried to plan this out. We will make minor alterations here or there if we need to see extra work in a specific area, but all in all, this is kind of how we planned it.”

On if there will be no tackling to the ground during the NY Giants joint practices:

“Correct.”
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/20/21 02:30 AM
Daily Pressor

BEREA, Ohio – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski answered questions from reporters following Thursday’s joint training camp practice with the Giants at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.

Here’s a transcript, as provided by the Browns’ media-relations department:

Opening statement:

“Good to see everybody. Got some good work in there with the Giants. Really thought it was competitive. The guys understood that we are here to get some work done. I thought on both sides, we did that. Really good situational periods for specials teams, for offense and for defense. We will link up tomorrow, get another good workday in, take a day off and then play the Giants on Sunday.”


On WR Rashard Higgins’ TD pass in practice:

“We will have to look at the tape. I was right there. I was very close to blowing that dead for a sack. It very well could have been a sack.”

On if or how tomorrow’s practice will be different:

“A few less reps. Red zone work always reduces the field obviously so we will take care of some of those route runners.”

On if there is anything of note with RB Kareem Hunt since RBs Demetric Felton and D’Ernest Johnson were taking more reps today:

“No, just getting them on the field.”

On LBs Sione Takitaki and Jacob Philips leaving practice with an injury:

“I do not have an update on those guys, but obviously, we will see how it goes here when I meet with the trainer.”

On if it was planned for WR Anthony Schwartz to be on the exercise bike today:

“Yes, just part of the plan.”


On an update on DE Takk McKinley:

“I do not have an update there. I am just going to keep that between Takk and myself.”

On how tough it is for Schwartz to learn to slow himself down rather than going full speed all of the time:

“When you are running routes, sometimes you talk about running at 92 percent because if you run it at full speed, it is just the turn is too severe. He needs to utilize his speed because the DB knows he is fast so you are going to get that cushion because of that speed but then you have to know when to drop it down a gear to be able to make some of those turns.”

On if the team accomplished a lot of what was hoped today:

“Yeah, I thought it was really good competition on both sides. I was on the far field there with our offense versus their defense, but I was trying to peek over between plays. I thought it was really competitive work. To be able to finish in a two-minute drive I think is a big deal because in these games you can’t predict if you are going to get a two-minute drive. It was good, solid work.”


On T Jedrick Wills Jr. saying he was ‘trash’ last year and is much better now and if he has seen a difference in Wills’ play:

“I really do think he has come a long way. Personally and professionally, I just think he has been very much about his business. I have noticed. I know his teammates have noticed, as well.”


On what it means to have a veteran like WR Jarvis Landry who says he loves practice and displayed it today:


“He is a very competitive dude. He wants to win every drill. He wants to win when they do releases. He wants to win one on ones. He wants to win the team period. That sets the tone for our team. We understand that the wins and losses come on Sunday, but you really can be out here and be competitive and try to win each practice if you will.”

On having Landry as a resource and example for young Browns players:

“I think there are a bunch of examples of guys like that on our team that the young players can go to. I think it is such a big deal how young players are raised in this league. If you are in a really good room, you are set up for a really good career. I think we have examples of that really across the roster. Jarvis in particular is always willing to share trade secrets with those guys so it is fun to watch them work together.”

On what has he seen from CB Greg Newsome II in terms of growth and comfort:

“He is doing a nice job. He is the type of kid who you do not see him make the same mistake twice. He will make a mistake – he is a rookie that is par for the course – but then he corrects it. He wants to do it exactly how it is coached and use the technique exactly how (defensive coordinator) Joe (Woods) and (pass game coordinator/defensive backs coach) Jeff (Howard) and (assistant defensive backs) Brandon (Lynch) are coaching him. I see a very conscientious player.”


On if it was a cool moment to see teammates huddle around CB Greedy Williams after a pass breakup, given the injury recovery:

“I think that was a really nice play. Right in front of our sideline. Knew when to bring his hands up and defend the pass. A really nice play by Greedy. As you guys know, Greedy to be back where he is, to fight through what he had to fight through to get to where he is and play at a high level speaks volumes of the type of competitor he is.”

On how much can the two joint practice with the NY Giants help the Browns and special teams coordinator Mike Priefer sort through options in the return game:

“It is really important work that we are getting today. We will get some more tomorrow. They catch punts and kicks before practice. They catch punts and kicks after practice. We are getting a lot of exposure to those guys. Certainly, going against a different scheme, the intensity picks up a little bit. At these preseason games, the intensity picks up. It is certainly all a part of it.”

On if he has seen TE David Njoku become more consistent in the past year:


“Yeah, for sure. Dave works really hard on his craft. It shows up in his run blocking, his pass blocking, his route running and his catching. I think he is an example of a guy that has been willing to work on his craft, and I think he is getting better.”

On the value of Njoku’s jumping ability and size:

“Some of those tight ends I have been around over the years, just their sheer size, they are always open. You just have to go vertically up to go get the ball where you do not have to create separation horizontally in a lot of cases. Dave and (TE Austin Hooper) Hoop, our guys, I think they are very friendly targets for the quarterback.”

On if the Browns wanted Wills to be lighter than last year and gain muscle:

“I do not know the exact number that we gave him for his report weight, but he reported right in that window. He is working hard. He works hard with our nutritionist so he is very aware of where he needs to be.”


On if Wills is better with his hands than last year, given Wills shared that was the case:

“Yeah, I do see it, and I would hope he gets better every year. These guys work very, very hard during practice, before practice, after practice and in between periods. He is a guy who is constantly learning under (offensive line) Coach (Bill) Callahan and under (assistant offensive line) Coach (Scott) Peters. A lot of that is hand placement for the offensive line. I do think I see a guy that is improving.”

On if LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah getting reps with the first team is the result of the preseason game performance:”I would not characterize it as that, but I would just tell you, he is definitely playing fast on the field. He is making plays. We had a couple of injuries early in the practice so we had to play everybody over the course of the practice. It is just the natural progression of things for him.”

On if LB Jacob Phillips left practice early:

“We lost Phillips and Taki during practice. I do not have an update on their injuries, but we were down two linebackers.”

On if RB Demetric Felton will play at RB against the Giants, given Felton took his reps there today:

“Yeah, it is trending that way. If everything remains the same with our receiver depth, we should be able to get him in there at running back.”
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/21/21 11:45 AM
Day 2 of Giants Browns

BEREA, Ohio – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski answered questions from reporters following Friday’s training camp practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.

Here’s a transcript, as provided by the Browns’ media-relations department:

Opening statement:

“Good to see everybody. First of all, thank you to the Giants and to (NY Giants Head) Coach (Joe) Judge for coming out here and getting two really good days of work in. We will take a break and then we will play those guys on Sunday. I thought it was really, really good work in both days situationally. Pleased with that. On Sunday playing the Giants, we will have a very similar plan that we had this last ballgame in terms of the guys that we rested, but I am going to work through that with the coaches coming off the field just to see what our depth chart looks like and that type of thing and the rotations, but that will be our plan on Sunday.”


On tempers rising today and if that is why the coaches called everyone together during the red zone drill:

“It was. There was only a little bit left in practice and just wanted to make sure we finished it strong and finished it smart. Joe did the same thing with his team. The guys get it. It was hotter today. Obviously, down in the red zone, there is condensed space so the intensity was raised. That is OK. It is football. It is a physical game and it is an emotional game, But I was pleased with how the guys kept that in check.”

On if QB Baker Mayfield will not play on Sunday against the NY Giants:

“Correct.”

On if Mayfield will play against the Falcons:

“What is today? Friday? We will see next week.”

On if the majority of starters are resting on Sunday even though DEs Jadeveon Clowney and Myles Garrett were back practicing today:

“Exactly. They fit in the majority. Yeah, they are just in the normal progression of their rehab.”


On an update on CB Greedy Williams and C Nick Harris:

“I do not have an update on those guys, no.”

On how LB Jacob Phillips sustained the injury in practice yesterday:

“I saw it happen on the tape. He just reached out and was trying to defend a guy running a route. Very unfortunate. I feel for Jacob, but he will bounce back. He will attack that rehab.”

On if Phillips will need surgery:

“He will have surgery, yes.”


On if the hope is for Phillips to make it back for the end of the year:


“I think we will see. I think Andrew will address that.”

On an update on LB Tony Fields II:

“I am hopeful, but no real update. He is just doing a nice job in his rehab and then we will see how it goes.”

On if there is an updated timeline for CB Greedy Williams:

“No, I do not have an update.”

On if it extra disappointing that Williams fought so hard to come back from last year and is missing time again:

“No. He is battling. He is competitive. We will just deal with each day, but I am hopeful.”

On if he saw the fistfight after practice:

“I did not. That is news to me. Thank you for breaking that to me. I do not know.

On another player sharing the two were playing around but it seeming real to the media:

“I will have to get an update on that one.”

On how good it is to know that QB Baker Mayfield is very focused on taking acre of the football and eliminating pre-snap penalties:


“I think that is part of playing that position. Obviously, you start with how you take care of the ball. You touch it every play. That just falls in line with what we believe as a team in terms of how important the turnover margin is because that is something that (offensive coordinator) AVP (Alex Van Pelt) and our entire offense is coaching very hard. The pre-snap penalties just fall under we want to have a very clean operation.”

On DT Sheldon Day:

“He has done a nice job. He gets in there. He does a nice job in pass rush, both in the drills and the one-on-one drills. We will see how he looks in this game and the next game, but he is getting as a real opportunity.”

On if it felt like the team was able to defuse any chippy-ness at the end of practice and if everything went the way the teams hoped the past two days:

“Yeah, we got good work in. I thought the guys took care of each other. Again, it is an emotional game and I understand that there is going to be jawing back and forth, but I felt we got the work in we planned to get in.”

On if LB Anthony Walker Jr. was voicing frustration and if Walker was defending himself:


“No, it is football. I would file that under as ‘football’.”

On C JC Tretter not participating in team drills:

“We held him out.”

On if it was regular rest for Tretter:

“Yes.”
Posted By: THROW LONG Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/21/21 04:56 PM
Some Local media, Beuu Bishop or Nathon Zegura, or Mary Kay, or whomever is on the show with her.

must think Troy Hill, and the new faces:

cured cancer,
beat super man in arm wrestling,
taught Martin Luthor King how to write a speech.
and are so special

the other teams are just going to roll over and need a dose of Pepto Bismol at the site of them in an Orange Helmets and Browns uniforms.

The 2021 Browns ain't done anything yet! A Lot of adversity awaits, as it does Every Year and needs to be overcome.
Important to have the right mindset, even if we're anticipating that this team is, going to play real well.
Posted By: Damanshot Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/21/21 11:28 PM
Originally Posted By: THROW LONG
Some Local media, Beuu Bishop or Nathon Zegura, or Mary Kay, or whomever is on the show with her.

must think Troy Hill, and the new faces:

cured cancer,
beat super man in arm wrestling,
taught Martin Luthor King how to write a speech.
and are so special

the other teams are just going to roll over and need a dose of Pepto Bismol at the site of them in an Orange Helmets and Browns uniforms.

The 2021 Browns ain't done anything yet! A Lot of adversity awaits, as it does Every Year and needs to be overcome.
Important to have the right mindset, even if we're anticipating that this team is, going to play real well.


And they call me Captain Obvious... Yikes
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/22/21 10:02 PM
Post Game Giants

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski answered questions from reporters following Sunday’s preseason win against the Giants.

Here’s a transcript, as provided by the Browns’ media-relations department:

Opening statement:

“(CB) Greedy Williams has a groin injury, (K) Cody Parkey had a quad injury and (LB) Montrel Meander had an Achilles injury. I thought it was some good work for the guys out there. It was hot. They were battling. It took 60 minutes. Got some good situational football work – a two-minute at the end of the first half, a two-minute drive there on defense at the end of the second half and a two-point play – so I think there are a lot of things going on that the guys did a nice job communicating and ultimately battling throughout. Good win.”


On the competition between FBs Andy Janovich and Johnny Stanton IV:

“I think those guys are competing hard every single day on the practice field, in the meeting room and in these games. They are both doing a nice job.”

On Stanton playing some TE today:

“What happens is you have two tight ends so you are trying to find ways to spell those guys. That was some of the thought there, but certainly, the more you can do, it helps your value.”

On QB Case Keenum’s performance:

“He did a nice job operating. Did not like that interception down there in the red zone – we can’t do that, and he should not do that. He knows that. We have to take better care of the ball, but he had obviously some nice plays. That throw to Hodgey (WR KhaDarel Hodge) was outstanding – a great catch, great throw.”

On if the Browns tried to set up a long FG opportunity on K Chase McLaughlin’s 49-yard conversion or if it ‘just happened’:

“Just happened. Obviously, want to get some evaluation from these guys. We were going to kick a field goal there [earlier in the game] and then we had a sack that was called and took us out of field goal range. Was pleased that we were able to get to field goal range that last one.”


On RB Demetric Felton:

“I thought he did a nice job. I would say my vantage point was not great, but he had some good dirty runs. He bounced a few and made some plays in the passing game so he did a nice job.”

On Keenum’s missed connection with Felton in the end zone:

“He just overthrew him.”

On DT Malik McDowell’s performance:

“Malik did a nice job. Had a sack there. That is the first time playing ball for him in a long time. He did a nice job.”

On if the decision to play CB Troy Hill was related to the incident after Friday’s practice:

“All of those things, I will keep between Troy and myself and keep that internal.”

On if he can reveal if or how much the Browns starters will play next week:

“I will do that next week.”


On CB Greg Newsome II’s performance and if Newsome is building on a strong practice week:

“Yeah, I think he is building on the practice week – I think that is a good way to put it. I think it was nice to get him some inside reps today and got him some reps at nickel. He is doing a nice job. He just has to continue to do so.”

On if C Nick Harris’ injury is ‘significant’:

“I think I would call it day to day.”


On the decision to start G Blake Hance at C today:


“With some of the injuries we have had, as you know, these guys have to show their versatility and they have to be able to bounce along that line. That is something that ultimately we want to find the right spot for all of these guys. A lot of it is from an evaluation standpoint.”

On if the Browns are monitoring how much starters from other teams are playing in the preseason as it relates to how much they will play their starters:

“I am really concerned with us, what we need and what each player needs. That is really kind of the mindset I have about it.”

On summarizing the week of practices and the preseason game with the NY Giants:

“Great work with that team. I told you guys the other day, I appreciate (NY Giants Head) Coach (Joe) Judge, that entire coaching staff and those players. We got some really good work done in Berea for a couple of days. I thought the guys worked really hard today and competed for 60 minutes. We were put in a bunch of different scenarios in this ballgame so I thought that was really good for us. We also realize that we have a ways to go. We are just not where we need to be, but that is OK. We have some practices coming up.”


On playing T James Hudson III at LT and RT and if Hudson prefers one spot over the other:

“You would have to ask him, but I think any young player certainly wants to stay at one spot but they have to be able to go play at other spots. He has done a nice job. We have bounced him around in practice and walkthrough. He has not missed a beat.”

On when the Browns can shift from evaluating players to preparing for Week 1 against Kansas City:

“I think you can do both at the same time. Even going back to when we first got together, obviously, we are trying to evaluate the roster and we are trying to get the guys ready in the scheme and get them ready to play. We are constantly trying the sharpen what we do. Always have the season in mind with everything we are doing.”

On where WR KhaDarel Hodge is fitting in the WR competition and what Hodge showed today:

“I think all of those guys are battling across the roster. Hodgey made a great catch on the ball. Not surprising because those two throw to each other quite a bit down there in Texas.”


On how valuable Hodge is on special teams, in addition to contributing on offense:

“All of our guys, everybody plays special teams here, and we are going to need everybody to do so. Hodgey certainly understands his role.”

On if the Browns planned to play LB Mack Wilson until the fourth quarter:

“Yeah, he did not play last week – four plays last week – so we just want to make sure we got an extended amount of playing time for him.”

On LB Elijah Lee competing for roster spot:

“Again, he is going to compete and battle like he always does. He did a nice job out there today.”

On how Parkey injured his quad:

“I do not know. I really do not. He did it at some point, but I am not sure when.”

On if he has a feel for the severity of Parkey’s injury:


“I do not.”

On how hard it is to evaluate WR JoJo Natson as a returner with limited attempts this training camp and preseason:

“I think we have some returns to go on in his career. I think he has done a nice job at practice so we certainly are evaluating all those returns. You cannot predict when you are going to get that return in the punt game or the kickoff game.”

On RB Demetric Felton’s performance in the running game:

“Did a nice job. Have to go back and look at it to give you a better, more informed answer, but he did a nice job. Had him out there running routes, handing him the ball and handling protection so we will be able to look at all of it.”

On S Richard LeCounte III making some big plays:

“Ball finds a way to him, and he has great ball skills. Certainly, did in college, as well. To be able to get the ball at the end was important. We finished even in the turnover margin to be able to get that one to offset our previous giveaway.”


On if he has an update on DE Porter Gustin’s status:

“I do not.”
Posted By: GratefulDawg Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/23/21 01:08 AM
Posted By: GratefulDawg Other Pressers - 08/23/21 01:25 AM




Posted By: Pdawg Re: Other Pressers - 08/23/21 07:17 PM
Posted By: GratefulDawg Re: Other Pressers - 08/23/21 10:58 PM




53 Puppies!!!
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Other Pressers - 08/24/21 03:18 PM
Presser 23rd

BEREA, Ohio – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski answered questions from reporters on Monday, an off day for the team following Sunday’s 17-13 win against the Giants.

Here’s a transcript, as provided by the Browns’ media-relations department:

Opening statement:

“Following up on the injury front from yesterday, (CB) Greedy (Williams) is day to day with that groin injury, (LB) Montrel Meander will need surgery with an Achilles injury and then (K) Cody Parkey will go to IR with his quad injury. Following up on the game, like we talked about, I thought there were a ton of teachable moments that we are going to look at the tape tomorrow with the players and some really good situational football. Got some work to do, and this is another big week of that work.”


On when Parkey sustained the quad injury yesterday:

“I want to say it was during pregame, but I am not entirely positive about that.”

On if Parkey’s injury means K Chase McLaughlin has won the starting job or if the Browns will bring in another K:

“(Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager) Andrew (Berry) and his staff will discuss those type of things. We are all still battling for jobs on this 53. It is still a great competition at all of these positions.”

On if Parkey is done for the season after being placed on IR:

“I would not get that specific into it. I am sure we will put out a release on those type of things.”

On if Williams will still be able to practice compete for a starting CB spot despite sustaining the day-to-day injury:

“I think day to day means he has to rehab, see how he does tomorrow and see how the injury responds to treatment and that type of thing. Like I mentioned before, we have some time before you have to set the depth chart, before you have to set the 53 and all of those type of things. Plenty of work to do for the guys this week at practice and then with this game coming up.”


On how comfortable the Browns are with CB Greg Newsome II as a potential starting CB, given Williams’ injury:

“All of these guys are competing for jobs. Greg is doing a nice job competing on the practice field and in these games. Understand that he is a rookie, but he is a kid – like I mentioned the other day – who he is not making the same mistake twice. He is very diligent about his work. Ultimately if he is that guy, he is somebody who we are going to count on. All of those guys when these games start rolling around, you are counting on them. That is nothing new and that is nothing that these guy are not used to, especially playing the cornerback position.”

On the Browns and NY Giants starters warming up in full pads yesterday and if that decision was made during the week or if was a predetermined plan earlier in the preseason and training camp:

“We have laid a plan out before this training camp and before preseason but really wanted to get into that week to make final decisions, if you will. No different than what we are doing right now – we have a plan, but we want to see where we are. The idea there was down in Jacksonville we worked those guys out and we had them do a run so I did not have them do pregame warmup. This week we did not have them run prior to the game, we had them do the pregame warmup and then just stay in their pads.”


On how much the Browns have deviated from the initial training camp and preseason plans initially set:


“We have not deviated from the plan. That is just us taking stock of where we are and having discussions in the building. I use this line often, but when the map differs from the terrain, you have to go with the terrain. We have the map and we are following it, but if something else comes up we will pivot.”

On how McLaughlin has performed:

“He is battling. He is doing a nice job. I think you guys have seen it out at practice. He did a nice job with that field goal into the Dawg Pound yesterday. He is doing a nice job and expect him to keep battling.”

On determining how the Browns will be able to distribute the ball on offense, given the number of weapons available:

“Those are the type of things we talk about throughout the offseason – how we want to utilize guys. That is part of the offseason and part of training camp is finding out what guys do and trying them in certain roles and see how they respond to that. We are taking in all of that as we go. When we get to Kansas City week, we will have those discussions. As you put the plays up and you start moving the chess pieces around the board, we will get to that point. In the meantime, it is really just continuing to evaluate these players both as we put this team together and then also just seeing what their skillsets are really at every position.”


On if there are concerns about preparing the starting defense for Week 1, given the number of injuries and that the projected 11 starters may not have spent as much time together in practice as desired:

“We have worked really hard here in the building, on the practice field and in the meeting rooms to make sure that our guys are on the same page. I value walkthroughs. I think the guys have been locked in in the walkthroughs. Ultimately, would love to get the entire group out there – offense, defense and special teams – and have the full complement of guys, but injuries are a part of it, and we just deal with it accordingly. The guys are working hard, I will tell you that. It was good to get (DE) Myles (Garrett) and (DE) Jadeveon (Clowney) out there on Friday and then we will ramp them up. Guys will get healthy as we go here and get more guys in here. I just think it is a natural evolution of it as guys come off of the rehab list.”

On if WR Odell Beckham Jr. may join team drills this week as part of the recovery and ramp up plan:


“The whole point of this has been to do this thing at the appropriate speed and do it with the consultation of the medical team. We will continue to do that. I do think that there will be a point where he is in team drills and those type of things, but we will make sure he is ready for that.”

On if the Browns have determined a plan for the starters’ playing time on Sunday:

“We do have a plan, and we have talked about it. I want to continue to see where we are this week before ultimately signing off on that. I will talk to the players and then I will certainly let you guys know.”

On what factors play into the decision to go for it on fourth down or kick a FG, specifically referencing the fourth-down attempt inside the 10-yard line yesterday:

“On the field goal attempts, I just do not want to kick a field goal that is shorter than an extra point. That is as simple as it is. If it fourth-and-12, would you maybe kick a short field goal? Maybe, but that is the idea. On some of those, you need to see a punt or you need to see a field goal; that is more so than you need to see the offense run another play. Those are the type of things that we are discussing when we make those decisions.”


On if S Grant Delpit or WR Anthony Schwartz are expected to return to practice this week:

“We will see on both of those guys, but I think they are both progressing well. They are working very hard in the rehab. I am hopeful to see one or both of those guys. I am hopeful.”

On how much time he spends talking with Berry on how many players are desired at each position when the roster gets cut to 53:

“Yeah, we talk about it a lot. We spend a lot of time staring at that depth chart. It is ultimately Andrew’s decision, and he has had some tough decisions to make. He does a great job of asking really good questions of myself and the coaches so it is certainly a process. We have another week here of evaluations before those decisions have to be made.”

On if there is a decent amount of flexibility when determining the 53-man roster and the number of players at each position:

“I think Andrew wants to put together the best 53, and that is his goal. I think that we are working hard to make sure that we do that.”

On how much the ability to and knowledge of kicking at FirstEnergy Stadium factors into the competition at K:


“Those guys have kicked quite a bit down at the stadium throughout training camp and will continue to do so. I am disappointed for Cody, obviously. He is a veteran and came up big for us in some big moments last season so I do not want that to get lost in this either. It is disappointing for him, and I know his teammates feel badly about that.”

On if he talks to Browns players and ask if they would like to play in the preseason:

“I certainly talk to them. I do not necessarily take a straw poll on who wants to play in the game, but their feedback is important. All we are trying to do is have a plan that is smart for the Cleveland Browns and for the individual player, and that is ultimately what we will do.”

On DE Malik McDowell’s performance in yesterday’s preseason game after not playing in a game in a significant period of time:

“I thought he did a really nice job, and I am glad that you brought him up because he has not played a game in a long time and he has been through a lot. To see him out there making plays, his teammates were excited for him. He continues to grind. He continues to work at this thing. I thought he had a nice day.”


On if McDowell appears comfortable with the defense or is shaking off a lot of rust:

“I think he is doing a nice job. I think he had worked really hard when we got him in the building in the spring. Obviously, had a couple of injuries that set him back but stayed into it with the walkthroughs and stayed into it in the meeting rooms. He is a guy who is really, really battling. He is working very, very hard as we get through this training camp.”
Posted By: Pdawg Re: Other Pressers - 08/25/21 07:20 PM
Posted By: THROW LONG Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/25/21 08:22 PM
GC.
Does wearing a helmet in any action hinder the healing of stitches in a forehead from a weight room accident. 18 days before game one kicks off.

My last stitches in my hand took me about 30 days before I felt ready to, you know, hit anything, several years ago, but Dr. made a point to tell me he wanted it to receive open air, not to wrap it up or cover it.

It's Concerning JOK.. and Stefanski discussed it from the media podium on the Berea broadcast yesterday.
Posted By: PortlandDawg Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/25/21 11:19 PM
Stitches typically come out in 10-14 days. He’ll be well healed by day 18. They’ll likely put a bandage over it for added protection.
He’ll be fine.
Posted By: SuperBrown Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/26/21 12:21 AM
I didn't realize you were the team doctor.
Posted By: FrankZ Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/26/21 12:27 AM
Didn't realize you were the team lawyer.
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/26/21 01:28 AM
8/25/21 Good news pressor a lot of players coming back

BEREA, Ohio – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski answered questions from reporters prior to Wednesday’s training camp practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.

Here’s a transcript, as provided by the Browns’ media-relations department:

On who will be playing on Sunday:

“I will tell you before the game – I promise you. I will announce it on Friday. I want to get through these next two days. We have a plan. I want to get through these next two days, talk about it and see how we come out of it and then I will let you guys know on Friday.”


On if DE Takk McKinley will practice today:

“Takk will be out there. A few more guys are coming out. We will get them out there and move them around. I think it will be a good day for everybody.”

On if he can always hear S John Johnson III talking on the field or around the building:

“He is not shy, which is good for that position because you do have to be communicating and overcommunicating. He does a nice job of that. He is very thoughtful. I think the players really enjoy being around him. He is like having another coach out there on the field.”

On if the Browns knew about Johnson’s personality when signed:

“I continue to learn about it for sure, but that was definitely in our research and our reference work. That was something that came out – just the type of teammate he was and the type of leader he was.”

On if WR Odell Beckham Jr. is on track to be ready for Week 1:


“He is on track for today. I am not really going too far past today and the next day. He will be out there today moving around in some drills. I am not really going to worry about the future in that regard.”

On DE Curtis Weaver:

“Curtis had some nice moments in the game the other day. He continues to do a nice job in practice and all of the drill work. He just has to keep coming along.”

On if McKinley will play on Sunday:

“I would say similarly with a lot of guys who are coming back, just want to see how they look the next few days before making any determinations.”

On if any other Browns players will return to practice today:

“I think we will see. You can check them off the roster when you are out there.”

On DT Malik McDowell in the meeting rooms and off of the field:

“He has been great. He has been great in the meeting rooms, around the building and out on the grass. He is in a really good place, works very hard and is very serious about his craft. I see him making strides every day working with Coach Kiff (defensive line coach Chris Kiffin) and working with (assistant defensive line) Coach (Jeremy) Garrett.”


On CB Greg Newsome II matching up against NY Giants WR Marvin Jones last week and if he noticed Newsome was more comfortable during the game:

“I think that is natural for a rookie to get more comfortable as the reps pile up. I think you have seen that with Greg over the course of training camp and to go in these game situations where the intensity builds a little bit more. When you get beat in the game, it is points; when you get beat in practice, the whistle blows. He is gaining really good experience out there. You mentioned Marvin Jones – that is a savvy veteran that you face up against in your first matchup as a pro. Only going to continue to get better with the work he gets both on the practice field and on the game field.”


On what skillset of McKinley is he looking forward to seeing the most when returning:


I think the thing that you saw on tape with Takk certainly the thing that I have seen up close and personal is how he gets off the ball. He is very explosive. He makes plays getting up the yard, penetrating and has a really good motor. Those are the types of things that we saw on tape. Excited to see more from Takk.”

On how valuable it is to have a player like WR KhaDarel Hodge who appears willing to do whatever it takes to receive playing time:

“I think that is a fair way to describe him. He has played many different roles for us this past season. Continue to move him around the formation. he is a versatile football that is not a one-position player for us as a receiver.”

On if Hodge ever gets in his ear about throwing a pass in a game:

“All of those guys do. Every single one of them.”

On if he has seen TE David Njoku’s improved mindset and willingness to be in Cleveland manifest itself during training camp:


“I would say I see that. I think he finished really strong last season and then he came in in great shape. He has been really working hard at all of his techniques in the run game, pass protection, running routes and those type of things. I see a very determined player, and I like where David is.”

On C JC Tretter’s status after not participating in team drills and portions of practice:

“He is OK. Just normal rest.”

On how Beckham has handled the individual rehab plan and training camp as a whole:

“He has done a nice job in the meeting rooms and at the walkthroughs. He has a much better understanding in Year 2 of the scheme and that type of thing. He is getting good work in. It is work that happens in the building and out on the practice fields. It will increase as we go, but I think he is working really hard really everywhere, whether it is meeting room or stuff that they are doing in the weight room. I think it just keeps showing up that the guy is battling. He is working very hard.”

On if WR Anthony Schwartz still has time to ramp back up and be able to contribute early in the season:


“I think for sure he has a chance to help us. We have to see how he does over the next few days. We will get him out there today in some drills. It is just a matter of how he responds to that, but yeah, I am hopeful in that regard.”

On if WR Davion Davis is a different person from when they were both with the Vikings in 2019, when Davis had the incident that resulted in the recent suspension:

“Yeah, I think so. He has grown. He is a mature young man. I think he knows that he made a mistake, and ultimately, he has to answer to that, but I do see a mature young man.”

On if the Browns knew the NFL investigation was pending and there was a potential for league discipline prior to signing Davis:

“Yes.”
Posted By: dawglover05 Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/26/21 12:35 PM
Originally Posted By: SuperBrown
I didn't realize you were the team doctor.


He has his PhD from Oxford.

Honestly, though, that's been true just about every time I've gotten stitched. One time I think was less than 10 days.
Posted By: hitt Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/26/21 01:20 PM
JMHO, maybe we need to make sure JOK has padded dumbbells.

First time in 60 years of reading sports stuff a player has stitches in head from weight lifting.....guess he was trying to get one more "meaningful" rep.....Go Browns!!!
Posted By: oobernoober Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/26/21 01:41 PM
We've had far more ridiculous injury situations....
Posted By: PrplPplEater Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/26/21 03:22 PM
Quote:
On if WR Odell Beckham Jr. may join team drills this week as part of the recovery and ramp up plan:


“The whole point of this has been to do this thing at the appropriate speed and do it with the consultation of the medical team. We will continue to do that. I do think that there will be a point where he is in team drills and those type of things, but we will make sure he is ready for that.”



I'm wagering that they will hold off until camp closes to the media and the public, or dang close to it, before OBJ joins team drills.
Posted By: GratefulDawg Re: Other Pressers - 08/26/21 05:53 PM


Posted By: GratefulDawg Re: Other Pressers - 08/26/21 05:54 PM
Posted By: GratefulDawg Re: Other Pressers - 08/26/21 07:27 PM
Jadeveon Clowney on his relationship with Myles Garrett:

Ever since I got here, we have spent time together, picking each others brain. It starts with us up front. We need to know each other front to back to go out and dominate.
Posted By: Pdawg Re: Other Pressers - 08/26/21 08:13 PM
Posted By: GratefulDawg Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 08/27/21 08:59 PM




Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 09/03/21 11:56 AM
Ski pressor, Sorry I haven't been keeping up with these.

BEREA, Ohio – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski answered questions from reporters prior to Thursday’s training camp practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.

Here’s a transcript, as provided by the Browns’ media-relations department:

On if he is still amazed watching DE Myles Garrett in practice:

“Yeah, I would take you back when I first saw him last training camp in pads and going through drills. That was unique to see somebody that size and be able to bend like that and get off of the ball like that. Once I saw it then, it kind of became the norm.”


On if unvaccinated players are allowed to leave town during the three-day weekend:

“They need to test every day still – unvaccinated players. Vaccinated players can leave town, yes.”

On clarifying if unvaccinated players can leave town:

“They would have to test every day. I guess they would have to leave town and then get back to test that next day theoretically.”

On the NFL mandating three days off from players this Friday through Sunday:

“It is mandated by the league. We have to charge our battery up. They have to be smart in their rest and recovery. We talked about that this morning. We are very mindful that we have seven weeks until that mini-bye after the Thursday Night game. We have 12 weeks until our bye. We need to be real intentional as a team about how we rest and recover.”

On if this is the first time that Browns players have been allowed to go out of town before the season:

“That is right. I think it is the first time they have mandated the time off. I think it was up to each club how they wanted to handle this weekend. Remember, you would be playing a game tonight in previous years and then the final cuts would be coming in the next couple of days.”

On how the Browns coaches will handle work during the players’ three off days:


“We will work. We have plenty of work to do. We have kind of outlined what we need to get done this weekend in terms of getting ready for next week.”

On if he likes having the bye week late in the season:

“You have no control over it. I would tell you, with the 17th game with the late bye, we have definitely considered that as we put together our plan.”

On if he is ‘satisfied’ with where the team is at right now:

“I would not use the word ‘satisfied.’ I think we are where we need to be with a bunch of work left to do.”

On if there were specific steps identified to improve the culture when he got here last year:

“Nope, just got the right people in here.”

On which coach has had the greatest influence on his play calling:

“I would upset somebody if I gave you one person. I mean that I was really so fortunate to be around different people, different philosophies, different personalities and different schemes so I have tried to take everything from all of those guys.”


On if he ever worked on play calling before he became the play caller:

“I played quite a bit of Madden growing up (laughter). I think any coach period, you are calling the plays with the play caller throughout the game. ‘Hey, I really like call. I would not call that.’ I can’t tell you how many times as a young coach I would hear a play call come in and be like, ‘Oh, I would not call that,’ and then first-and-10 or touchdown. I think all of us when you are not calling plays are in that rhythm thinking about what you might call next. I know for us offensively,and even (defensive coordinator) Joe (Woods) defensively, I think it is a really collaborative effort on game days. Ultimately, I am making those calls and Joe is making those calls, but we have a lot of help along the way.”

On if he has any update on injured Browns players:

“No update other than to say that everybody is progressing.”

On if he is encouraging players to stay close to home this weekend:


“I think the message is stay safe, be careful and follow the rules that are set forth, but in terms of telling the guys what they can and can’t do, I am really not in a position to do that. I am in a position to tell them to be safe and reiterate some of those messages this morning and again today.”

On if he was feeling healthy and up to speed in the AFC Divisional game after missing the prior week with COVID-19:

“I was. I was fine.”

On if he was ‘rusty at all’ in the AFC Divisional game:

“Well we lost so I was not good enough, but physically, I was fine.”

On losing his taste and smell:

“Yeah, luckily that came back a couple of weeks later.”

On if he approaches Week 1 as if they are playing the Chiefs for the second time in a row or if the new season makes it more of a new game:


“It is definitely a new game. We have a lot of the same players. They have a lot of the same players. We have the same coaches. They have the same coaches. You do not pick up where you left off so we are certainly anticipating they are going to show us things that we have not seen throughout the preseason. I know they expect the same from us. Of course, there will be similarity because a lot of the faces are the same.”

On if he watches the TV show Ted Lasso:

“I have watched a bit of it. I have not gotten through season one yet though.”

On if he relates at all to Ted Lasso as a coach:

“I do not know how to answer that. It is a good show.”

On Woods’ performance last year and how eager he is to see the evolution of Woods and the Browns defense this year:

“For sure, I would tell you, there was definitely an evolution of the defense, as well, throughout last season – some different faces in and some different guys out. We added more in terms of the front and added more in terms of the coverage, even late into the season. We expect defensively to be different. We obviously need to be better, and we know that as a unit. We have outlined ways that we are going to do that.”


On if there is a competition for the starting WILL LB:

“I think we know who our starters are today, but I would say we will wait until next week to really finalize what we are going to look like going into Kansas City.”

On if finalizing the starting positions is a factor of game planning or competition:

“I would say a little bit of both. I know we have to set that depth chart and we will, but at the end of the day, we will play a lot of guys. We really will. We will wave guys in, especially on the defensive front. We will work through all of that next week.”

On if WR Rashard Higgins is back today:

“He is not, but he is excused.”

On what makes Higgins so effective:

“With Rashard, I can only go on what I know. He was inactive for a bunch of games early in the season, never complained, did whatever was asked of him and then gets in the game and produces. That is a testament to how hard he works. We have talked about that rapport between him and the quarterback before. There is a great ability to be where you are supposed to be and make the play when they ball is in the air. I just think that is kind of what I have seen from him in the last year.”


On Higgins always being where he is supposed to be:

“Yeah, obviously, that is a big part of it – being dependable to the offense, not just for the quarterback but just being dependable.”

On if the practice squad will be finalized today:

“I think we are finalizing it today and tomorrow.”

On the importance of having four DEs who can rotate and the decision to re-sign DE Joe Jackson:

“I would tell you, all of those roles are important, specifically to how we are going to wave the guys along the defensive front. Joe had a nice camp and did a nice job in the games. We expect him to continue to build on that.”

On why Jackson was re-signed over other players who were brought back to the practice squad:

“I think there is so much to consider with those type of decisions. Specifically to Joe, he had a nice camp.”

On if there is an ideal number of developmental players versus players that are ready to play on the practice squad:


“I do not that there is a specific number, but you definitely have guys that could play in Week 1, and you definitely have guys that you are looking at for next season that you want to develop and take a look at. It varies.”

On if G Michael Dunn is a candidate for IR:

“I think we will work through all that. He is progressing, though.”
Posted By: GratefulDawg Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 09/07/21 02:36 AM




Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 09/07/21 06:26 PM
From Monday

BEREA, Ohio – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski answered questions from reporters following Monday’s practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.

Here’s a transcript, as provided by the Browns’ media-relations department:

On using waves of players on defense and if planning for 17 regular season games is a factor:

“That is just how we play. You have seen this system over the years is you do wave a bunch of guys on that D line to keep them fresh. That is why Coach Kiff (defensive line coach Chris Kiffin) and (assistant defensive line) Coach (Jeremy) Garrett work really hard with all of those guys, and we are going to count on all of those guys.”


On rotating players at LB and each LB having his own role:

“Yeah, I think that is true really of all of these positions. We have to carve out roles at a bunch of different spots.”

On LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s development thus far:

“He is doing a nice job. Obviously, you know he had that delay there in the beginning [of training camp], but he made sure to get all that he could out of all of those walkthroughs. Then he had that injury in the weight room, but he has overcome that, as well. He is doing a nice job. He is continuing to work.”

On the value Owusu-Koramoah provides in the ability to cover TEs and play in space:

“I would tell you, all of those linebackers, it is very important to be able to cover in this NFL game. Obviously, you mentioned Kansas City has some great tight ends that they have a bunch of different guys in the pass game. The ability to cover is a big deal.”

On how good it feels to have a full complement of players available heading into Week 1:

“That has been the plan all along is to make sure you are sharp and you are fresh. We had some guys working through some injuries and continue to do that, but that has kind of been the plan. Hopefully, guys continue to progress.”


On if there is a sense for WR Odell Beckham Jr.’s availability in Week 1:

“For all of the guys, I think we are going to use today and the next few days to see where everybody is and then ultimately make decisions on how this week goes.”

On if the Browns are expecting a higher reception total for TE Austin Hooper this year:

“I think we talked about it before, I do think his role can grow. He was very, very important to our success last season, and we are going to count on him in a variety of areas this year, as well.”

On LB Mack Wilson Sr. and WR Rashard Higgins having babies during the past six weeks and balancing football with personal matters:

“It is definitely something we talk about is we have to be so intentional about when we are away from this being of being with our family. You mentioned a couple of guys becoming dads for the first time and how important it is for them to be there and be present. We make a big point of it in this building, all of us when we are outside of this building, we have to make sure that we are where our feet are.”


On if it is easy for coaches or players to lose focus on family or other personal matters when amidst the grind of training camp and the preseason or regular season:

“Certainly, we spend a lot of hours here so we have some all-stars at home who are helping on that front. There is an amount of work that has to happen within these walls, but when you are not out here, you have to make sure that you are home.”

On WR Donovan Peoples-Jones producing throughout training camp and the preseason and Peoples-Jones’ development following the rookie season:

“Donovan has done a nice job going back to last season, as well. He has done everything that has been asked of him. He came back in really, really great shape. He spent some time with (QB) Baker (Mayfield) in the summer. That definitely showed in how he is playing.”


On Peoples-Jones being quiet and reserved in media interviews and if that is the case in the building:


“I would say he is not the most boisterous guy – we have some other guys who have that handled – but he comes out here and he works. He knows what to do out here all of the time and does his job. He really lets his performance, his play and how he practices do the talking.”

On if there is a competition this week at K between Ks Chase McLaughlin and Chris Naggar, who was recently added to the team’s practice squad, or if the team will go into Week 1 with McLaughlin in the position:

“We go into Game 1 with Chase for sure. It is a competition at every position throughout the season, but the plan was always to have two kickers on the roster.”

On the difference heading into Week 1 this year compared to last since there were no preseason games and a different preparation timeline, as well as continuity among Browns coaches and players:


“I would say things are very different. Obviously, we are all in a different place. Having a year under the belt for our coaches with our players, we hope provides and advantage, but there are a bunch of teams – including the one we are playing this week – where they have continuity, as well.”

On if the Browns are satisfied with how the team handled the NFL’s mandatory three days off for players this past weekend and return to prepare this week:

“Yeah, as far as I know, guys took care of what they needed to take care of and then got some good work in today. We are going to go back in and have some meetings and another walkthrough. It is a good workday for us.”
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 09/10/21 11:24 PM
Ski Pressor from today Friday the 10th

BEREA, Ohio – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski answered questions from reporters following Friday’s practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.

Here’s a transcript, as provided by the Browns’ media-relations department:

Opening statement:

“A good week of preparations. We have tomorrow some meetings, walkthrough and we will get on the airplane. Looking forward to a great challenge playing a really football team on the road.”


On how DE Jadeveon Clowney looked at practice today:

“He obviously was sick so good getting him back in here. It was nice seeing him out there at practice.”

On if there are any other details on WR Odell Beckham Jr.’s status for Sunday beyond being listed as questionable:

“Not really.”

On what the decision comes down to if Beckham will play or not:

“I think he was limited today so we will use the next 48 hours with all of these guys and determine who is playing and who is not. We will let you know 90 minutes before the game.”

On if the decision for Beckham’s status will come down to watching warmups on Sunday morning:

“I think for all of these guys that were limited at practice, we will make sure that we huddle up over the next 48 hours and make decisions.”

On confirming Beckham has not taken any full contact to the ground or taken a hit to the knee yet:


“Correct.”


On if Beckham has met the benchmarks the team has laid out for him to be ready for Week 1:

“All of the guys who are rehabbing from any injury, we make sure that we follow the medical advice and go through the rehab process like that so he is no different.”

On if Beckham has sustained a setback with rehab that resulted in a questionable status for Sunday:

“No.”


On if the Browns believe in setting snap counts for a player or if they are expected to be available for the entire game if active:

“For every single player who comes into the game, they have to be ready to play the whole game, but we as coaches and as a medical staff make sure that we have guys who are ready to do whatever they are capable to do. To answer your question, yes, there are a bunch of guys that you look at and say, ‘Alright, he can go this many plays based on this.’”

On if it was quick for DE Takk McKinley to get back to what was wanted physically:

“He has done a nice job out there, just how attentive he is at the walkthroughs, in the meeting room and coming out here on the practice field and playing really fast. He has done a nice job.”

On the weather being expected to be 93 degrees at kickoff on Sunday and hydration being a key focus for the team this week:

“Yeah, it is one of those other things that we do not control. We do not control the crowd noise and we do not control the heat, but we have to deal with it. We have to have a plan. We have made sure that the guys are understanding what they need to do really throughout the week to make sure that they are ready to go on Sunday.”


On if the Browns will name captains for the season or on a game-by-game basis:

“We are going to do the same thing that we did last year. We will do game captains.”

On if he knows the game captain(s) for Sunday:

“I do, but I am not going to disclose.”

On if the cheer at practice was for the announcement of this game’s captains:

“It was. Should have looked a little bit closer (laughter).”

On the philosophy behind selecting captains on game-by-game basis rather than for the full year:

“It is just how we do it. It does not mean it is the right way to do it. I just feel like you do not need that C on the chest to be a leader. I feel like each game highlighting one guy and what he means to the team and having him be the captain works better for us.”

On how excited he is to finally start the regular season:

“I think a lot of the guys are excited about the opportunity to go compete. It is a great team we are playing and a great coaching staff so they understand the challenge and the task at hand. That is the exciting part for these guys is to go watch them compete.”
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 09/14/21 09:39 AM
Yesterdays post KC presser

By Scott Patsko, cleveland.com
BEREA, Ohio – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski answered questions from reporters Monday via video conference.

Here’s a transcript, as provided by the Browns’ media-relations department:

Opening statement:

“On the injury front, (T) Jed (Wills Jr.) has an ankle injury. We will see how he progresses throughout the week. I feel about the same as I felt yesterday – disappointed we could not get it done. You have to play clean football to win on the road against a good opponent. We finished minus-two in the turnover margin, and you are not going to be able to win a close game when you do that.”


On Wills’ status:

“I am going to say he is day to day.”

On the Browns’ poise down the stretch and if it is related to experience or if the team should have performed better ‘when it mattered most’:

“We have high expectations for ourselves. You know you are going to have to play a 60-minute game. All of these plays matter, No. 1-65 or however many plays you get. We have to be able to play clean football, and that is really for 60 minutes versus any opponent in the NFL.”

On reviewing the film of the events that led to S Ronnie Harrison Jr.’s ejection:

“Yeah, I did watch it again. I talked to Ronnie. It is the oldest thing in football and in sport. The game officials always see the second guy Ronnie has to show some poise there and not retaliate.”

On if the Chiefs assistant coach involved should be punished by the NFL:

“I am just going to concern myself with our players and our team.”

On if P Jamie Gillan could have been able to get a punt off after mishandling the snap in the fourth quarter:

“Yes, he could have, and he knows that. We talked to him about that in the moment, and we talked to him about it today. Obviously, he knows he has a job to do. We expect him to do his job at a high level. If something like that happens, you need to just get the ball to punt it, and he knows that.”


On evaluating QB Baker Mayfield’s overall performance and if Mayfield was trying to throw the ball away on the interception in the fourth quarter:

“As you know, there is always good and bad that goes with every game, and there was a lot of good. Baker did a nice job in a lot of the operation of what we were doing in a tough environment. Ultimately, he knows he has to take care of the rock and has to throw it away there – I know he was trying to throw it away – but he has to find a way to get an incompletion for us. Again, he is very hard on himself. He works at this very, very hard. There are plenty of plays that I want back from myself from myself from play calling, and there are plenty of plays that I know every single one of players want back. That is just the nature of this beast. We have to learn from it and get better because of it.”

On what the Browns can learn from the game and improve, specifically as it relates to finishing the game:


“It is a lot of little things that add up to be a big thing. It is simple alignment, assignment, technique and schematically what we are asking our players to do. It is our job to out our players in position to succeed, and sometimes, we as coaches fall short. Sometimes it is just as simple as an alignment, assignment or technique error. With all of that, you need to play clean football. You have to do it for 60 minutes, whether it is the first, second, third or fourth quarter.”

On T Chris Hubbard’s performance after replacing Wills at LT in the second quarter and if Hubbard will continue to fill the role if Wills is unavailable:

“I thought he Hub some good moments. As you guys know, we have called on him in the past to play right tackle and in this case left tackle. He has played inside for us. That is the nature of being that sixth man. He performed admirably. If Jed were not to be able to go, he would be the guy who would be in there.”

On if he came away from the game feeling better about the team as far as it relates to the overall picture and how they played and if the team cleaned up the mistakes, it would have won:


“No.”


On WR Odell Beckham Jr.’s status and if the team plans to take ‘a really conservative approach’ to Beckham’s return:

“I would not call it a conservative approach. We are just trying to be appropriate with all of this. Ultimately, he is coming off of a major surgery, and we are going to work through it day by day. When he is ready to play, he will play.”


On if there are any positive takeaways from the number of pressures on Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes despite only producing one sack:

“I think we just have to be honest and transparent with the players in our assessment of the game, and that is what the coaches are meeting on as we speak – point out each play what we did well and what we could have done differently. Whether you win, lose or draw, you have to learn from these things. That is what we are working on very hard right now.”

On what the Browns could have done better to limit Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill:

“It is obviously a tall task to slow their offensive players down. We have a tremendous amount of respect for those guys, but we have to be better. We have to be able to find a way to slow them down. You are not going to stop an offense like that – I think everybody knows that – but we have to find to a way to slow them down. Again, not to take anything away from them.”

On if the Browns defensive schemed the Chiefs offense correctly, particularly as it relates to when to pressure and when to play back in coverage:

“You look at it, and there are plenty of things we wish we could have done differently, but then there are also moments where you have to make a play and find a way to get off the field and find a way to slow them down. As you know, it is never one thing. That is why we need to identify the things that we can to do better and the things that we can improve upon because all of these plays, they continue to show up. That is how the NFL works. When a play shows up and it hurts your defense, it is going to show up the next week in a copycat league.”


On evaluating LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s performance an in NFL debut:

“He had some good moments. There is a ton that he needs to clean up, but he played fast, and he is going to work at it. I know that. That is kind of how it goes for rookies. You want to constantly get better throughout the season.”

On DT Malik McDowell’s performance in his first regular season game:

“I thought he did a really nice job. You saw it on the very first play of the game. He was disruptive and made a play. We are counting on him to be that type of guy I thought he did a nice job.”

On McDowell playing a high number snaps after not playing football for a significant period of time:

“He has worked at it. We have talked about it, he has been through a lot, but since he been here on campus, the guy works. He does a nice job in the meeting room, the weight room and out on the grass. He takes this very seriously.”


On the impact of losing Harrison early in the game and if the team is considering further discipline:

“Those type of things we will keep it internal, but obviously, it is disappointing when you lose a starter after five plays.”

On WR Anthony Schwartz’ performance:

“I thought it was positive overall for Anthony in his first NFL game. I just think to all of these rookies and guys playing for the first time, they are going to grow in their roles and they are going to get better, but I thought that was a good start for Anthony.”

On what the Browns could have improved on third and fourth down in addition to better execution, especially in the second half:

“Yeah, it is always more than just execution. When you say execution, you are just putting it all on the players. All of us take a share in the success of this thing, and all of us take a share in the blame of this thing. We do have to find a way to get off the field on third and fourth down when it comes up. Then offensively, we have to be better on third down. When you add the fourth downs to it, obviously on third and fourth down, it looks a little better so the guys performed decent there, but we have to make a play in those critical areas.”


On the Browns falling subject to multiple impactful plays after RB Nick Chubb’s fumble and how to prevent a snowball effect that affects the game:

“We have to be a resilient bunch in these 60-minute games. Something is going to happen that does not go your way, and you have to respond to it. I think we have the right guys in this building that will respond when something like that happens in those games because it is going to happen again this week and the week after that. You are not going to play the perfect 60-minute game, and you have to be ready to respond though when things do not go our way.”

On the incident involving Harrison and the Chiefs coach’s response and if Harrison’s contact with the Chiefs player was incidental:

“Again, I can only worry about my players and my team, but I do think any contact that came from Ronnie was incidental. If you watch the play, it is pretty obvious that he is getting collisioned as he is trying to get off of their boundary. That does not excuse him from retaliating. You can’t do that. That is something we all know that the game officials will see the second guy and not the first guy.”


On if Beckham not yet experiencing contact in practice is a hurdle to overcome for a return:

“No, I would just say the natural progression of rehab is just getting ready to play football. We are not doing anything live in our practices, but we will just work through appropriately based on our medical staff and based on Odell. He will be ready when he is ready.”

On if he expected Beckham would be ready to play until shortly before the inactive list was announced:

“We listed him as questionable, which is 50-50. We knew we had a plan, and we made sure that he worked out pregame. Again, he was not ready, but when he is ready, he will play.”

On the two offside calls against DE Myles Garrett and if he believed they were good calls:

“It does not matter. They called them.”

On Garrett saying he will continue to be aggressive and that the offside calls would not change his mentality or potentially slow him down:


“We have a mindset as a defensive line that we want to get off the ball. Teams are going to constantly use a snap count, particularly when they are at home. They will always use the snap count against our front, Myles in particular, because they are going to use it as a weapon against him. He has to be disciplined in his approach while obviously still maintaining that ability to get off on the snap.”
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 09/14/21 09:50 AM
I think we can do better then we showed in the last 10 minutes of this game.

KC got away with a W they didn't earn and has been said sometimes you need a break and they got them at the end of the game.

The Hammer best not drop anymore snaps or he will be on the next bus out of town.

I feel very confident that when we see KC in the playoffs will be a better team overall, and I am sure glad I am not them.

That said as the season rolls on I look for us to become a much more aggressive defense we are on our way we will grow as a team, and I think in the long haul losing this game may pay off huge for us. The team players and coaches will WORK this out I feel certain of that.

One thing for sure we can't let a mistake by anyone snowball and we did exactly that on Sunday, and that simply can't happen.

Credit to Mahomes he took a lot of hits on Sunday I thought it would wear him out but he just kept getting up.

Overall, I would say the defense looked about like what I thought they would. Big pressure throughout the game from the front end, and some issues to work out on the backend. And as I also said losing comes with rewards if you get better from it I think that is going to happen.

Onto Houston and our home opener. Refocus put Sunday behind us for NOW, and get after it for this Sunday.
Posted By: DevilDawg2847 Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 09/14/21 11:36 AM
I think at this point we can all give up our dreams of watching the Hammer put his rugby skills to work and tearing down the sidelines...
Posted By: oobernoober Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 09/14/21 12:54 PM
Originally Posted By: Brown to the Bone


On if he came away from the game feeling better about the team as far as it relates to the overall picture and how they played and if the team cleaned up the mistakes, it would have won:


“No.”


This is why I think Cleveland has the absolute worst collection of sports media professionals. I'm not speaking in hyperbole/exaggerating. What does KS mean here, and why was there no follow-up?
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 09/18/21 03:54 PM
Presser from yest.

BEREA, Ohio – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski answered questions from reporters following Friday’s practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.

Here’s a transcript, as provided by the Browns’ media-relations department:

Opening statement:

“Excited for the opportunity this Sunday against a really good football team coming into our house. I am really excited to see that place at full capacity. I have not seen that yet. I have heard the stories. I am looking forward to all of Northeast Ohio coming up for this game. I want to get the message out that Coach Stefanski wants you in your seats at kickoff – no empty seats. I want full-throated effort for all 60 minutes. Get out of the Muni Lot, get into your seat and you can go back to the Muni Lot after the game. You make a difference, and I really believe that. The home advantage in the NFL is such a big deal, and I think our fans make a difference. You are talking about third down and fourth down. We will be looking for any delays of game from them or false starts. Those type of things are a direct correlation to our crowd. When we are on offense, looking to hear a pin drop. Excited to see and excited to experience that for the first time.”


On what he remembers from coaching in Cleveland in 2009 while with the Vikings:

“It was (Pro Football Hall of Fame QB Brett) Favre’s first game [with the Vikings] so that was kind of unique. I remember (former NFL WR) Percy Harvin had a touchdown. I do not remember much of it from the experience. I was kind of probably charting plays, my nose down in the chart and had my pencil going. I am looking forward to it. That is a unique experience down there on the lake. I am looking forward to that being a big part of how we win.”

On LB Anthony Walker Jr. being placed on injured reserve and the timetable for return:

“Yeah, he is on IR for three weeks is the hope.”

On who the signal caller is on defense:

“We will work through it. That is something we have talked about. When we get to the game, we will see what we are going to do. We have a plan obviously to rotate in some linebackers.”

On who takes Walker’s spot as starting MIKE:

“We will work through it. (LB) Malcolm Smith is a candidate. (LB) Elijah Lee is a candidate.”


On if the Browns have a plan at LT:

“Yes, we have a plan at tackle. We will see how it goes over the next few hours to see how (T) Jed (Wills Jr.) responds, but if he cannot make it to the game, we have a plan.”

On if Wills participated in practice more than riding a bike to the side, which was the case during the portion open to media:

“No.”

On Walker’s performance in Week 1:

“He did a nice job. He is a big part of what we do. Obviously schematically, Xs and Os, he is a big part of who we are. He is a great leader. He is going to continue to lead, even though he is not playing. He is going to support his teammates.”

On if Walker’s injury means a bigger role for LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah:

“I think for all of those linebackers, everybody has to pick up the slack.”


On if the Browns offense needs to be more patient when facing a Texans assistant head coach/defensive coordinator Lovie Smith defense, given the emphasis on creating takeaways:


“I think there are certain defenses that require more patience, not just the Tampa 2. There is also the Hawk 3 teams or the Seattle’s of the world that try to limit your explosives and keep things in front of you It certainly requires discipline. It requires a lot of things, really: precision in the pass game, landmarks, spacing, timing, accuracy and all of those things.”

On if he has a rule of ‘if you don’t practice, you don’t play’ like some other coaches:

“My rule is I am going to treat every [situation] case by case.”

On if he has received anything from the NFL about sideline etiquette for coaches following the incident involving S Ronnie Harrison Jr. and a Chiefs assistant coach:

“There was a memo that went out to the entire league just reminding people and staff members of how you have to conduct yourself on the sideline.”

On if he or the Browns are predisposed to wanting to go for it on fourth down:

“I am predisposed to trying to make sure I give our guys a chance to succeed. Whatever the situation calls for, we want to put them in a good position to succeed.”


On who is involved in the decision to go for it on fourth down:

“Ultimately, it is my decision. We have a group that gets together Friday morning and talks about all of the things that might come up from a game management standpoint. We talk about what we want our chart to look like on fourth-and-1. Then we have discussion throughout the game, but ultimately, I make the call.”

On a statistic saying NFL teams went for it on fourth down for the most times ever during Week 1 and if there is a reason to it or is circumstantial:

“I do not know. I pay attention to the trends around the league obviously. It is the risk-reward. Defensively if you stop them, you get the rock right away. We will see how it plays out this week. We just want to make sure that we as coaches are calling the game that is called for.”

On if he will announce who will start at LT on Sunday:


“I am not, but you can ask (laughter).”

On if the Browns potentially have to adjust the gameplan if Wills is not available at LT:

“You see who is available to you on gameday, and you make a ton of decisions based on that. That is really across the board. I can think of certain scenarios where we did not have a starter in there on defense and we did a little bit less of this or a little bit more of that. That is the natural thing to do when you have a guy playing maybe out of position or sometimes you have a guy playing for the first time. All of those things go into how you construct a game plan.”

On LT potentially requiring more adjustments than other positions when changing personnel:

“I do not know.”

On if he felt the need to talk to P Jamie Gillan after his muffed punt in Week 1:

“He is a pro. We are past it.”

On if fans have approached him in public now that there is more opportunity for interaction than when first receiving the head coaching job:


“Yeah, people love their Brownies. I experience the excitement from our fans. That is one of the reasons why they deserve to watch us play in a full capacity stadium. They did not get that and we as a league we all did not get all of that last year so we are looking forward to them getting that opportunity on Sunday.”

On if older Browns fans have told him ‘win one before I die’:

“Not yet.”

On how WR Anthony Schwartz settled in during his NFL debut:

“I thought he did a nice job. So much of it for rookies is knowing what to do, and I think we are really fortunate with Anthony is he is verym very smart. We knew that, It was part of the reason we drafted him quite honestly. The ability to play all over the formation, get lined up, all of the nuance and all of the details that go into winning vs. man, he did a nice job.”

On WR Jarvis Landry saying Schwartz had a ‘nearly perfect game mentally’ and how rare that is from a young player:

“It is pretty rare. I think of (WR) Donovan Peoples-Jones last year who played a very similar role for us. You kind of forgot that kid is a rookie. You do not see that very often.”


On the challenges the Texans offense presents:

“They have good players, and it is a good scheme. It is a huge challenge for our defense. I think this is a team that wants to run the ball and they have the guys to do it so we will have to stop the run. I think their offensive line is big, they can move people, the quarterback is under center, he is in the pistol, they have a variety of runs, they have RPO’s and some of the Baltimore Ravens stuff shows up with (Texans Head) Coach (David) Culley’s past so it is a huge challenge.”

On if Peoples-Jones helped the team in Week 1 despite only having one catch:

“Absolutely, and that is not surprising. Those games and how much you touch the ball just varies week to week, but think about that one touch and how big it was. It was a third down where we needed it. We were in a two-minute drive. It was good coverage by them, and he makes a strong catch. We are going to call on him. We are going to need him to make plays for us.”


On S Grant Delpit not being listed on the injury report and if that indicates the team expects Delpit to take his first NFL snaps on Sunday:

“Yes.”

On what Delpit has shown in practice:

“We brought him back on a pitch count throughout the week and then did more and did a nice job. He is locked in mentally and looking forward to getting him out there.”
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 09/21/21 11:26 AM
Ski Presser from 9/20/21

BEREA, Ohio – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski answered questions from reporters Monday during a video conference.

Here’s a transcript, as provided by the Browns’ media-relations department:

Opening statement:

“On the injury front, (WR) Jarvis (Landry) has an MCL sprain. He will be week to week. (LB Sione) Takitaki has a hamstring strain. He is week to week. Hub (T Chris Hubbard) is improving, but he remains week to week.


“With yesterday – we kind of talked about it after the game – always good to get a win. There is plenty for us to clean up. There are plenty of corrections to be made. That is what the guys are working hard on today and making those corrections so we can go out this week and play better football against a 1-1 Chicago Bears team coming to our place.”

On if the Browns will be able to avoid placing Landry on injured reserve with an expectation for return in three weeks or sooner:

“We will see. We will work through all of those type of decisions over the next few days. We will see.”

On if Landry’s injury could expedite WR Odell Beckham Jr.’s return and if WR Davion Davis will be elevated to the active roster:

“The Odell situation is really not dependent on the availability of anybody else. We will again continue to bring him along and see when he is ready to go. Davion Davis, I do not really have an update there on that one.”

On if there is an update on T Jedrick Wills Jr.’s status after starting but not finishing yesterday’s game:

“He is no worse for the wear. I am really proud of him for how he responded, wanted to go out there and competed. Like I said, he got stiff, and I thought it was the right thing to do to take him out. That is a big deal, and I think his teammates recognize that is a big deal when you fight to make it to Sunday.”


On if the team is ruling Landry out for Sunday’s game against the Bears, given he characterized Landry’s status as week to week:

“I will just hold off on any of those type of decisions. I will just tell you we are working through all of those things.”

On how Landry will handle the injury situation, given Landry is not a player who has missed much time at all during his career:

“I have already spoken to him. He is attacking his rehab as you can imagine. Nobody likes to be injured, but going back to the statement I just made about Jed, these guys are going to fight their rear ends off to get back and battle and compete with their teammates. I think Jarvis will be another example of that.”

On how the Browns offensive gameplan may change if Landry and Beckham are unavailable this week:

“It is whoever is available to you. You move the ball no matter what.”


On if the Browns could use RB Demetric Felton more in the slot if Landry is unable to play:

“We are excited about Demetric. Obviously, we were excited to add him in the sixth round of the draft. He has worked really hard throughout the spring and summer. As you guys have seen, he has been in the running back room and in the wide receiver room. These are the type of things you do with rookies and grow their role based on what they ready to handle. He obviously made a great play for us on that screen and had great individual effort. He has made plays as a returner. It is our jobs to grow their roles. Really, the truth is these guys earn their roles. I think Demetric is doing that.”

On if he has had the opportunity to talk with QB Baker Mayfield today and ask how the left shoulder is feeling:

“I have not had a chance to talk to Baker yet today. I know obviously our training staff has talked to him. He is doing fine. He is sore. He is doing fine.”

On Mayfield’s interception after reviewing the film, including if WR Anthony Schwartz should have been in another position on the play:


“Nothing really to add from what I said yesterday.”


On the Browns WRs in the event Landry and Beckham are unable to play this week:

“We try to put together a gameplan to win that game each week. It is our job to see who is available to us and construct the gameplan accordingly. You mention those two young guys already this season – (WR) Donovan (Peoples-Jones) has made big plays for us and I think about that third down late in the Kansas City Game, and I know Schwartz has made big plays for. If those two are out there, we are going to be counting on them. If someone else is out there, we are going to be counting on them. That is kind of how it works. Really, I would tell you that is my job and that is our job as coaches to make sure we put the guys who we have available to us in the best position to succeed.”


On CB Greg Newsome II’s performance and if Newsome recording a pass defensed in the second half shortly after a defensive pass interference is an example of a rookie growing from experience:

“I think you are going to see examples of these rookies growing throughout the season for sure. That defensive pass interference, that is a tough play. He is in great position – just have to wait for the receiver’s hands to go up and then your hands go up. He is in a good position so that is a good place to start. We kind of teach off of the tape.”

On if the Browns planned to play S Grant Delpit as much as occurred yesterday:

“Yes. We had him on a pitch count. We wanted him to get the first couple of plays under his belt. He did a nice job.”

On evaluating Delpit’s performance on game film and Delpit seeming to make plays on all areas of the film:


“Yeah, he really did. He filled the run there at the end of the first half. Obviously, made a splash play with the sack-fumble late in the game. By and large, he was where he was supposed to be. Was it perfect? No, but that is his first NFL football game. A really good effort for his first time out there.”

On areas of improvement for the pass rush after evaluating yesterday’s game film:

“It is never one thing. It is a combination of rush and coverage when you are talking about those passing situations. There are definitely things we can do better up front. There are definitely things that we can do better in the back end. They go together. That is one of the things that we are going to work very hard on this week to have an improvement in that area because we need to be better on third down.”

On if the Browns are getting enough production in the pass rush from the interior DL:

“I think we need production from anywhere we can get it across the front, whether you are rushing inside or outside. We are always going to have a rush plan based on what we think they are going to do so we will at times move guys around or at times we will do straight rushes from a normal four-down front. We just have to make sure we are using our technique and try to get home. The Texans did a nice job of chipping the edges each time. We just have to stay at it, stay after it and keep working through it and working our techniques and come up with a rush plan.”


On if there are areas on defense in yesterday’s game that need the most attention to improve:

“I think there were some really good moments, and then it is just a matter of you have to get off of the field on third down and you have to find a way. It is always a combination of things. It is never just one thing. That is going to definitely be something that we work on very hard this week and really going forward. Third down is a really important down. It is really important that we get the offense into some non-advantageous third down distances and then get off of the field and force the punt.”

On if the injuries yesterday ‘underscore the fragility of a season’:

“We have talked about it before, injuries, nobody likes them. They are awful. I do not care if it is your team or the other team, you never want to see that ever. Also, it is part of our game. This is a very physical game. You lose Jarvis on the second play of the game, and guys have to step up. That is the nature of this thing. I thought guys stepped up. If he is not available this week, guys have to step up. If we have somebody else who is unavailable, a guy has to step up. That is just the nature of the NFL. That is why you talk about depth being so important because you could be in your depth early. I think back to the Kansas City game, we lose Jed and we lose Hub coming out of that game, and you are in your depth. That is kind of how it works in the NFL.”


On what a ‘Coach Landry’ would mean to the team if Landry is sidelined:

“We will see if we have him or not, but even when Jarvis is playing out there, he is still Coach Landry. He works very hard with those young players and provides great leadership throughout the building.”

On the rotation on the Browns DL and DE Myles Garrett not being on the field for five or six consecutive plays:

“We will roll those guys. It is a long season. These are long games. We have confidence in the other guys so when we waved Myles for instance, we were just looking to have a fresh Myles out there rushing the passer.”

On if there are a set number of snaps for each player on the Browns DL each game:

“We definitely talk through each game what you are targeting for each player and how you think the game is going to unfold. As you can imagine, the game sometimes does not unfold exactly how you thought it might. That is where we have to be great communicators on gameday on both sides of the ball making sure we are aware of where the guys are from a snap count rate.”


On CB Denzel Ward’s performance yesterday:

“I would tell you some good moments and some moments I am sure he wants back. I know I can already see him working the technique that he going to work this week and drill down on it. You go against some pretty good wide receivers. They are going to make a play here and there, and it is really how you respond. Some good moments and definitely some moments that he is going to work real hard on this week.”

On when the team expects to announce Beckham’s status for Sunday, given the team announced it on Wednesday of last week:

“I am on Monday, and I will wait for Wednesday when we get there. We will talk through those things, but I do not have any announcement as it relates to that.”

On if the Browns were specifically targeting Beckham’s return for Week 3 when announcing Beckham was out for Week 2 on Wednesday of last week:

“No. Every is day to day with him, just like you deal with every player and see how they are doing day to day and then week to week. There has been no Week 3 circling on the calendar or anything like that.”


On his philosophy at the end of the half when using timeouts prior to the Texans punt and weighing the risk-reward:

“If you can make them punt, make them punt because the punter might drop the ball, a bad snap or you get a punt blocked potentially. With the time remaining on the clock there, we thought that we could maybe pressure the punter and come out with a big play, and then if it is a punt that you can’t handle as a punt returner, you can also let that thing hit the ground, not get near it and let the half bleed out, if you will.”

On the potential for the Texans to make a mistake in that situation but also considering the Browns could also make a mistake:

“I would say I was not thrilled when I saw the ball on the ground, but I felt like it was an opportunity to be aggressive with our punt rush. They did a nice job of getting the punt off. Like I said, if you can’t field it cleanly as a punt returner, you do not field that ball at all.”
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 09/22/21 10:07 PM
Presser from 9/22

BEREA, Ohio – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski answered questions from reporters prior to Wednesday’s practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.

Here’s a transcript, as provided by the Browns’ media-relations department:

Opening statement:

“Good to see everybody. Not practicing today, Jed (LT Jedrick Wills Jr.), (LB Sione) Takitaki and (T) Chris Hubbard. Big week this week with the Bears coming into our place. Two 1-1 football teams. Have a ton of respect for this coaching staff. I know a bunch of their coaches. They are really well-coached. It is a dominant defense. It is a physical defense. They are big. They play strong. (Defensive coordinator) Coach (Sean) Desai is doing a really nice job with that scheme. Offensively, they are going to give you a lot of things and a lot of pre-snap movement. I know you saw the news on the quarterback playing, and he (Bears QB Justin Fields) is a really good player. He is dynamic. He can make plays with his feet and can make plays certainly with his arm. A very productive player from college. At special teams, I think they are a good special teams unit, coached by Coach (Bears special teams coordinator Chris) Tabor. Really looking forward to the challenge and starting that work week with Wednesday’s practice.”


On an update on WR Odell Beckham Jr.’s status for Sunday:

“No update. We will see how he progresses this week, but I expect him to be full go today at practice.”

On if the plan is for Beckham to play Sunday:

“The plan is to practice Wednesday and see how it goes this week, but I am not ruling him out.”

On if this will be the first time Beckham is ‘a full go’ at practice this season:

“I would have to check.”

On QB Baker Mayfield’s tackle last Sunday and it being another indication of Mayfield’s competitiveness:

“Yeah, you guys heard me say it many times, he is a very competitive player. He is a very competitive person. He is fiery. The tackle itself, obviously, we want to get him on the ground without getting hurt so that is a learning lesson obviously. His teammates respond to him, and certainly in moments where he is gutting things out and he is showing his toughness, I think your teammates respond to that.”

On if Mayfield will be a full participant in practice today:


“I will have to see how it goes.”

On what he wants Mayfield to do in the situation of making a tackle following an interception like last Sunday:

“You have to prevent a score. Any quarterback, the way we have taught them is that they have to No. 1 turn the ball back inside – he did that – and then you have to get him on the ground. There are different techniques that you can use. That was kind of an awkward play. I think their defender looked to single him out, which listen, he is trying to get him on the ground so you become defenseless in that moment. We have to get him on the ground, whether it is the quarterback or the receiver or the running back, whomever. If the ball is going the other way, you have to get him on the ground.”

On Mayfield blocking on select plays:

“Sometimes you run those plays, and you are telling the quarterback, ‘Hey, really you just have to get this thing started in case somebody…’ It is not like he is not getting lead blocking tips from (run game coordinator/running backs coach) Stump Mitchell (laughter).”

On if it is a fine line of not taking the competitiveness out of Mayfield but also protecting the starting QB:


“Yes. Yes, we do not want to take the competitiveness out of this but do not foresee him as a lead blocker very often.”


On how to better defend a mobile QB like Fields, given Texans QB Tyrod Taylor’s success in the first half last week:

“We are going to have a challenge this week, like you mentioned. Rush and coverage have to work together. We have to be sticky in coverage, and we have to be true to our rush lanes. Ultimately, when you are in a location to get a player like Justin Fields on the ground or Tyrod Taylor, you have to get him on the ground. It is really not a one-person job; it really takes all 11.”


On evaluating Fields on tape:

“Dynamic. He made plays with his arm. He had a nice throw into the end zone there in one of those drives. Made plays with his feet late. There is no shortage of things they can do with him, and I am sure now with a full week of practice they can expand upon that.”

On if Beckham will have a pitch count on Sunday, if available, given that has been the course of action for other players returning from injury:

“I would have to think back if everybody is on a pitch count. I think we just have to be smart. With any player coming off of an injury, we try to be very mindful of what that player and where he is and then make decisions on a case-by-case basis. Specific to Odell, if he plays in the game, I can’t tell you if there would be a pitch count or not. I really would not know.”

On if WR Rashard Higgins will receive more opportunities with WR Jarvis Landry on injured reserve:

“Like anything, you do not replace Jarvis, but guys have to step up and those opportunities will go elsewhere. It remains to be seen who gets those opportunities, but certainly, you lose a player of Jarvis’s caliber, you have to have guys who step up.”


On Bears LB Khalil Mack often lining up on the right side of the offense and if that is beneficial to have Mack opposite of T Jack Conklin as opposed to Wills, who is recovering from injury:

“(Bears LB) Robert Quinn is a pretty good rusher on the other side. That defense plays right and left. It is something that they have done there for a long time so you have (Bears DT) Akiem Hicks on the right and Khalil Mack on the right. They do a nice job. It is a really good scheme. Coach Desai has been there for a long time under (former NFL coach) Chuck Pagano and (Broncos Head) Coach (Vic) Fangio so you see elements of that. It is Coach Desai’s third game so we would expect to see something that we have not seen to date.”

On what he likes about running 13 personnel:

“It goes back to so much discussion about versatility. I think when you have multiple tight ends on the field, it can be advantageous to the offense to align them in different spots so the defense can’t hear 13 personnel and go through the mental check of it is definitely going to be this formation because it can multiple formations. I think we are fortunate to have guys who can line up in different spots and can excel at different spots.”


On what boost Beckham’s potential return could give the Browns, particularly with Landry on injured reserve:

“We will see how it goes, but Odell has been great out here at practice. He is working really hard. He has a ton of reps between just him and Baker. He has gotten a ton of reps in seven on seven and the team drills. I think the guys recognize that he is a dynamic football player.”

On if the hope and expectation is that that Wills will be able to practice at some point this week:

“I do.”

On what makes Mack so challenging and how much of a factor Mack is to the Bears having a dominant defense:

“He is a huge part of it. Having faced him a bunch of times when I was with the Vikings, just the combination of speed and power, his bend, he plays hard and he is good against the run and good against the pass. He is an outstanding football player.”

On the biggest challenge of practicing in the field house today due to weather:

“We get it done. It is obviously not a 100-yard field. Just kind of close quarters, but we get it done.”


On if patience is required with the Browns defense given the new acquisitions:

“I think certainly with young players you are going to have some growing pains – offense, defense and special teams. Listen, we want to make sure that we are playing good sound defensive football. We have done that at a bunch of moments and then there are some moments that we just have to clean up. We recognize that, and the players and coaches are working hard to make sure that we get better as the season goes on.”

On if too many of the moments that need to be cleaned up happened on third down:

“Yeah, I think that is obvious that we have to do a better job on third down.”

On if the Browns areas for improvement on defense are all based on technique:

“No, it is never one thing, and when you say technique, it sounds like you are saying it was the players fault so that is not the case. We need to do a better job as a team – coaches and players. We just have to do a better job.”
Posted By: Ballpeen Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 09/23/21 11:28 AM
I am not putting Ski down at all....most coaches are like that, but there isn't much to learn here except maybe that OBJ is going to be full go at practice.

It's mostly predictable questions with predictable answers.
Posted By: PitDAWG Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 09/23/21 03:25 PM
Which is what I love about it. It's almost an art form. He speaks to the press in a manner that he talks a lot but tells them nothing.
Posted By: FATE Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 09/23/21 03:45 PM
... and does it without getting annoyed or sounding absurd. There is always just enough to keep the flow of questions moving without "lifting the hood" for a peek at the motor. Love it.
Posted By: GratefulDawg Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 09/24/21 09:51 PM








Had to add Myles, I wouldn't wear a shirt either, heck I might not own one.
Posted By: OldColdDawg Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 09/25/21 01:47 AM
Originally Posted By: GratefulDawg


Had to add Myles, I wouldn't wear a shirt either, heck I might not own one.


rofl
Posted By: DaveyD Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 09/25/21 01:53 AM
Myles chest soul patch game is strong!
Posted By: GratefulDawg Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 09/27/21 12:56 AM










Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 09/27/21 10:42 AM
Post Game Presser

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski answered questions from reporters following Sunday’s 26-6 win against the Bears at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Here’s a transcript, as provided by the Browns’ media-relations department:

Opening statement:

“Injury front: (CB) Greg Newsome (II) has a calf injury, and we will get an MRI on that in the morning.

“I thought our crowd was outstanding. They make a difference in these home games, and they certainly did today. They made life very hard on the opposing offense today. Hats off to the crowd. They were outstanding.


“Our defense, six points allowed, the nine sacks and one-of-11 on third down, which was a huge emphasis for us. Some unbelievable individual efforts, but I thought the guys played sound, played together, ran to the ball and obviously did a nice job to hold that team to six points and 47 yards. Special teams, (K) Chase (McLaughlin) was outstanding – four-for-four and two 50-plus. Those guys were flying around on kickoff. (RB) Demetric (Felton) was outstanding. Offensively, start with we did not turn the ball over so did not give the ball away, which is a huge emphasis for us. That is a really good front. That is a really good front on their defense, and we knew it was not going to be easy. We knew we were going to have to chip away at it, and eventually did with 215 yards on the ground. (RB) Kareem (Hunt), as you guys know, was outstanding.

“We are a 2-1 football team. It was great to come in here and get a team win in front of our fans and then we will make some corrections tomorrow.”

On Hunt helping change the tone on offense with hard runs, particularly in the second quarter:


“Kareem runs very hard. When it is there, he runs hard and makes great yards. When it is not there, he is still running hard and he is spinning out of it. I have seen it live and in living color with a great seat the last couple of years to see this kid fight for every yard out there. He has a great mentality and is a team guy all of the way. We are certainly were leaning on him there in moments.”

On making adjustments in pass protection after Mayfield was sacked multiple times early in the game:

“Yeah I would tell you first thing is I did not do a good enough job in the pass protection and how I called it, I need to be better. Baker can’t get hit like that so that is on me, and I will be better. I thought the guys understood the challenge. It was a stiff test versus that front, but I can help out there.”

On DE Myles Garrett ‘calling out his teammates to give him some help’ earlier in the week and if it had any effect on his performance today:

“No, I do not think it had any effect. Myles is a great player. He is a team leader. We are going to need him to be great. He was great today.”

On the Browns defense’s performance after tying a franchise record with nine sacks in the game:

“It was great, but what I would tell you is these guys practiced their tails off this week. In particular on Thursday, which is our third down day, we were flying off of the ball and executing the games. I really believe you take the practice field to the games. I would tell you that the guys were outstanding during the week and then they showed up today.”


On four of Garrett’s sacks occurring on third down:

“As we talked about, third down was a huge emphasis for us this week. It will be next week and the week after that. It is just the nature of the game. It is the money down. I thought the guys did a nice job of getting off [of the field] today.”


On WR Odell Beckham, Jr.’s performance in his first game back from injury:


“He did a nice job. He made a couple of nice plays for us. I do not know the exact number of plays he played, but I know he was productive in the pass game. I think it was good for him to get out there and help his team win.”

On if he could sense Beckham’s excitement to be back on the field:

“He worked very hard to get back here. Any guy who is coming off an injury and coming off of an offseason surgery, it is not easy. He pushed very hard and I was proud of him out there.”

On how he would describe Garrett’s performance:

“Good – you guys are the wordsmiths; I do not describe (laughter).”

On Beckham played as much or more than expected:

“We just had a constant dialogue between myself, AVP (offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt) and CO (pass game coordinator/wide receivers coach (Chad O’Shea), just making sure he was good to go. I do not know what the exact number was.”


On if he was surprised Bears QB Justin Fields did not run more and what the Browns did to contain Fields:

“I think that was a big focus for us – his ability to get out of the pocket. Whether we were rushing four, five or six, we had to be true to our rush lanes. I think there were moments where he pulled the ball and tried to run, and the guys did a great job of executing the plan.”

On if this game epitomizes what the Browns are looking to establish as a tough team:

“I think we want to play attacking defense, get that lead and then be able to run the ball like we did in the second half. I think that is not secret that it is a blueprint for success. Now, you have to play great defense, you have to get the lead and you have to be able to run it when they know you are running it so it is way easier said than done.”

On having confidence in McLaughlin to make two 50+yard FGs:


“He was good in warmups. He has been good at practice. I have confidence in the kid.”

On if Mayfield’s left shoulder felt fine after taking a few sacks:

“Yeah, no issues.”

On the two failed fourth down attempts in the first half, including a poor snap on the first and potential miscommunication on the second:

“I do not know about the miscommunication. I do not know why the snap was bad. We have to be better. I have to be better. When we are at home and we are not dealing with the crowd noise, our operation has to be on point, and it was not early. I will get to the bottom of that because you can’t play like that in your own building when crowd noise is not an issue.”

On if the defense needed a dominant day to rebound from the first two weeks:

“Anytime you do not win, you lose Week 1 and everybody is disappointed. After a win, you make corrections. I think about our performance today – it was good, but we have to make corrections and we have to clean things up because whoever we play next week is another big game. That is just the NFL. We have to be ready to go week to week.”


On how crucial it was to end the first half with a long TD drive:

“I thought that was a big deal. We were backed up there, got some breathing room and got into the two-minute. Obviously, Kareem made some plays in there. I thought the communication and the operation was efficient and then got a good look at a play with Hoop (TE Austin Hooper) going down the middle. Baker made a great throw, and Hoop made a great catch. We really did need that to go into the half with seven points.”

On LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s performance:

“I would have to look at it, but I am going to guess he was running around making plays.”
Posted By: bonefish Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 09/27/21 12:46 PM

The offensive key to this game was KS adjusting to what the Bears plan was.

The Bears were locked and loaded on stopping Chubb. They knew his plays. You could see that they took away cutback lanes. They were looking for him.

KS saw this. He inserted Hunt. The plays they ran for Hunt.
They didn't know those plays. Hunt was finding space after slipping out of the backfield into soft zones. Baker was spot on getting him the ball.

The defense was so dominant that KS played the offense off that.

He kept the game short using ball control plays.

Credit to the Bears defense. They made some big stops. If not we would have won by thirty.

KS went into the protect the ball mode. Shorten the game.

Turn the mad dawgs loose on defense.
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 09/27/21 02:59 PM
I think the real credit for any success the Bears defense had yesterday was their punter dude was consistently kicking us inside the 20. We had the long field all day as a result.

In fact on the half time TD we started at what the 15 that was the story of the day on offense really.
Posted By: oobernoober Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 09/27/21 03:16 PM
Good catch, I forgot about him. He was bombing those punts yesterday and was consistently superb.
Posted By: dawglover05 Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 09/27/21 06:16 PM
He really was. Credit to Felton for making the best out of some of those punts. Need to work with some of our blockers to avoid penalties, though.

Wills also wasn't 100% yesterday and Bitonio was having a rough go of things as well. I think the Bears smelled blood in the water on that side and kept their thumb on the pressure point. It also looks like we had a miscommunication or two on a couple of those 4th down conversions. We also seemed to take sacks at the worst times.

That being said, any time you outmatch your opponent by 20 points, and even left about 6-10 points out on the field, you can't complain too much.
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 09/29/21 10:04 PM
Presser from today.......

BEREA, Ohio – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski answered questions from reporters prior to Wednesday’s practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.

Here’s a transcript, as provided by the Browns’ media-relations department:

Opening statement:

“Injury front: (CB) Greg Newsome (II) is out this week. He is dealing with a calf injury. He is week to week. He will not go on IR. Not practicing today: (LT) Jed (Wills) and (C) JC (Tretter).




“A big challenge this week. A really good football team. They very easily could be 3-0. They won on the road and played a good Cincinnati Bengals team and had it at the end – had a fumble almost in field goal territory. Week 2, they go to Arizona, who is undefeated. They had a field goal that they missed late in the game. Then they go home, and in their first game [at home], I thought they played lights out. Big challenge. Really good football players on their roster. Really good coaches. It is a tough place to play. We are going to have to be about our business.”

On when specifically Newsome sustained the calf injury on Sunday:

“I do not know specifically.”

On if CB Greedy Williams will step into the starting CB role:

“Yes.”

On what Williams has shown in limited reps this season:

“He has had limited reps in the games but seeing him a lot in practice, and I think he has done a nice job. Going all the way back to when he first got back out there, worked through it and got his wind back, I think you just see a guy who is continuing to get better.”


On Vikings QB Kirk Cousins:

“A great football player. Has played a lot of football. He has seen it all so he processes really, really quickly. Accurate. A tough competitor. Very smart.”

On his emotions going back to Minnesota, where he spent 14 years as a coach and where his kids were born:

“I would tell you it is obviously a special place. I had a great time there and was treated great by the organization from the ownership to the coaches and staff. Really have good friends there. With that being said, it is a really big game and they are a good team so that has our full attention.”

On who his kids are rooting for in Sunday’s game:

“The Brownies.”

On if the Browns are content with Wills playing through the ankle injury or if Wills needs a break to fully recover:

“I am comfortable with what we are doing. The kid is working really, really hard. He is staying into it. Even if he is not practicing today, he is staying into it. He is dealing with an injury, which is really the nature of the National Football League, often times for a bunch of different players. I think he is doing a nice job.”


On how coaching in Minnesota for so many years molded him into the coach and person he is today:

“You are right, I was fortunate to be there for a long time and saw a bunch of different coaches come through – some really good coaches and varying philosophies. I will tell you that was probably the best thing for me to learn under different systems helped me grow as a coach.”

On if learning different coaching philosophies gave him the ability to pick and choose what he wanted to do as a head coach:

“I think that is ultimately what all coaches do. We kind of sit back when we are the low man on the totem pole, be very quiet and take notes, and ultimately, you try to be a sponge and learn as much as you can in those moments.”


On his responsibilities during his first season with the Vikings:


“Anything and everything. You name it. In a football operation – it is true here for sure – we have a lot of people who do a lot of different jobs, and you do not get much credit for it. Those jobs are as important to any job when you talk about winning on Sundays. That is where I would tell you I am no different than a lot of people in terms of when you get that start, you start at the bottom, and you just have to work really hard.”

On Vikings RB Dalvin Cook:

“He is a great, great player. He can do everything. He can catch the ball out of the backfield. He can run every single type of run there is. He has a homerun threat. The first guy very rarely gets him down. The work is definitely cut out for us. He is a great player.”

On if the Metrodome was a tougher place to play for opposing teams than US Bank Stadium:

“They are both really loud. We talked about it already this morning with the team. [US Bank Stadium] is a glass building, and the noise reverberates in there. It will be the loudest, likely the loudest place, that we play this year.”

On if he believes U.S. Bank Stadium is louder than the Metrodome:

“Yeah, I do.”

On letting players be themselves while serving as a coach with the Vikings, given Cook’s comments about him:


“Just the way we do it. Dalvin in particular – there are a bunch of really great players there, and they are really solid people – is as good as they get.”

On the challenges or benefits of playing a team he is so familiar with:

“I think they know our scheme. I have been around obviously Coach Zim (Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer) and his defensive scheme, but they are evolving. You could probably say the same of us. It is a really, really sound scheme on both sides of the ball. They do a great job. Coach Zim is as good as it gets so we have our work cut out for us.”

On if he feels like he has to come up with something new this week due to the Vikings’ familiarity with him and vice versa for the Browns:




“I do not think so. They have really good football players. I know they have really good coaches. The challenge is just in that. We have to put together a gameplan that our guys can understand, go execute and not think too much.”

On how many Vikings players are still with the team from when he was coaching there:

“They have a lot of new players, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. They bring in (Vikings DT) Michael Pierce and they get him after he opted out from COVID. (Vikings DT) Dalvin Tomlinson up front. The back end, (Vikings CBs) Patrick Peterson, Bashaud Breeland and (Xavier) Woods. There are a bunch of new faces certainly on the defensive side of the ball. Having said that, they have some stalwarts who are great football players – (Vikings S) Harrison Smith, (Vikings LB) Eric Kendricks and (Vikings DE) Danielle Hunter. On the offensive side of the ball, they have really, really explosive playmakers. A lot of guys I have been around, but just making the point that they have good players throughout their roster.

On recalling the Vikings-Browns game at London’s Twickenham Stadium:

“I remember the team I was coaching on won (laughter). Loved the London experience. We were slated to go there last year had not that global pandemic.”




On how much of the lessons about culture he has applied to the Browns after working with Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer:

“A ton. Coach Zim, the way he runs his operation is very similar to the way we do things here. Coach Zim is very, very transparent and very blunt with the players. With the players and coaches, you know where you stand. He is honest. He was certainly helpful to me as a young coach. I owe him a great debt of gratitude for how he No. 1 retained me on the staff when he came in and then moved me through the offensive staff and made me a coordinator. He is somebody who was very instrumental in my development.”

On if he learned any new words from Zimmer:

“One in particular (laughter).”

On being in consideration for the Browns’ head coaching job in 2019 and if things worked out for the best, given the extra time to develop with the Vikings and former NFL coach Gary Kubiak:




“I firmly believe that things work out the way they should. I would speak to my whole time there was very impactful. It is a really well-run organization from top to bottom.”

On the Vikings not ‘having much of a TE presence’ impacts the Browns defense’s preparation:

“They have just had some injuries with (Vikings TE) Irv Smith out. It is a really good scheme. I think (Vikings offensive coordinator) Klint (Kubiak) is doing an outstanding job. I thought he was really good this last game. I got to do some TV watching of it. I thought he was dialing it up. They are versatile. They might not have the tight ends, like you mentioned, from maybe in previous years, but they still have tight ends who they can throw out there, with (Vikings TE) Tyler Conklin being a very good player. They can get into different personnel groupings, and they just have a very balanced attack.”

On his relationship with Klint Kubiak and if he feels like they see the game the same way:

“Klint is a very, very close friend of mine. Obviously, this week nobody is talking to anybody. I think he is doing a really nice job.”

On he and Gary Kubiak have similar personalities:




“Yeah, Gary and I are very similar. I do not think Gary is talking to me either this week (laughter). It was not even a calendar year that I got to spend with Gary but was incredibly impactful to me as a coach and as a person.”

On if he expects to get some grief from Vikings DT Sheldon Richardson this week:

“Yeah, I would expect so.”

On if he expects Vikings RB Dalvin Cook to play:

“We are expecting it, yes.”

On if will get to see friends in Minnesota on Saturday or meet for dinner:


“No, business trip.”

On if there any restaurant recommendations in Minnesota:

“I will hit you offline (laughter).”
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 09/30/21 11:17 AM
I thought you all might enjoy this piece on Ski...I did?

Reflecting on Kevin Stefanski's rise with Browns, Vikings reunion, Kevin Rogers says boss 'a different breed'
Nate Ulrich
Akron Beacon Journal

BEREA — Kevin Stefanski will be back in Minnesota this weekend as the reigning NFL Coach of the Year but also as someone who has stayed true to himself since he joined the Vikings 15 years ago.

“He was the same guy he is today,” Browns senior offensive assistant Kevin Rogers said Wednesday during an interview with the Beacon Journal.

The Vikings hired Stefanski in 2006 with the title of assistant to the head coach, an administrative role in which he did anything and everything — filling out schedules, informing players they had been fined, you name it — as the right-hand man of coach Brad Childress.

Rogers was the quarterbacks coach of the Vikings from 2006-10, the first five of Stefanski's 14 seasons with the franchise. Childress promoted Stefanski in 2009 to assistant quarterbacks coach.


“He is probably the most unique head coach I've ever worked for in terms of the big picture from A to Z,” Rogers said. “... I think he's totally a different breed.”


For example, Stefanski doesn't yell at his players, something Rogers admitted he wouldn't have been able to fathom as a graduate assistant from 1977-78 at Ohio State under legendary coach Woody Hayes.

“He's unbelievable. He gets his point across, but hollering and screaming, that's not Kevin Stefanski,” Rogers said. “I think he's so dedicated to what he does and has his priorities so straight that he's just respected. He just is. He doesn't need to scream and holler to get his point across.

“I don't have very much to do with the game day goings-on. I do more screaming and hollering than he does.”

Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski looks on before the start of a game against the Denver Broncos at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski promises to not be distracted by Minnesota homecoming
Stefanski, 39, is the epitome of calm, so don't expect him to get fired up for his reunion with the Vikings, who also once employed Browns assistants Joe Woods (defensive coordinator), Mike Priefer (special teams coordinator), Chad O'Shea (wide receivers), Jeff Howard (defensive backs), Brandon Lynch (assistant defensive backs) and Drew Petzing (tight ends).


“You think about some of our players when they go back home or whatever and you have to have a talk with them,” Stefanski said. “You don't have to have a talk with me. I understand what's at stake.

“[Minnesota] is obviously a special place. I had a great time there and was treated great by the organization from the ownership to the coaches and staff. Really have good friends there. With that being said, it's a really big game, and they're a good team, so that has our full attention.”

Stefanski said his three young children who were all born in Minnesota will be rooting for the Browns without he or wife, Michelle, needing to do much convincing.

Rogers, 70, said he had been “sitting on a couch” in his Williamsburg, Virginia, home and out of coaching for three years until Stefanski offered him a job in 2020. Rogers had been trying to get back into football after serving as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the College of William & Mary, his alma mater, from 2013-16.

“[Coaching is] who you are,” said Rogers, whose son Kevin is director of player personnel for the Indianapolis Colts. “It's a way of life. It gives you relevance, and all of a sudden — nothing. Your excitement for the day is watching 'Family Feud.'

“The longer you're a way from it, the harder it is to get back in it. I was out taking a walk, doing my daily constitutional, and [Stefanski] called me. He said, 'What do you think? Would you want to come to Cleveland.' I said, 'Yeah. Hell, yeah!' That's basically the way it turned out. He didn't forget me.”


Cleveland Browns senior offensive assistant Kevin Rogers.
Kevin Stefanski's attention to detail and sense of humor aided rise to helm of Browns
The coaches who work for Stefanski realize he usually doesn't forget anything. He is meticulous, and everything is planned with a specific purpose in mind.

“You don't waste time. You get things done. It's done exactly the way it is,” Rogers said. “He knows exactly what's going on at every position on both sides of the ball.”

Although Stefanski is incredibly serious about his work, he dabbles in wisecracks.

“He has a sense of humor on the headset during the games — dry as hell,” Rogers said. “He'll ask me, 'OK, Rog, you ready to go?' I'll say, 'Oh, yeah, Coach!' That's one of the first things he says when he gets on the headset. Me, of all people.”

Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski on the sideline in 2008 with the Minnesota Vikings.
Stefanski's sense of humor equipped him for survival as a 27-year-old assistant dealing with Hall of Fame quarterback and all-time character Brett Favre, who signed with the Vikings the same year Stefanski became a position coach. Rogers said Stefanski's pedigree also helped him “without a doubt.” His father is Ed Stefanski, a longtime NBA front-office executive who is the senior adviser to Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores.


“When you're a young coach, you can be intimidated by some of these guys who are legends in the game,” Rogers said. “Even though they're regular people, you might be a little bit delusional about what they'd be like. But I think the exposure to [Favre] and finding out what a real person he was and being around him and seeing how he prepared was a great experience for [Stefanski].”

Members of Minnesota Vikings have fond memories of Kevin Stefanski
A former University of Pennsylvania safety, Stefanski has a long track record of connecting with players.

“I was happy for him to win Coach of the Year,” Vikings running back Dalvin Cook told Minnesota reporters. “Everything that came his way was well deserved. He waited his time. Finally he got the job, and he took over and did what he needed to do. I was happy for him. Once my coach, always my coach. My coach for life, just the way he embraced me as a player and as a kid.”

‘Pressure? Go get a dog’: Kevin Stefanski can handle challenge as Browns coach, longtime NBA executive father says

After the Childress era, the next two Vikings head coaches, Leslie Frazier and Mike Zimmer, retained Stefanski. He coached quarterbacks, tight ends and running backs en route to becoming the offensive coordinator of the Vikings for the final three games of the 2018 season and all of 2019.

“I was fortunate to be there for a long time and saw a bunch of different coaches come through — some really good coaches and varying philosophies,” Stefanski said. “I will tell you that was probably the best thing for me. To learn under different systems helped me grow as a coach.”


Getting to know Browns coach:Kevin Stefanski hopes to tackle Browns’ obstacles through servant leadership

Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins said he has had a “really strong” relationship with Stefanski since he coached him in the 2012 Senior Bowl.

“Kevin was younger at that time, but you could see that he was going places,” Cousins told Minnesota reporters. “He knew football, he was a good communicator and so I was really excited [in 2018] when I signed in free agency that he was going to be my quarterback coach. That was a huge plus of coming to Minnesota, and then it was just natural fit to have him as the OC and the play caller in '19, and then he earned the right to be a head coach and has proven that as well.”

The Browns hired Stefanski on Jan. 12, 2020, and he guided them last season to a record of 12-6, including 1-1 in the playoffs. They qualified for the postseason for the first time since 2002 and captured their first playoff victory since Jan. 1, 1995.

Why Cleveland Browns bypassing Kevin Stefanski first time wound up being blessing in disguise
Stefanski actually could have been the head coach of the Browns in 2019, when he became a finalist for the job, but former General Manager John Dorsey hired Freddie Kitchens instead. The Browns fired one-and-done Kitchens after going 6-10. The same season, Stefanski worked with Super Bowl-winning coach Gary Kubiak for the first time and learned the offense he would eventually bring to Cleveland.


“I firmly believe that things work out the way they should,” Stefanski said. “... It wasn't even a calendar year that I got to spend with Gary, but he was incredibly impactful to me as a coach and as a person.”

Seeking advice from Super Bowl winners: Browns coach Kevin Stefanski asks Bill Cowher, Tony Dungy how to follow playoff success

Zimmer said Stefanski was “all for” the Vikings hiring Kubiak as an offensive adviser in 2019.

“[They] meshed together really well,” Zimmer told Minnesota reporters. “Kevin’s never been a big ego guy, and Gary’s not a big ego guy. So I think the combination of Gary helping install some of the offensive things and Kevin listening and being open-minded, I think that was all good.”

The Browns and Vikings coaching staffs have intimate knowledge of each other's schemes. Stefanski is familiar with most of the opposing players. He is also a very close friend of Kubiak's son Klint, the offensive coordinator of the Vikings, but they weren't on speaking terms in the buildup to the game in Minneapolis.

Asked if he'll spend time this weekend with any of his Minnesota friends, Stefanski said, “No, business trip.”

Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski spent 14 seasons working for the Minnesota Vikings.
Human nature suggests Stefanski's return will be more emotional than he'll ever reveal.

“I mean, 14 years is a long time,” Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield said. “I think it would mean a lot to him. He’s not going to tell anyone here that.”

No, Stefanski won't, and Rogers said he's convinced his pupil-turned-boss will be unfazed.

Stefanski wants his team to be focused, and his players have responded well to him ever since he took control of the Browns.


“I'm sure they wanted to test him at first, but they found out who he is,” Rogers said. “He's got great conviction. He believes in things. He stays on top of things. He doesn't let anything get out of control, and he runs the show. I mean, make no mistake about it — he runs the show.”

The task at hand is winning in the city where he evolved into a coach capable of calling the shots.
Posted By: Dawgs4Life Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 09/30/21 12:22 PM
Stefanski is awesome. Even if this whole thing doesn’t work out like we all hope, I still think he’s a great coach and guy.
Posted By: Pdawg Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 09/30/21 08:15 PM
[video:youtube]https://youtu.be/EWy7U9rHCl0[/video]
Posted By: Clemdawg Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/01/21 02:28 AM
These young men are gonna play they asses off for this man.

I can't wait.
Posted By: lampdogg Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/01/21 05:03 AM
After so many coaching failures..... finally we have a real one.
Posted By: oobernoober Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/01/21 01:57 PM
Here's an Athletic article to go with the ABJ one. BTW, this subscription is money well spent.
https://theathletic.com/2857534/2021/09/...ce-the-vikings/

Kevin Stefanski: What do we know about the Browns’ coach of the year as he returns to Minnesota to face the Vikings?

By Chad Graff and Zac Jackson Sep 30, 2021 25
Kevin Stefanski’s first NFL position was as a low-level assistant with the Minnesota Vikings, completing odd jobs and running errands for head coach Brad Childress. He was so low on the coaching ladder that he wasn’t technically a part of the staff, serving merely as an assistant to Childress.

But Stefanski grew up as a coach in Minnesota. He was promoted six times in his 14 years with the Vikings, finally culminating in a successful single season as the team’s offensive coordinator in 2019 before landing the Cleveland Browns’ head-coaching job. A year later, he was named the NFL Coach of the Year.

It was a swift rise for Stefanski, who turns 40 next spring. This week, he’s preparing for his first game back in Minnesota since leaving the Vikings, a matchup against the only other NFL team for which he’s worked. OK, so it may not be the league’s biggest battle this weekend of former friends turned foes, but it should be an intriguing showdown in Minneapolis between Stefanski’s offense and Mike Zimmer’s defense.

To get ready for that, our Browns writer, Zac Jackson, and Vikings writer Chad Graff got together to answer some questions about Stefanski that reveal how he so quickly ascended to this level.

The Browns becoming a force. Stefanski winning NFL Coach of the Year. Did anyone see this coming?

Graff: The Vikings certainly aren’t surprised by the success that has followed Stefanski. Multiple people familiar with the Vikings’ ownership have suggested that had the 2019 season gone poorly and had the Vikings needed to replace Zimmer, Stefanski would have been their top candidate. Ownership wanted to do anything they could to keep Stefanski in Minnesota, but once he had received a head coaching offer, they simply had to choose between Stefanski and Zimmer, and since Zimmer was coming off a playoff win that season, they chose Zimmer.

For his part, Zimmer also saw Stefanski’s potential. In 2018, Stefanski had a job offer to join Pat Shurmur with the New York Giants in what would’ve been a promotion from Vikings quarterbacks coach to Giants offensive coordinator. Stefanski had just been passed over for the vacant offensive coordinator job with the Vikings and was thrilled by the possibility of leading an offense while working with Shurmur. But Zimmer blocked the move, declining to let Stefanski out of his contract. The following year, the league enacted a rule to prevent such decisions, essentially the Stefanski rule.

Lastly, longtime NFL coach Gary Kubiak saw this coming. He and Stefanski worked together for less than a calendar year, yet Kubiak became one of Stefanski’s biggest proponents after seeing the way Stefanski took to his teaching. Kubiak said that he wanted to be able to teach his preferred method of offense as a way of passing the scheme on to the next generation and felt Stefanski was the perfect coach for that.

Jackson: The Browns had been so bad for so long and previous coaching searches had yielded such terrible results that I think an initial negative reaction in Cleveland was understandable. The Browns were starting over AGAIN, and they were hiring someone who wasn’t a household name and was essentially a one-year coordinator. In the fan base as a whole, there was a mix of apathy and almost a resignation to the fact that the Browns would again just follow their pattern: interview Josh McDaniels every January, hire someone else, then blow it up and start over in 11 and a half months. There was no reason to trust that the Haslam family was finally going to get it right because they never had before. And they’d had plenty of chances! Just the year before, they’d interviewed Stefanski but hired Freddie Kitchens.

So Stefanski took over in 2020 under another totally remade front office, then a global pandemic hit and shut the building for months. A whole bunch of weird circumstances robbed the team of practice time in what was already a condensed training camp, and the Browns went to Baltimore and lost their first game 38-6. It could have been 76-6, and it included an awful fake punt that left zero indication that this year would be any different.

From there, though, they ran off four straight wins. They never lost back-to-back games all season. They dealt with crazy and unprecedented circumstances, and it ended with Stefanski being named the NFL’s Coach of the Year and the Browns winning a playoff game for the first time since Stefanski was in middle school. The franchise’s entire approach and mentality changed in a year. By the end of last season, you knew the Browns were going to show up ready and were going to have a smart but aggressive game plan. They went from longtime laughingstocks to a team that was good enough to give anybody fits.

In a story that couldn’t be made up, Stefanski had to spend the whole week of the first playoff game quarantined in his basement due to COVID-19. The game finally started and the coach of the year was watching it on his couch 130 miles away. Upstairs, Stefanski heard his kids shrieking. On the first play, the Steelers snapped the ball 15 yards over Ben Roethlisberger’s head, and the Browns recovered for a touchdown. His kids were seeing it and celebrating, but somehow he’d hit the wrong button on his remote and was still on the opening kickoff. He only knew from the screams. I mean, imagine how good a coach he might be if he actually showed up at the game!


(Jason Getz / USA Today)
What makes this guy so good?

Graff: Let’s start with this: Stefanski has learned so much about football from so many different people with vastly different ideas of how to play the game. A lot of coaches are direct descendants of one coaching tree. Mike Zimmer was directly and profoundly influenced by Bill Parcells. Sean McVay was directly and profoundly influenced by Mike Shanahan. But Stefanski has worked with so many different coaches that he’s been able to pick the aspects of coaching and schemes that he likes from each and discard the rest.

He learned the wide zone rushing scheme from Kubiak. A college safety, he learned how NFL defenses play from Zimmer and Leslie Frazier. He first learned an NFL playbook from Brad Childress, then worked under Darrell Bevell.

The guy has simply seen a lot of different strategies from a lot of different people and has been able to choose what’s going to work in the modern game and what isn’t. He’s also lauded for the way he interacts with players.

“I think Kevin’s got a great rapport with the players,” Zimmer said. “He’s very analytical, knows what he wants to get accomplished. (He’s) very detailed in what he wants to do.”

Dalvin Cook was even more complimentary. Stefanski was never Cook’s position coach and only served as his offensive coordinator for 19 games. But Cook remains impressed by his limited time with Stefanski.

“I was happy for him to win Coach of the Year,” Cook said. “Everything that came his way was well deserved. He waited his time, finally he got the job and he took over and did what he needed to do. I was happy for him. Once my coach, always my coach. My coach for life. Just the way he embraced me as a player and as a kid. I came into this thing and he told me, ‘Thirty-three, we’re going to ride you.'”

Jackson: He strongly believes in his offensive system, but he’s not beholden to any one way to attack defenses. We saw that late last season as the passing game went from shaky and clearly the second offensive option to his preferred way to try to build early leads. He gets lots of players involved. He’s an incredibly gifted designer of plays, and it’s also evident that he isn’t just scripting the first 10 to 15 plays each week. He’s also scripting usage plans and making sure he’s getting different players involved. The Browns always show up with a certain number of fourth-down plays, a certain number of trick plays, and when you see something fancy early, it’s almost always setting something up to go the other direction later in the game.

“What’s the best thing he’s brought here?” Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield asked. “I would say it’s between the consistency, his even-keeled nature and just holding everybody accountable and that standard that we are trying to set. We talk about building a winning culture and making that the new standard. He does a great job of keeping that the main thing and the most important thing every day.”

With Stefanski at the front of the room, the Browns are implementing a culture of work and of not being satisfied. Stefanski takes the lead on going day to day, drill to drill and maintaining composure through it all. He takes blame much more quickly than he accepts any praise, something his players surely appreciate. The Browns handle their business in a calm, measured manner, and that’s a reflection of their head coach.


Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins warms up while former offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski looks on before the start of a 2019 game. (David Berding / USA Today)
What do we really know about him?

Graff: The main thing we know about him is that he’s well-liked. It’s hard to survive more than a few years with one organization these days thanks to how often coaching staffs change. But Stefanski won over new Vikings coach after new Vikings coach, climbing the ladder along the way. He and Klint Kubiak, the Vikings’ current offensive coordinator, are still close.

We also know that he’s very analytical, which is one of the top words colleagues and close friends use to describe him. Early in Stefanski’s days as an offensive coordinator, he referenced a study that showed teams don’t need to establish the run for play-action passes to work, something the analytics community had been preaching for years.

Finally, we know that Stefanski seems to make a strong impression on those he interacts with. Cook still sings his praises. Zimmer applauded his ability to work with Kubiak. Vikings ownership loves him. Kirk Cousins even said Stefanski’s presence was part of why he chose Minnesota when he was the big prize of the 2018 free agency class.

“I actually got to meet him at the Senior Bowl back in 2012,” Cousins said, referencing when Stefanski was on the Senior Bowl staff that coached the team Cousins shared with Russell Wilson and Kellen Moore. “Kevin was younger at that time, but you could see that he was going places, he knew football, he was a good communicator. And so I was really excited when I signed in free agency that he was going to be my quarterback coach. That was a huge plus of coming to Minnesota, and then it was just a natural fit to have him as the OC and the play caller in 2019. Then he earned the right to be a head coach and has proven that as well. (He’s) one of the many people I could point to in my football career that I’ve been very fortunate to get to work alongside, and (I’m) grateful that our paths crossed.”

Jackson: After (a strange) 20 months, this is still a tough one to answer. He’s polite and cordial, but he’s certainly not programmed to give the media any more in his answers than he’s required to give. We know he has commanded respect in the building and now throughout the league. I think we know he’s aggressive with his play calls and his overall football mindset, but he really does treat each situation and each game as its own entity. That’s not just coachspeak. He has no blanket philosophy for how he’s going to handle a fourth-down decision or a time management situation. We just know he’s going to be prepared and his decisions are going to be well thought out, and that’s a major upgrade from the ghosts of Browns teams past.

Coming into this week, we didn’t expect him to say much about his time in Minnesota — that’s just not his style, nor is it like him to openly talk about himself. He just doesn’t do it. But he revealed a little more than I thought he would, and in typical fashion, he gave a bunch of credit to Zimmer and the Vikings organization as a whole.

“I was fortunate to be there for a long time and saw a bunch of different coaches come through — some really good coaches and varying philosophies,” Stefanski said. “I will tell you that was probably the best thing for me to learn under different systems. It helped me grow as a coach.”

Stefanski said he remains “very, very close” to Klint Kubiak, but he also pointed out — with a wry smile — that “nobody’s talking to anybody this week.” He’s busy trying to win a game, one he’ll never admit to treating differently than any other.
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/01/21 02:43 PM
Great read thanks so much for sharing this piece oob.....
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/02/21 10:22 AM
From Yesterday Oct 1.

BEREA, Ohio – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski answered questions from reporters following Friday’s practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.

Here’s a transcript, as provided by the Browns’ media-relations department:

Opening statement:

“Good week of practice. Just finished up this Friday practice. I thought the guys were locked in. We know it is a huge challenge this week facing a really good football team in a tough environment. We are going to have to really be about our business, and the preparation continues into today and tomorrow.”


On if T Jedrick Wills Jr. is in a similar situation to last week regarding the practice week and potential availability for the game:

“I can’t say that he is exactly where he was last week, but he had good work in his limited work there today.”

On if he is more or less optimistic about Wills playing compared to last week:

“I can’t remember last week. I would just tell you he did nice in his limited work, but it is something that we will monitor over the next 48 hours.”

On if Wills is rusty after limited practice time in recent weeks or is where needed:

“I think he is progressing accordingly and then we will see when he is ready to go.”

On the importance of DE Jadeveon Clowney being a bookend for DE Myles Garrett as Clowney recorded two sacks last week:

“I thought he did a nice job. He has been applying pressure pretty consistently in these first three games. He is a very long player. I thought he has done a nice job. He plays very hard. All of those guys, whether you are playing opposite Myles or next to Myles, you are assuming that Myles is going to get a ton of attention, and that has opened up some opportunities for those guys.”


On Vikings QB Kirk Cousins getting the ball out quickly and avoiding sacks:


“Yeah, he gets the ball out of his hands. He does a nice job of avoiding sacks.”

On what LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah needs to do to receive an expanded role on defense:

“All of these guys earn their role and then their role grows based on what they do on the practice field and do on the game field. I know he did not have a ton of snaps with the defense [last week], but the defense did not have a ton of snaps last week. He is coming along. He is doing a nice job. He is working hard.”

On if the Browns did everything desired with WR Odell Beckham Jr. last week and if there is more the team can do with Beckham as the season progresses:

“Week to week, you are constantly evolving from a schematic standpoint. Definitely with the players, as a guy maybe like Odell, you come off an injury and there is maybe more you can do. There is a rookie and you are growing his role, there is more you can do. I think it is evolving with all of our guys.”


On if has noticed a change in Beckham in practice regarding getting healthier and stronger:

“He has been practicing hard for a long time now. Going back through training camp, I know he was limited a bunch of those days, but he practices very hard.”

On if the Browns increased the level of fake crowd noise even more this week during practice specifically to prepare for US Bank Stadium:

“No, I do not think we dialed it up. We try to turn it all the way up and what we are capable of with those speakers. That is part of life on the road in the NFL. We saw it at Arrowhead. You have to really be on point in your operation offensively, and this place is going to require the same of you, as well.”

On if the Browns are more comfortable kicking FGs from 50+ yards away, given the increased attempts across the NFL this season:

“I do not think we have changed our way of thinking. (K) Chase (McLaughlin), when you hit those 50s and when you have a good warmup and those type of things, if we are in a position where we can’t go for it and it does not make sense to punt, I think Chase has proven to be… He has hit a couple, and he has had a nice week of practice. I think it will be a game by game when you make those decisions.”


On if the strong practice from the Browns defense last week carried over into practice this week:

“The goal is to keep having that best practice every week. I would tell you that we certainly gave them the message on Monday and even after the game that the way you practice is how you play. I thought the guys had a really nice week of practice, and in particular, today I thought was really good.”

On if the Browns gameplan for the week expecting opponents to approach Garrett, Clowney and Beckham a certain way and then adjust during the game if the opponent does something different:

“Yeah, I think we go into it every week, and you play that game out and you say, ‘How do we think they are going to play us?’ and ‘If they do this this, we will do that.’ Take it back to last week, No. 33 (Bears DB Jaylon Johnson) followed Odell around in that game. They could do the same thing this week. They could put (Vikings CB) Patrick Peterson on him throughout the game. We will see early if that is what their plan is, and we have to adjust accordingly.”


On if there has been any contact from the Kubiak family this week:

“Radio silence.”

On if he has received any extra text messages from people in Minnesota this week:

“No. Truly, this is a big game. You have to go on the road and try to win versus a really good football team. That has all of our full attention.”
Posted By: GratefulDawg Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/04/21 01:40 AM










Nice having Chris Rock back...

Posted By: Dawgs4Life Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/04/21 02:29 AM
Thanks for posting those. I heard Stefanski on the radio. It wasn’t his best coached game, but I think we all realize he’s also covering up for Baker .. Baker was BAD today, regardless of what coaching mistakes he thinks he made
Posted By: Jester Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/04/21 01:29 PM
I htijnk the biggest coaching mistake was the number of times we passed the ball in the red zone. Clearly our run game was working. Clearly Baker was having an off day.

1st and goal from the 4 should have been 4 runs. JMO
Posted By: Dawgs4Life Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/04/21 03:18 PM
I agree. He was trying too much there. The TD run with Hunt could have been done 3-4 times IMO
Posted By: Rishuz Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/04/21 03:32 PM
Originally Posted By: Jester
I htijnk the biggest coaching mistake was the number of times we passed the ball in the red zone. Clearly our run game was working. Clearly Baker was having an off day.

1st and goal from the 4 should have been 4 runs. JMO


He was trying to get Baker and Obj some confidence. Should have been easy pitch and catches.

I am confused by the critiques of the playcalling when it was the execution that was poor.
Posted By: Dawgs4Life Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/04/21 03:49 PM
The triple move to OBJ on the goal line was actually a good call IMO and a good move by OBJ … Baker threw it like into the stands LOL

He’s not playing well right now. We need him to be GOOD to win in the playoffs, we need him to be AVERAGE to have another year like last year, but he’s way below that right now
Posted By: jfanent Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/04/21 03:57 PM
Quote:
I am confused by the critiques of the playcalling when it was the execution that was poor.


I mostly agree with this, as those receivers were wide open. But there should have been a point where Stefanski recognized that Baker couldn't hit the broad side of a barn and not called those pass plays at such crucial times later in the game.

About the only consolation I took from Baker yesterday was that even with his wild inaccuracy, he was able to throw the ball where it couldn't be picked off.
Posted By: PitDAWG Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/04/21 06:04 PM
And to a point I agree with you as it pertains to running the ball goal to go at the four yard line. I'm not actually trying to beat up on Stefanski though. I mean any way you look at it that would be a very short pass attempt so if your QB can hit anything at all, that would be the situation that he should be able to.

However, I'm not afraid to admit I'm old school. If you have a good running game and you have a first down at the four yard line, I always think you should run the ball four straight times.
Posted By: dawglover05 Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/04/21 06:24 PM
My biggest gripe with Stefanski - and hopefully he changes with the way our defense has performed in the last two games - is his aggression in going for it on those fourth downs vs taking the field goal(s).

I get it when you're doing that against the Chiefs, because you have to punch the metaphorical gorilla in the face. Against most teams, though, you don't want to leave those (almost) sure points out there, especially when your kicker is showing more and more that he's reliable.

I wouldn't have had a near ulcer on the Vikes last drive had it been a 10 point lead vs 7.
Posted By: PitDAWG Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/04/21 06:37 PM
It sounds like you're more old school like I am.

For years on this board I kept reading where analytics said that any time you're inside the 50, the numbers say you should always go for it on fourth down and short. I have no idea how true that is but that was the word on this very board.

While I'm not pointing towards you in particular, for the most part fans go with what works. Had we have been successful on that play and made it into the end zone fans would love it. They would compliment how aggressive Stefanski was. Since it didn't work you see backlash from a lot of people that would have been happy and not questioned the call if it worked.

I tend to lean in your direction. Such a short field goal means almost sure points on the board. I like points. wink

But I have no idea if the actual analytics supports my feelings on the matter.
Posted By: Dawgs4Life Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/04/21 06:41 PM
Stefanski is the Uber analytics guy, as you said. Old school approach to going for it, taking points, etc isn’t calculated into his decisions. It’s basically all about what the numbers say in situations. Right or wrong, we’re going to almost always go for it in those spots
Posted By: PitDAWG Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/04/21 06:43 PM
I certainly don't have a problem with it. Like I said, if it had worked we would all be hearing about how great it is that Stefanski is so aggressive.
Posted By: PrplPplEater Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/04/21 07:23 PM
I think it's more than just a pure numbers thing. It comes down to trust and belief in your offense just as much as what the numbers say to do.

9 times out of 10, I trust our offense to convert those 4th downs. We've just hit a really bad stretch where we're struggling and rolling craps.
Posted By: dawglover05 Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/04/21 07:25 PM
Originally Posted By: PitDAWG
It sounds like you're more old school like I am.

For years on this board I kept reading where analytics said that any time you're inside the 50, the numbers say you should always go for it on fourth down and short. I have no idea how true that is but that was the word on this very board.

While I'm not pointing towards you in particular, for the most part fans go with what works. Had we have been successful on that play and made it into the end zone fans would love it. They would compliment how aggressive Stefanski was. Since it didn't work you see backlash from a lot of people that would have been happy and not questioned the call if it worked.

I tend to lean in your direction. Such a short field goal means almost sure points on the board. I like points. wink

But I have no idea if the actual analytics supports my feelings on the matter.


Yeah, I appreciate analytics, but I'm dumb when it comes to following them and knowing what the numbers say I should do.

That being said, I am definitely more old school. When Stefanski went for 2 after the Sheldon penalty, I was wringing my hands, too, but I was glad that it worked out.
Posted By: Jester Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/04/21 07:35 PM
Originally Posted By: Rishuz
Originally Posted By: Jester
I htijnk the biggest coaching mistake was the number of times we passed the ball in the red zone. Clearly our run game was working. Clearly Baker was having an off day.

1st and goal from the 4 should have been 4 runs. JMO


He was trying to get Baker and Obj some confidence. Should have been easy pitch and catches.

I am confused by the critiques of the playcalling when it was the execution that was poor.


I agree with the idea of trying to get Baker and OBJ some confidence. But you don't do that in the red zone. You do that in the middle of the field. The red zone is classically the toughest place to move the ball.

Others have talked about running the 4 out of 4 times. I am not that old school. I favor a 75% run ratio. I am offended by a 75% passing rate in the red zone.
Posted By: PrplPplEater Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/04/21 08:36 PM
I don't buy the "they're trying to get Baker & OBJ confidence" thing. Not for a second.

One, they're both uber-confident in their own right. These aren't wilting wallflowers we're talking about.
Two, they've been working with each other all offseason as soon as OBJ could get on a field again.
Posted By: Jester Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/04/21 10:52 PM
For the record, I don't know if they were planning that or not. But I could understand the concept someone else mentioned.

I think confidence might be the wrong word. I think do something to get them in a rhythm.
Posted By: GratefulDawg Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/05/21 11:12 AM
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/07/21 02:07 AM
Ski Presser 10/6/21

BEREA, Ohio – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski answered questions from reporters prior to Wednesday’s practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.

Here’s a transcript, as provided by the Browns’ media-relations department:

Opening statement:

“Going on the road again versus a really good football team. They are 3-1 coming off of two big wins against division opponents. They are doing a really nice job. Offense, defense and special teams, we are going to have our work cut out for us. They are plus-three in turnover margin. They are doing a nice job really on all three sides of the ball with their scheme. They have a bunch of good players. It is going to be a big week of preparation, getting to know these guys and going to school on their schemes and then having some really good days of practice out here.”


On if potential concerns about Browns players who will not participate in practice not being able to play on Sunday:

“With all of those guys, we will see how the week goes. Just being smart about some of those things.”

On if the Browns are ruling out T Jedrick Wills Jr.:

“No.”

On CB Greg Newsome II’s status:

“I think he is the one guy I would rule out – Greg Newsome.”

On if the plan is for LB Anthony Walker Jr. to return on Sunday:

“He is going to practice today. We have to see. With any of these guys coming off of an injury, we just have to see. We have seen them move around in their rehab but definitely want to see the practice football first.”

On the challenges of traveling to the west coast and if that adds extra difficulty to the game:

“I do not think so. It is a nice plane (laughter). It is not like you have someone sitting next to you. We spread out so they do a great job here traveling our guys.”

On describing QB Baker Mayfield’s accuracy drop in the past few weeks:


“You can always point your finger at a few things, but we missed a couple of guys, and we are going to work really hard to make sure we hit them this week. I have seen Baker have great success in games, and I have no doubt that we will work at it this week.”

On if Mayfield is experiencing a mechanical issue:

“All of our guys get graded on their technique every single play. Certainly, at the quarterback position, you want to try and make sure your mechanics are right. Baker does a great job out here working on his technique, and we will just have to continue to do that.”

On if G Joel Bitonio means a lot to the team and Bitonio seeming to be playing well as Bitonio approaches his 100th start:

“Confirmed. All of those things, yes. He is doing a great job. He is playing at a really high level. He is doing a nice job in the run game and the pass game. He is very dependable and playing a very physical brand of football.”


On if he knew Bitonio would be a great fit before being named head coach:

“I went back and watched tape of him when (49ers Head) Coach (Kyle) Shanahan was here with him, and he really fits what we do.”

On potential concerns with WR Odell Beckham Jr. having seven receptions on 16 targets:

“It really is not [a concern] guys. It is a concern any time we do not have a completion, but the amount of balls we are throwing down the field in particular to Odell, I think you have to be realistic about what that completion percentage can be. Now, there are opportunities that we have to do better, and I have to do better. We will work at that, but I feel good about where we are.”


On the Browns should run shorter routes with Beckham to get the ball in Beckham’s hands:


“Ultimately, the answer lies always somewhere in the middle. We are looking to get our good players the ball any which way. We threw Odell a screen. We handed him the ball. Those are always going to be parts of how we think when you are putting together the gameplan.”

On if he is pleased with LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s performance as the role expands:

“Yeah, and I think that is the key there – it is expanding because he is earning that role. He is competing. The more you show our coaches what you can do, the more that we are going to ask you to do. His role will continue to grow.”

On attempting two-point conversions after penalties by the opponent and the benefit of that extra yard:

“It is dependent on a lot of things. It is dependent on the play we have in mind a lot of times. If we do not love the play from the one, we will probably kick it, put it on the kickoff and make sure we kick it nice and high and cover. There will be times – and I think there have already been times – where we have applied it to the kickoff, and there will be times we will go for it because we likely feel good about our play.”


On if there is an advantage to watching an opponent on live TV, referencing the Chargers playing the Raiders on Monday night:

“I do not think so. We prepare based on the tape we have available to us and then we all do some TV scouting and watch it. You get in the office the next morning and watch it again. I thought they played great the other night against a really quality opponent. They played a physical game. For us, we got to see that stadium and find out it is not an indoor stadium – that was news to me (laughter). There is some really good tape on this team, and they have played some really good football. Even the loss that they had was a really close game.”

On his comment about not kicking FGs inside the 30 during the preseason and if that also applies to the regular season:

“All of those instances depend on so many factors. Ultimately, we really, really value seven points versus three. I know that is a difference of four, but we really believe in those sevens because in this game, you typically have to score a bunch of points. We won a game last week 14-7. That is not typical in the NFL. You have to score a bunch of points. It will be dependent on a bunch of factors. If those factors tell us we should take the three points in those instances, we will, but I just think that difference – I know it is four points – it seems is huge.”


On what Chargers OLB Joey Bosa does so well:

“He is very, very slippery and powerful and very good against the run and very good against the pass. His motor never stops. He is an elite player.”

On the Browns protection this season, given the increased number of sacks compared to last season:

“Sack numbers, I need to do a better job. I think three of them have been on fourth down. I need to do a better job there.”

On if T Chris Hubbard may be ready to return this week:

“I think we will see. I think we will see how he does at practice.”

On if Hubbard’s availability impacts the Browns’ decision regarding Wills’ status:

“No.”

On Chargers QB Justin Herbert:

“Great size. Great skillset throwing the ball. Athletic. I think he has good command of what they are doing and what they are asking him to do. He is spreading the ball around to a bunch of their playmakers. He is playing at a really high level.”


On if he has crossed paths with Chargers Head Coach Brandon Staley during his coaching career:

“I have not. I have met him a couple of times, but we did not really cross paths. A great coach obviously.”

On if the Chargers seem to take a similar approach regarding fourth-down attempts:

“I think they are definitely playing aggressive. They are coaching aggressive. They had three fourth down [attempts] this past game. They are converting so they are doing a nice job.”

On if there is any discomfort pointing out QBs errors with the team, given the emphasis on accountability:

“No. No. Never. I think all of our guys at every position, they want transparency from their coaches. We point out the good and point out the bad because we want to correct. That is true for every single one of our players.”

On if the Browns point out positives and negatives with the players on Monday morning:


“We do that with the players Monday at 11 o’clock.”

On the balance between saying he needs to call better plays and Mayfield saying he wants to play better:

“We are trying to find a way to win each game. Ultimately, we found a way to get a win last week, a great team win. We have to go on the road and do it again. I just know there are areas that all of us can do better.”

On if Mayfield can pull from past games with lower performances to call on now:

“I understand that it is the quarterback so he gets a lot of the attention. I just think we need to make sure we work real hard here at practice, and I know that we will do that.”

On how the Browns offense being aggressive on fourth down impacts an opponent’s defense:

“Again, it is not just aggressive for the sake of being aggressive. We are trying to be smart and aggressive in a lot of those areas. Those are things we talk about way in advance so it is not just in the moment that you are making decisions. We try to take as much information as we can prior to those moments, and then when those moments come up, use all of the information that we have learned as the game has unfolded. I think any team and any defense, our defense included, understands that there are a bunch of times that you are going to have to stop a team on four downs nowadays.”


On if the Browns will apply any tips with the team to ease the potential impact of playing on the west coast and the time change:

“We have talked about it as a staff. We have a bunch of coaches who have been on east coast time for a lot of their careers so we kind of came up with a plan and make sure that we get out there and have a great night of meetings and make sure the guys are ready to go on Sunday.”

On determining whether the team will travel on Friday or Saturday for the west coast trip this weekend:

“We will go in Saturday. We are not going to go in on Friday.”

On if the Browns discussed whether or not to travel to Los Angeles on Friday or Saturday:

“We talked about it, yeah. The other thing is with the days of COVID, we do not want to spend too long not in our own homes.”
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/09/21 02:23 PM
From 10/8/21

BEREA, Ohio – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski answered questions from reporters following Friday’s practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.

Here’s a transcript, as provided by the Browns’ media-relations department:

Opening statement:

“Looking forward to the challenge this week. A really good football team. They are really good on all three sides of the ball and well coached. I know our guys understand the challenge that we have. It has been a good week of practice. We will get out there and look forward to seeing our fans in that building. I know our fans travel well, and we will see them in L.A.”


On DE Myles Garrett’s status:

“Limited yesterday. Did not practice today. We will see how it goes in the next 48 hours.”

On T Jedrick Wills Jr. being listed as questionable:

“Yes.”

On if Wills is doing extra work behind the scenes and if Wills has a chance to play on Sunday:

“Yeah, I think he has a chance to play, but we will continue to evaluate him, and again, use the next 48 hours to make that determination.”

On who would start at LT if Wills is unable to play, given T Chris Hubbard was listed as out:

“I would not say who would be the guy.”

On details on Garrett’s status:

“He is sore.”


On confirming Garrett is dealing with lower body soreness:

“Yes.”

On QB Baker Mayfield playing through a shoulder injury and any potential concerns with the nature of the injury:

“I can’t speculate about what the concern would be. I would just tell you, he has told you guys that it is not a concern of his, and I have watched him practice, and he has done a nice job.”

On if the Browns will activate LB Anthony Walker Jr. from injured reserve prior to Sunday:

“He looked good to me out there. We will see what we do here in the next couple of days.”


On if Mayfield has needed to change throwing mechanics due to the shoulder injury:


“I do not believe so, no.”

On how T James Hudson III performed in practice this week:

“He is working hard. He is a young man who since the day he got here, he works very, very hard, and he has a couple of coaches who want to work with him. He has done a nice job.”

On if Garrett gave him a gift after the Vikings game, given the comments Garrett made in a postgame TV interview:

“He did not.”

On the Chargers defense:


“They do a really nice job. Multiple personnel groupings. Multiple versions of nickel. Multiple versions of their base. They can line up in different fronts. They do a really nice job in coverage. I have seen the coverage elements with (Chargers Head) Coach (Brandon) Staley and with (Broncos Head) Coach (Vic) Fangio and what they did together in Chicago, and of course, it has evolved. They just do a really nice job. They play really sound coverage to match with their really physical front.”

On the Chargers hurrying up to the line on some third or fourth downs and if that presents a challenge to the defense:

“A lot of teams are mixed tempo throughout a series – it is not just it is full speed or up tempo for a series. Sometimes you get in and out of it. They have done a nice job of that. Defensively, we have to get aligned very quickly. You will see them get aligned very quickly, and they are snapping the ball so we have to do the same and use our rules to our advantage.”

On if Walker is good to go:

“He has looked good.”
Posted By: PitDAWG Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/09/21 04:02 PM
His press conferences remind me of a line from a song I really like. "You say it best, when you say nothing at all." To me it's like an art form.
Posted By: Clemdawg Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/10/21 12:51 AM
I pretty much know exactly what I'm going to get from a Ski presser: enough to keep me interested, but never enough to be satisfied.

It's brilliant and beautiful.


He's probably a ruthless chess player... and I'm pretty sure his poker game has no 'tell.'
If you can't tell- Clemmy's a fan.
Posted By: Damanshot Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/10/21 01:43 PM
Originally Posted By: PitDAWG
His press conferences remind me of a line from a song I really like. "You say it best, when you say nothing at all." To me it's like an art form.


He's a lot like Belichick.. Direct and short answers to questions, non committal and succinct. All of that but a whole lot less threatening and cryptic.. LOL He's actually pleasant about it...Unlike Belichick. I actually enjoy him not telling me anything....LOL
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/11/21 10:20 AM
Post Game Remarks from Bolt Game

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski answered questions from reporters following Sunday’s game against the Chargers at SoFi Stadium.

Here’s a transcript, as provided by the Chargers’ media-relations department:

Opening Statement:

“[Browns CB] Greedy [Williams] had a right shoulder injury. We will MRI that tomorrow. [Browns CB] Denzel Ward, neck. We will MRI that tomorrow. [Browns T] Jack Conklin, knee. We will MRI that tomorrow. [Browns S] M.J. Stewart has a right hamstring and we will MRI that, as well. Disappointed. I give credit to the Chargers. They played a good game and we didn’t come through there in a couple spots. I’m sure there’s about a thousand reasons why, but we have to make sure we make those corrections from this game and then move on. We have an undefeated team coming to our place next week.”


On why he didn’t call a timeout towards the end of the first half:

“That’s a good question. I’ll have to look at it again. Off the top of my head, I don’t have a good answer for you. Obviously, we need to come through. I need to come through for our team.”

On the second-to-last offensive series:

“We obviously wanted to score. Ran it on first down. Second down, we tried to get a double move on their corner. We really wanted the clock to run there, as well. That was incomplete. With where we were with our tackle position, quite honestly, just didn’t feel like I wanted to give a chance for something bad to happen there again. All of these things I would tell you, I need to do a better job. I share in that loss just like everybody else does. We’re going to win these games together and we’re going to lose these games together. I certainly need to do a better job.”

On if he was planning on getting the ball back after running on third-and-10:


“Third-and-10 back there, I don’t know what the percentages are, but obviously we’re trying to hold them. It’s hard to say when they scored so many points, but they were converting fourth downs. We just had to make a play there, and we didn’t. Listen, our defense gave up seven points last week and six points the week before. Like I said, we will win as a team and lose as a team. We will share in this.”

On how Chargers Head Coach Brandon Staley has ‘changed the Chargers’ trajectory’:

“I don’t know. I don’t know Coach Staley well. We didn’t play them last year, so I can’t give you a great answer. They’re doing a nice job, their entire coaching staff and their players. They’re obviously a good team.”

On if he reached a point where he ‘needed to try something different’:

“Yeah. We’re trying to score every time we touch it. We’re trying to stop them. We tried various coverages. As you know, I hate to even mention injuries because they are a part of the game. We were into our depth in a couple areas. I trust the guys that were in there, but we didn’t come through, so I’d tell you we have to look at all of it. We can’t just say it’s one thing or the other. I’m sure it’s a multitude of things.”


On if he would have rather ran more clock down before scoring in the fourth quarter:

“I think it’s hard. Points are a premium. There are opportunities, certainly late in games, when you want to use the clock. I don’t know if the seven minutes was on my mind. I wanted to make sure we scored there. I thought our defense did a great job coming back and forcing them into the end zone so that we could touch the ball one more time. I would just tell you guys that there are certainly things that I’m really disappointed that I did in this game. I got to come through for our team.”

On ‘two busted coverages’ that led to long Chargers touchdowns:

“I will tell you that we will talk about it. It is obviously a miscommunication and we had too many of those. They had big plays. They got behind us on some broken plays, they had some DPIs, so we have to do a better job. I have to look at it and obviously make sure we make those corrections.”


On the overall difficulty of the game:

“I think you have to coach the game that is in front of you. That’s how the game played out today. They are a good football team. I give credit to Coach Staley and that staff and those players. They beat us.”

On QB Justin Herbert:

“He’s a good player. He got the ball out of his hands and he made plays with his feet. His play was outstanding on the fourth down. We need to try to find a way to get off the field.”

On why they didn’t try to go ‘down the field earlier’ on the final offensive possession:

“What I would tell you is the first goal there is to try to get to midfield, to try to put yourself in a position to throw a Hail Mary. I also just wanted to be smart with our protection to make sure that we weren’t holding the ball. That’s a good front and we were in our depth there at tackle.”


On Browns QB Baker Mayfield’s performance:

“I have to look at it. Obviously, I thought he was getting the ball out of his hands, making it really good in terms of completions. We wanted to make sure we could get a bunch of completions. To give you a better assessment, I’d have to look at it.”

On if he ‘got a good look’ at the fourth-quarter, fourth-down defensive pass interference call on Browns CB A.J. Green:

“I didn’t get a good look at it, no.”

On what he thought of the fourth-quarter, fourth-down defensive pass interference call on Browns CB A.J. Green:

“They called it.”

On if the defenders were instructed to let RB Austin Ekeler score on the Chargers’ final possession:

“They did a great job pushing.”

On if he felt today’s game was ‘well-coached in terms of analytics’:


“The defensive coach in me would say that I hope not. We have to find ways to get stops, and we have been doing that as a defense. We didn’t do that today. Whatever the reasons are, we will talk about them. We just have to be ready for whatever game it is. For instance, last week I don’t think we saw the game unfolding like that. As coaches, we need to react to the game that is being played.”

On Browns RB Nick Chubb:

“Nick is powerful. He made some big runs for us today. He has breakaway speed, as you saw. Great teammate.”

On if the Chargers ‘adjusting’ to using personnel sub-packages with three tight ends:

“They adjusted. They are a multiple personnel, multiple front defense. I think within that 13 [one running back, three tight ends] personnel that you’re talking about, I think you saw a bunch of different fronts and coverages.”
Posted By: oobernoober Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/11/21 02:29 PM
Quote:

On what he thought of the fourth-quarter, fourth-down defensive pass interference call on Browns CB A.J. Green:

“They called it.”



I'm cleaning up my coffee.
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/11/21 02:33 PM
Accept it wasn't funny that play likely cost us the game.
Posted By: TrooperDawg Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/11/21 03:30 PM
Next Man Up: AVP calling plays. Stefanski is NOT improving.
Posted By: oobernoober Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/11/21 03:35 PM
Originally Posted By: Brown to the Bone
Accept it wasn't funny that play likely cost us the game.
No it didn't. It definitely played a part, but I'd point to the 2 free TDs our defense gave the Chargers before any of those calls.
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/11/21 04:51 PM
I still thought it was funny just maybe a bit early to laugh at.
Posted By: Homewood Dog Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/11/21 07:23 PM
I just read where Baker expects to be fined by the league for his comments about the Refs. Why doesn't the league look at video of the game and fine the refs for their incompetence!!
Posted By: oobernoober Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/11/21 08:02 PM
Originally Posted By: Brown to the Bone
I still thought it was funny just maybe a bit early to laugh at.
Yeah... that's fair. I'm usually a 'water-off-a-ducks-back' kinda guy, but I'm just now 'coming down' from that game yesterday.
Posted By: GratefulDawg Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/11/21 08:46 PM
Posted By: WooferDawg Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/12/21 02:49 AM
Here is my critique.

Points were not at a “Premium” in this game. Situational awareness was due. The objective was to wind up with the ball and enough time to put together a drive to win, and use the clock to seal the victory. Essentially, the Browns were behind even though they were ahead by 1.

The game called for a shootout mentality as defense was not on display.

Giving the ball back to the Chargers with time on the clock was a losing strategy. I would have gone for it on 4th down instead of punting. Even if the Chargers scored, there would have been more time and timeouts available.

I spent the day before watching Texas/OU and Bama/A&M. Last team with the ball and no time wins.
Posted By: WooferDawg Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/12/21 02:51 AM
The Eckler play out of bounds was smart. A lot like Chubb against Houston last year.

Running him up the middle the next play was not smart.
Posted By: mac Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/12/21 10:43 AM
Originally Posted By: GratefulDawg


The presser was a bit tough to watch as Stefanski took the heat from the local press.

The article below is from SI.



Kevin Stefanski's Curious Late Game Decisions Loom Large In Loss to ChargersTactical decisions late in loss to Los Angeles Chargers loom large for Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.

PETE SMITH UPDATED:OCT 11, 2021(ORIGINAL:OCT 10, 2021)
link

For all of the back and forth, plays both made and missed as well as some horrific officiating, the game between the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Chargers boiled down to a pair of decisions by head coach Kevin Stefanski.

With a 42-41 lead, the Browns passed on 2nd-and-10, unable to complete a pass to Rashard Higgins, setting up 3rd-and-10. Rather than trusting his quarterback Baker Mayfield to try and make a play to extend the drive, Stefanski opted for a running play in the form of a draw to Kareem Hunt, which fell short and forced them to punt.

Seemingly, Stefanski should have either run it twice to try to get the first down or passed it twice. Passing first and then running was deflating.

The Browns defense, especially the secondary was down multiple players and their punter, Jamie Gillan, was underwhelming on his previous two punts. Gillan's third attempt was just as mediocre as the first two which puts Chargers at midfield.

After the Chargers were able to score a touchdown, failing on the two-point conversation, the Browns got the ball with 1:31 down 47-42, out of timeouts.

The Browns would use 40 seconds on their next three plays combined on three short passes that netted a grand total of 12 yards. Unfortunately, the second one to Hunt was tackled short of the line to gain, setting up 3rd-and-1. Getting a third underneath pass that was tackled in bounds was way too taxing on the clock given the situation.

In fact, only an injury to linebacker Drue Tranquill is the only thing that kept more clock from running.The Browns were able to convert one more pass to David Njoku, getting them close to midfield with 29 seconds left.

At that point, the Browns proceeded to throw four times in a row with the last amounting to a Hail Mary. The Browns were on their third and fourth string offensive tackles in Blake Hance at left tackle and James Hudson at right tackle, which may have had an impact in the Browns decision making. Stefansi cited them in his post game press conference as a reason he was concerned. Nevertheless, those key decisions by Stefanski let a lot to be desired and did not put the Browns in the best position to win the game.

They fall 47-42 against a formidable Chargers team, dropping their record to 3-2. The team suffered a number of injuries throughout the game, which is probably the more pressing concern.

None of that changes the fact that Stefanski, who has often been quite good in these situations dating back to last year, was certainly not up to his own standards and has been having some issues in key situations, particularly on fourth down the last few weeks.

The Browns couldn't get off the field on fourth down in a number of situations defensively. They suffered a key drop on 4th-and-2 in the first half. The team was not short on opportunities to win this game, but the bitter taste that comes out of this one will be those last two offensive drives.

READ MORE: Browns Imposing Defense Faces Difficult Challenge Against ChargersBY PETE SMITH
Posted By: Brown to the Bone Re: Ski Daily Presser. - 10/14/21 06:46 PM
From 10/13/21

BEREA, Ohio – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski answered questions from reporters prior to Wednesday’s practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.

Here’s a transcript, as provided by the Browns’ media-relations department:

Opening statement:

“Big challenge this week. Undefeated Cardinals coming into our building. They are obviously very good as their record indicates. They are scoring a bunch of points on offense. They are not giving up many points on defense. It is a really, really well-coached team. (Cardinals Head) Coach (Kliff) Kingsbury and (defensive coordinator) Coach (Vance) Joseph, third year in the systems on offense and the defense. (Cardinals assistant head coach/special teams coordinator) Coach (Jeff) Rodgers their special teams coordinator has been there for 4 years. The continuity on those three sides of the ball shows up in how these guys are playing,. A ton of great players across the board. We really have to have a great week of preparation to get ready to face this team.”


On the game status for Browns players not practicing today:

“I am not ruling anyone out.”

On if CB Denzel Ward and T Jedrick Wills Jr. have a good chance of playing Sunday:

“I think they have a pretty good chance to practice today.”

On WR Jarvis Landry’s status:

“I think he is going to do some work today and we will see where it goes.”


***Note: Landry will do some running today but will not be designated to return to participate in practice today.***

On if Wills is over the worst of his ankle injury:

“With any injury, you have to make sure you are doing your work in the training room, and some of it is luck quite honestly with him. He has gotten rolled up there a couple of times. Hopefully, he is feeling strong and feeling good. We will be excited if we can get him back out there.”

On if there is a concern DE Jadeveon Clowney’s knee could be an issue each week, given Clowney was unable to play due to the knee following pregame warmups:

“I hope not. Obviously, he has an injury history there, but just with any of our guys, when they work out pregame and they are feeling something, you have to go with what they are feeling, and he did not feel like he could go. I think he is feeling better, but certainly with everybody, that is why every player goes out there on the field pregame to make sure they are feeling OK.”


On if the Browns are being cautious with RBs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt not practicing today:

“I do not think we are being cautious with any of our guys. I just think we are trying to be smart about it.”

On if CB Greg Newsome II will practice today:

“He is going to practice today.”

On if the Browns have designated Landry to return today:

“I do not know if it has happened yet, but we are going to have him out there today.”

***Note: Landry will do some running today but will not be designated to return to participate in practice today.***

On Cardinals DE JJ Watt’s performance despite not having a sack this season:

“A very disruptive player. Huge, as you guys know. We faced him last season. Every run and every pass, he is slippery. He is long. He has that swim move. He can bat the ball. He may not have a sack, but he is very, very disruptive on game day.”


On potentially incorporating a package with Chubb and Hunt together on the field:


“It is something we talk about. I think there are definitely different considerations with those two guys. You want to keep them fresh. If we do it, we do not want to do it just for the sake of doing it. We want to have a good reason to do it.”

On if teams are doing a better job of defending the Browns’ deep balls off of play action:

“We have had a couple of opportunities. Have not hit them yet, but I think what you are seeing is schematically you are facing different defenses week in and week out, and there are certain things defenses may adjust to try to take away that game and then there are counter punches by us, whether it be run or pass, that can hopefully find ways to be explosive in other areas.”

On the Browns not losing back-to-back games since becoming head coach:

“I can only think about this week and coming off of a loss last week. I will just tell you, our team and our players are pouring every effort they have into this game and what is in front of us or what is behind us does not matter.”


On WR Anthony Schwartz returning kickoffs as wanting to get Schwartz opportunities or if ‘there is anything deeper than that’:

“Nothing deeper than that. We think he is a fast guy with the ball in his hands. That is situation where if you get a crease in those returns, he can hit it. We feel really comfortable with (RB) Demetric Felton back there. We have (RB) D’Ernest Johnson that can do that job and have Anthony Schwartz. We kind of have a few guys who we really trust back there.”

On if he unsatisfied with the production from the WRs despite the offensive having a run-first identity:

“I do not really think of it that specifically that way. I think we have room to go as an offense for sure. We want to be explosive run and pass. I do not think we say we have to do it this way and it has to come through the run. We have never talked about that. That is not what we believe. We believe in being explosive any which way we can. Now opportunities will arise off of the run game, off run actions and off of the keeper game, and when they do, we have to make sure that we make it count.”


On if WR Odell Beckham, Jr. needed more than three targets last week, despite the Browns producing 42 points and more than 530 offensive yards:

“Again, I kind of look at each game and what do we have to do to win and what do we need to do to go score a bunch of points. As I have mentioned before, he is a dynamic football player. He is very front of mind when we are game planning and when we are calling plays. Sometimes the defense dictates if the ball goes elsewhere, and we are comfortable with that because we have good players elsewhere.”

On if the Browns offense is up to speed on what it needs to do when facing a must-score situation late in a game, given play action may not necessarily be an option:

“I think the hardest thing to do in sports is probably in those two-minute drives when they know you are throwing it and you know you are throwing it. From a protection standpoint, pass pro is difficult and navigating the pocket and finding open guys. We just have to when given those opportunities come through. That is where I know I have already talked about it and we have discussed internally where we have to give our guys a chance to go make some plays.”


On how P Jamie Gillan can improve:

“He just has to hit it better. Again, this is nothing that Jamie has not been told by (special teams coordinator) Coach (Mike) Priefer and myself. When he gets those opportunities, we have to hit it well and hit it outside the numbers if we are directionally punting. That is like any of us, myself, any player or any coach, we have to all improve.”

On the decision to have S John Johnson III call the plays instead of a LB on Sunday:

“It was something we had really been talking about back since the spring. With (LB) Anthony Walker (Jr.) being injured and with (LB) Malcolm Smith not feeling 100 percent, we just felt like it was the right move to have John, who is out there for every rep and we know he can do it and we know he had done it, so just felt like last week was the time to have him do it.”


On if Johnson calling the defensive plays on the field contributed to communication issues related to coverage:

“It did not.”

On what happened on the Hail Mary that went untouched:

“We had one of our eligibles get tripped up and fell – (TE) David Njoku – so we only had two guys down there because of that.”

On if Njoku would have made the play if not tripped up:

“Who knows?”

On how disturbed or surprised he was by the situation with former Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden:

“I think unfortunate situation. I think it is a teachable moment for all of us, but it is a really unfortunate situation.”


On if the Gruden situation makes him reflect more on how he coaches and goes about his business as it relates to building a strong culture in the building:

“I do not think it has made me more reflective, but as you know, what we believe in here is a very inclusive workplace.”

On Cardinals QB Kyle Murray:

“He is great, and he is playing great. He can move around, buy time and throw it deep. He can run. When he does tuck it and run, he is an elite runner. He is fast. He is quick. He has a great understanding of what they are doing offensively. He is playing at an extremely high level.”

On how LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is playing with increased defensive snaps:

“I thought there were some good moments and some moments like all of our young players, he is trying to clean up a few things, but he is battling.”


On if Owusu-Koramoah’s speed is what the Browns like in the DIME package:

“Yeah, his speed and length. Those are the things we were intrigued by throughout the draft process.”

On hearing DT Malik McDowell explain his story to the team:

“I have obviously spent a bunch of tie with Malik before we signed him so I did know the story, but to just hear him explain everything to his teammates and the support that he had throughout the whole thing, just how he talked about his mom and how she helped him throughout all of it, I think was really impactful.”

On if Gillan’s muffed punt in Kansas City may still be in Gillan’s head:

“No. No.”
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