I believe it was mangini that wanted Hillis wasnt it? 2nd I dont see the statement about the recievers or the LB's as a bold statement. He's the GM and isnt going to toss any of his players under the bus. What would you expect him to say. Yeah they stink but I only have so many picks in the draft each year to fix this with so we will just have to live the avg players until I can replace them? Which is actually the truth to what he is doing.
If you need 3 years to be a winner you got here 2 years to early. Get it done Browns.
Transcript from news conference with Browns coach Pat Shurmur
by Nate Ulrich on September 20, 2011
in Cleveland Browns,NFL,Pat Shurmur
Browns coach Pat Shurmur met with reporters Monday following the team's 27-19 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Here is a transcript from the news conference:
(Opening statement) – “Good afternoon. I really don’t have much to add about the game to what I talked about after the game. I feel like watching both games from the sideline, I saw basically the same thing when I watched the tape. I felt like we made improvements as a team. I think we went through and made an effort to correct some mistakes that we made in the first game and I think it showed up yesterday. There were a lot fewer penalties and I wouldn’t call them hostile environments, I just think you consider them away environments where noise can be a factor when you’re playing offense. I thought we did a better job there. I think defensively, we played a very, very strong game. There are a lot of things that you can point to. I think the defensive line as a unit played very well, I think our linebackers covered well and again, in the secondary, I think we challenged. There were some real good things to build on and keep in mind that this is a sport that as you go through the season you try to find ways to improve each week as you work on your next opponent. I feel like that’s the direction we’ll go. I said last night I think offensively it was a fairly efficient game. We put the ball on the ground once, which we can’t do and I think that’s something that we’ll continue to work on. Can’t turn the ball over, but for the most part, if you’re going to play offense against a team like the Colts you have to be willing to take six, seven, eight yard gains and do it consistently.”
“They play their coverage schemes pretty well where you’ll get your completions, but they do a nice job of tackling you. It’s very hard to get explosive plays against the Colts so you have to play an efficient style, which I felt like we did. Unfortunately, we didn’t get as many big plays as you’d like, but if you don’t turn the ball over and you stay ahead of them you can help yourself. We were better on third downs and I think our efficiency in the red zone, we can do better there on offense. The kicking game was solid, the punting game was outstanding. When you have a 40-yard average and a 40-yard net, I’d take that every week. I think that’s tremendous. We got some big returns in the return game and for the most part our coverage units were sound. We let one pop out on us. Again, I’ll say it’s an error that we can correct. It was a good victory, but again some of the things that I talked about the coaches are in the meetings right now correcting. We need to move on quickly and get ready to play the Dolphins, who I think are a team, that they’re 0-2, they’re fighting to get their first victory. There’ll be some things that they’re going to try to do, they have a good football team and they’ve got some outstanding players that can make a difference with one play and I think they’re a team that we’re going to have to play our best football to beat.”
(On what he has learned about this team over the last week) – “I feel like this team responds when we ask them to clean up mistakes and refocus their efforts. I feel like they did that and so we’ll see if we can do it. Again, I’ve mentioned this about consistency, if we see somebody do something once, in order to be consistent you have to do it over and over. The way to respond this week is to be able to put the good feeling of winning behind you and then work on the preparation that needs to get done moving forward.”
(On any rule of thumb on how deep Josh Cribbs can return kicks) – “It appears like he put the very edge of his foot at the end of the playing surface and so that’s the good rule of thumb I guess. Now, what happens from there if the ball is short and he can run into it and catch it, but I think what you’re seeing now is there are more and more touchbacks. Returners want to get their touches and they want to get their licks in so they’re all getting into position where they want to field the ball and make the decision whether they come out.”
(On if the new rule affects coverage units) – “I don’t know. It seems like we’re seeing feast or famine. You see some teams get tackled inside the ten, some inside the fifteen and then you’re still seeing some really explosive returns. Week two, I guess we’ll start comparing all these results as we go through the season. It’s interesting. I know I have more interest in what’s happening when that ball is kicked. I’m kind of learning what’s happening with the returners each time I see one kicked.”
(On what he has seen growth wise in T.J. Ward) – “I think T.J.’s a competitor. T.J.’s a terrific player against the run and I think he covers well. What I saw from T.J. was a guy who was excited about that he missed some training camp and I’ve seen him now really work his way back in, coming back from minor injury and I’ve seen him compete extremely well. I think he’s the kind of guy you want playing safety because he’s a gritty guy, he understands how to play and he’s competitive.”
(On how good of a game Joe Thomas played) – “I’d have to agree. Last week you don’t talk about an individual performance when you lose, but when you win I think you can do that a little bit. I think Joe played a fine game. Both of our guys playing the tackle positions had tough matchups. Everybody does when you play the Colts and I thought Joe played very, very well.”
(On how much they schemed) – “There were things scheme wise where we tried to chip him. There was a couple where we chipped, there were other ones where we tried to chop him. You have to make an effort to disrupt those two guys and we did make an effort to make sure we got the ball out quickly. Then you saw a couple times where Colt (McCoy) was able to scramble, he pushed up and slid out or he actually just escaped because those defensive ends at times would work themselves inside. In order for that to happen though the tackle has to then flatten him, which I thought Joe did well. ”
(On if he’s worried about the offense starting slow the first two games) – “No, I’m not worried. I think you emphasize it and it’ll be something where we try to get a faster start as we go out. I’m happy that we found a way to score before half and again getting use to our players in some ways, but no it’s something we’ll work on.”
(On McCoy’s ability to move outside the pocket and trying to develop himself as a pocket passer in the future) – “The one thing I think is that he made some really fine throws from the pocket last night, when you sit and watch it after the game. Some of his throws on the move were because he flushed himself or he got flushed and some of them were designed movement type plays. I thought he played a pretty good game and I think he made some big plays. A lot of times some of the biggest most explosive plays are when the thing breaks down. I think I made the point last night, he escaped and extended some plays that ended up being some of our bigger plays.”
(On Greg Little’s growth since the beginning of training camp) – “Greg’s grown a lot in my eyes. I mentioned this before, but he’s one of those guys that love Sunday. His eyes get real wide when the lights are on. He’s very excitable, he’s a guy that had his chances yesterday and did some good things. We’ll try and build on that. Very competitive guy, I think he sees things well. He like some of the other receivers will come to the sideline and say ‘hey coach, I think we can get him on this. He can’t cover me on this’ and for a young guy he gets right in the mix with all those suggestions. He’s fun, I like him.”
(On the thought process of using Montario Hardesty yesterday) – “We wanted to get him in the game and when you get rolling, and again this is something I need to do a better job of is, I wanted to get him in the game at some point. I wish we could have gotten him in the game sooner, I guess that’s what I would say because he needs to play. Peyton (Hillis) is a bruising style of runner that needs a little bit of relief at times and I think that’s what we’ll try and do a better job of next time.”
(On Montario Hardesty being in the game when at the goal line) – “I think it’s okay. We weren’t really on the goal line. We were in a three receiver set and we were just running a play we would run out around the fifty, one back power. So, regardless of where you put a player in and you don’t want him to put the ball on the ground and fortunately we got it back. But again, the more critical the situation is, the more heightening in the awareness from everybody’s standpoint. Nobody ever trains the runner to put the ball on the ground. I feel like he has made huge progress through training camp. For us to win over a consistent time frame we are going to need him and so I need to play him sooner.”
(On balancing both running backs) – “It sounds like a good plan. I don’t know if that means they are each going to get the same amount of carries. I think you always go with a runner that has the hot hand, but I think Peyton is our number one back at this point.”
(On Josh Cribbs being key to this offense) – “I think he does just that emotionally. He can make big plays, that’s just a part of his nature. The third down that you express we had time to talk about on the sideline. I had one thought in mind and then we had a quick screen up just to get the ball out. I said, “You want it?” He said, “Just throw it to me.” You know and then he did it. Again, when you can interact with these guys during the game and see the way they respond Josh does have that uplifting piece to his personality.”
(On bouncing back the next week) – “I was sure they bounced back and play well because I have seen them respond to everything we’ve asked them to do. I think that’s what made me sure. Well they made me right. I am happy they did that. I am happy.”
(On the defensive ends progression) – “No, I think they are getting better and I think we are finding the best way to use them. We flipped the ends as you saw. I think that is the way we are going to go with it now. Keep Jabaal (Sheard) on our defensive left/offensive right. I think they did a good job and they are getting better. How fast? I don’t know, but I think I am seeing improvement each week.”
(On the defensive front to impact the game) – “You can’t do anything offensively or defensively unless your lines hold the point and dominate. I think those guys are getting to the point where they are playing well as a unit and then you are seeing them be able to make some plays on their own.”
(On the best thing on switching Jayme Mitchell and Jabaal Sheard from the opposite ends) – “Watching them compete and watching him compete. We felt he was more effective playing on the left then he was on the right. Just watching.”
(On the feeling pulling into the parking lot this morning) – “Oh yeah, when it happens it is a great feeling. As you get ready for the next week the preparation off field is the same, but when you win the air breathes cleaner. The water tastes better. Everything is better when you win and I think that’s what we all long to do. Aside from the day-to-day, the issues of the day and the sport and enjoying what we do, the real fun is in winning. If you don’t, then we talk about all those other things that we talked about last week.”
(On less of Brian Robiskie by Greg Little and Mohamed Massaquoi putting in the work load) – “We saw a little bit less of Brian, but he still played I think over twenty-five snaps, so he was in there quite a bit. I did like the way Josh, Greg and Mo (Mohamed Massaquoi) all performed. I am not down on Brian. I think he competed well so, we will see how the numbers work out. But, I felt like it was important for us to get the ball in the hands of Greg, Josh, and Mo. We found a way to do that and I think we got some results from it.”
(On Brian Robiskie as a blocking receiver) – “No, Brian is a real receiver. I don’t have any problems throwing him the football. ”
(On the receivers finding their roles in the offense) – “I think as we go forward and again, as a group, they will improve every day in practice and then they get to put it in play on gameday. I think I am seeing improvement generally from all the positions especially the younger guys. Younger guys tend to make bigger jumps in improvement where older guys are about being steady and getting a little bit better. I think you are right, I think we are seeing some of that.”
(On the first head coaching victory) – “You mentioned twenty four hours once I leave the podium here it’s all about the Dolphins. But, sitting at home last night was more enjoyable. I was better in the conversation than I was last week. You tend to go sit alone with your thoughts. I think my family probably recognizes it more than anyone, but yesterday you are more likely to converse than you are after a loss, I guess.”
(On putting the game ball down) – “No I have it. It’s meaningful. I still have it. I don’t carry it around with me, but I will cherish it for sure.”
(On Alex Smith’s performance) – “He did. He was in a position where he blocked and then he was in the game. He is a steady player and I really have a strong appreciation for what he is primarily a blocker, but we threw the ball a couple times and he made big plays. In games where you are battling it out for five yard chunks, that’s when you see a guy Alex show up and I think he did that.”
(On Oniel Cousins and Artis Hicks) – “I think they both played about the way we expected them to. You know Oniel is probably bigger and more physical and Artis is probably a little quicker on his feet. They both showed up in a way we thought. Neither one of them probably played much better than the other, but I think I feel good about the progress we are making.”
(On the running backs fumbling) – “If you fumble the football typically the ball gets loose on you, so we are always talking about four points of pressure, front tip, back tip, inside the forearm up against the rib cage. I mean that’s what we teach. When a guy has the ball that’s got to be natural, but it also needs to be practiced. So, we’ll emphasize it. Then, when a guy is running through traffic and there are people trying to knock him out you do certain things. Unfortunately the ball comes out at times, but we can’t have that. We will work on it. In terms of trends I wasn’t here last year.”
(On trying to fight for extra yards when fumbling) – “I wouldn’t say that. I think sometimes you see fumbles come out when you fight for extra yards. You know there is no excuse for lack of ball security. I am sure he is feeling bad about the fact he fumbled. But, you have to protect the football as a runner and that’s one of the most primary things as a runner. We practice it every day.”
(On Coach Sam Rutigliano conversation) – “It was somewhat inspirational to me along the lines of to just keep going.”
(On if Jabaal Sheard tried to lateral the ball on the fumble recovery) – “I don’t know that. I will say this, I will give credit for having an effective challenge. The guys in the box, you know I have guys upstairs, on offense of course in (Offensive Assistant) Chris Beake, (Tight Ends Coach) Steve Hagen and (Senior Assistant – Offense) Keith Gilbertson that had a much better view when they saw the replay. The reason we challenged it was we got fifteen yards because he was down before. From my view I didn’t say that. My view was what the heck happened and so they did a good job of advising me on that. The defensive guys they need to be of course aware of the fact once they get the football they need to secure it. They tend to be a little more cavalier with ball you know. We don’t want that.”
(On Usama Young’s progress) – “I think he is doing well. I think he is a big physical presence. You know you walked up on him before, but he is a good size guy for a safety and I think he is getting more and more comfortable with being back from that hamstring, which will allow him to play faster and faster. He has showed up well, he has done a good job.” web page
(On the defensive ends progression) – “No, I think they are getting better and I think we are finding the best way to use them. We flipped the ends as you saw. I think that is the way we are going to go with it now. Keep Jabaal (Sheard) on our defensive left/offensive right. I think they did a good job and they are getting better. How fast? I don’t know, but I think I am seeing improvement each week.”
Starting to like Shurmur the guy, not sold on HC yet though...he takes the blame for everything gone wrong instead of talking company line like Mangini did...he also interacts with his players during a game? Have you ever seen Mangini do that? He was to busy being full of himself, looking like a kid that had his ice cream kicked out of his hand
Anybody has some footage on locker room celebration after the Colts game? Always interested how the players look at and treat their HC...and who his front line guys are
#gmstrong
"Players come along at different points in time" - Ray Farmer
I like that he sounds like a regular guy. I understand what he is saying when he talks...
With Crennel it sounded like a guy who talked in circles because ehe had no idea what to say. And with Mangini we had a guy who talked in circles because he didnt want to say anything. It was pretty annoying.
Shurmur seems to get how to talk to the media, and seems genuine, says what should be said, but doesnt hide things...He is good at talking with the media and at the same time...he gives us information. Its refreshing.
"It has to start somewhere It has to start somehow What better place than here? What better time than now?"
Here are some, down the right side they have some interviews from inside the lockerroom after the game.. couldn't find much of the actual celebration. I know I saw one of Colt giving Shurmur the game ball in front of the team but now I can't find it.
Quote: he also interacts with his players during a game? Have you ever seen Mangini do that? He was to busy being full of himself, looking like a kid that had his ice cream kicked out of his hand
I really don't think that was anything close to spot on .......
But why are we even still talking about the former coach?
I think that Shurmur might be better than Palmer ... but who gives a damn?
Just as an example:
Yeah .. they hated him.
Cribbs really liked Mangini, and defended him to the hilt. Hillis said a lot of nice things about him. There were many others as well.
Some didn't like him as much. That's going to happen with any coach. The players in Miami (especially Jason Taylor) are mad at Sparano because he doesn't expect perfect practices, and the mistakes in practice are carrying over to games.
Find me any coach, and given time ... and really no matter their results (although winning helps) there will be unhappy players .... who usually emerge after they retire, are traded, or the coach is replaced.
Anyway .... Shurmur is now the head coach of the Browns. Why people keep bringing up Mangini is beyond me.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
Of course, Some people look that way when they give a damn. (especially when the team isn't playing well)
A look on the sidelines doesn't mean that none of the players like the coach.
Does Belichick look happy in that picture? I'd gladly take him back as a coach. I bet there are some players who like him .... and I can remember a few who blasted him when they left.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
His body language always screamed "I'm sick of these stupid guys doing stupid things" and not "this is how we're going to fix this." It was extremely defeatist. Not a way to inspire hope or tenacity in your players.
Quote: His body language always screamed "I'm sick of these stupid guys doing stupid things" and not "this is how we're going to fix this." It was extremely defeatist. Not a way to inspire hope or tenacity in your players.
I hate both extremes. I always liked Bill Parcells method of 'different styles for different players' Some players need a guy like Mangini yelling at them to work hard and get the most out of them. Some need the constant reassurance of a guy like Romeo to stroke their ego.
But, most need to be yelled at some of the time, and to be praised some of the time. The toughest part is figuring out which players need what and when.
Quote: His body language always screamed "I'm sick of these stupid guys doing stupid things" and not "this is how we're going to fix this." It was extremely defeatist. Not a way to inspire hope or tenacity in your players.
I hate both extremes. I always liked Bill Parcells method of 'different styles for different players' Some players need a guy like Mangini yelling at them to work hard and get the most out of them. Some need the constant reassurance of a guy like Romeo to stroke their ego.
But, most need to be yelled at some of the time, and to be praised some of the time. The toughest part is figuring out which players need what and when.
Good reply. I agree. Even though they get checks for playing a game, everyone is motivated differently when you get right down to it. I wouldn't be above screaming and/or berating ANY player - but you can't do that all the time.
I'd love to give a personal example - but I will refrain at this time.
Browns center Alex Mack discussed how much more positive the team is under Shurmur than former coach Eric Mangini.
"The atmosphere is really nice," he said. "To come to work and not be dreading it from what's going to happen and how you're going to get yelled at or what's going to show up on the screen and just knowing that like, 'Here, guys, we made mistakes, and let's get better,' and have a kind of lighter atmosphere is going to help guys stay upbeat. It's easier to learn.
"It's not acceptable to make mistakes, but it's a learning experience more than a [chastising] experience."
He said players felt humiliated under Mangini's watch by having their mistakes pointed out in front of the whole squad, instead of in smaller position meetings.
With all of this talk of coaching techniques and styles, the simple fact is that players want to win... and if the team is winning or at least progressing toward winning, players tend to be more willing to accept whatever the coach is dishing out whether it's praise or criticism or cupcakes or laps and pushups....
Look at Tom Coughlin, people had him fired and gone from NY because he was such an ogre.. then they won the Super Bowl and now his coaching style isn't even worthy of a story.
In the end it comes down to picking up the right players, hiring the right staff, being a good Xs and Os guy and getting the most out of your players... and there is more than one way to accomplish that last one.
Quote: With all of this talk of coaching techniques and styles, the simple fact is that players want to win... and if the team is winning or at least progressing toward winning, players tend to be more willing to accept whatever the coach is dishing out whether it's praise or criticism or cupcakes or laps and pushups....
Look at Tom Coughlin, people had him fired and gone from NY because he was such an ogre.. then they won the Super Bowl and now his coaching style isn't even worthy of a story.
In the end it comes down to picking up the right players, hiring the right staff, being a good Xs and Os guy and getting the most out of your players... and there is more than one way to accomplish that last one.
That says even more than the words indicate.
It's not just one of those things or another...or two of those things working together.
It's all of it...and something we've not truly had before/yet.
I feel like we have that potential now...the gut feeling is different than since our return.
Cleveland Browns Transcript from news conference with Browns coach Pat Shurmur
by Nate Ulrich on September 21, 2011
in Cleveland Browns,NFL,Pat Shurmur
Browns coach Pat Shurmur met with reporters this morning before practice. Here is a transcript from the news conference:
(Opening statement)- “It’s Week Three, Wednesday. We’re trying to recreate the same preparation and even make it better than we had last Wednesday and our opponent is the Miami Dolphins. As I mentioned yesterday, I really think that they’re a very, very good team. You have to overlook their start. You have a lot of teams in the league that are either 1-1 or there are some 0-2 teams that I think are fantastic teams so we’re going to have to play our best ball to beat them and that’s where we’re at preparation wise. Beyond that, there’s nothing new to add injury wise. If you have a specific question about a guy, I’ll answer it. Tony Pashos is going to try and come back and be ready to roll and we have Titus Brown and Eric Hagg who are continuing to make progress. Those are the three injured scratches we had last week. Other than that, I think we pretty much have everybody else.”
(On if Pashos is trying to make it back for this week’s game)- “He’s going to make an effort so he’s going to be out there and be able to do more. It’s hard to say how that’s going to progress, but I know he’s going to plan to try and do more this week than he was able to do last week so we’ll see.”
(On how Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard looked after he watched the game tape)- “When you watch them on tape, again I think they’re doing a nice job. For me watching them I’m looking for improvement and we talked about younger guys making bigger jumps and I think that’s what you’re seeing with them. With moving Jabaal over to the defensive left, now we’ll see if he can improve on that being in his new spot. Then Phil, those defensive tackles are in there battling every week. The schemes are a little bit different each week. We played the Colts, which was primarily a zone-type scheme. Prior to that, there were a lot of lead plays against Cincinnati and power players. They’re different styles of games, especially for the inside guys. Instead of getting zoned off, they’re getting double teamed and scooped. When you watch the way they grade, their grades are getting better. That’s a long way of saying, ‘They are getting better,’ but they’re different styles of games.”
(On why Sheard was moved to left defensive end)- “It was nothing specific. As you noticed in the preseason and in practice, he’s played on both sides. We’re just trying to, and keep in mind we know the players by name, we’ve got a feel for what they do, but as we go through this thing we’re trying to watch them compete in live action and then try and get them in the right spots. There’s no excuse to that, we’re just trying to do the very best to put them in the right spots and that’s just one example of it.”
(On what specifically makes the Dolphins good)- “I think they’re very talented in a lot of spots. If you just look at their offense for instance, I think (Chad) Henne is a fine quarterback. He’s a big guy, we we’re just talking about how he’s had 18 scrambles in this preseason and regular season. When he takes off and runs he’s a big thick guy that can run so that’s always a challenge. Aside from that, he’s got Brandon Marshall who he looks for a lot and then he’s got other talented players he can spread the ball around too. They’ve got a couple of running backs now that have had production so when you look at that, and then I’m familiar with some of their offensive linemen who are big physical guys. That in itself is something to be of concern. Defensively, I mentioned it yesterday, their defensive line, they’re big guys and it’s going to be a challenge to get them covered up and then protect the quarterback when we throw. I think that’s where it starts for them. In the secondary, I think their scheme is very, very sound. Then they find a way to challenge the receivers as well. Those are all the things when you break down a team you look at and say, ‘This is why they’re good.’”
(On is he’s familiar with the Dolphins home and away records and how they win a lot on the road)- “I don’t know. I think philosophically as coaches we focus on different things. I’m a believer that you have to be good at home and on the road. Now typically, I don’t know what the statistics say, teams probably win more at home than they do on the road, I try to avoid that. We have to win on the road and at home. I’m aware of what you’re talking about in terms of the Dolphins and we’re trying to win the game whether we’re playing here in Cleveland or on the road. That might be a better question for them. I don’t know how they handle it, I don’t know the intimacies of their team but I know for the Cleveland Browns, we’re trying to do the very best we can to win every game, whether it’s home or away.”
(On the possibility of Miami using the Wildcat)- “I think it’s a part of their past and I know it’s a part of the package that they’re new offensive coordinator has as well. I think we go into every game anticipating and having a plan to see it than how much you actually see it more or less. I think you go into every game now defensively, it’s Wildcat, unbalanced and no huddle. Those are kind of the three pronged attack of things that you’re always preparing for defensively. I think we’ll spend time on all three of those.”
(On how the Wildcat was so popular two years ago and why nobody uses it now)- “I don’t know. I do know that when it sprung on the scene, but I don’t know where it started or who was the inspiration for it, but I know the Dolphins had a victory against the Patriots with it. Then they kind of committed to it for a few years then you saw every team in the league dabble in it. I’ve always felt like it’s effective if you’ve got that kind of guy that can play that position as the quarterback/running back. But again, why teams have gotten away from it, I don’t know. I think what you do in the offense season is look at plays that you run and try to categorize their effectiveness and then decide whether you’re going to do it the next year. Teams have had a couple of years to try and defend it and offensive teams that run it have had a couple of years to try and evaluate its success.”
(On him not in being in a hurry to use the Wildcat here)- “I think there are some concepts to it that are very good. I was more interested in us getting in a huddle, calling a play and taking a snap. I don’t mean to make light of that, but there’s so many things that need to get coached offensively and I think that’s kind of our starting point.”
(On what he sees in Jayme Mitchell)- “Jayme Mitchell I think has played two good games and I knew of him just by reputation from a year ago listening to our scouts and coaches that are on the staff. He’s pretty much played up to my expectations in terms of what he is. I think he’s a very solid player as a defensive end, which is a hard position to play in this league.”
(On how Mitchell has adjusted to the defensive end switch)- “I think he’s handled it well. I think he plays equally well on both sides and that’s why we were able to make the switch for Jabaal.”
(On how Jason Pinkston played last week because they haven’t been talking about it)- “I thought he played okay last week. There were a handful of plays he wants back. He’s doing well. For a rookie to be in there and us not be talking about him, I think is a good thing, especially at the offensive guard position. I think he’s making steady improvement, much like we talk about Jabaal and Phil. Those three guys in there and that’s not easy duty when you’re a rookie playing in the fray in there. I think he’s done a good job.”
(On if rookie defensive linemen are susceptible to getting out of position)- “It’s very easy to get out of a gap. There’s gap control, there’s defeating blocks and feeling schemes, those types of things. A lot of guys will come into this league having played just, ‘Go get the quarterback, one gap ball.’ Now, there’s so much happening there that I think there’s a lot to learn, not to mention you’re amongst 300 lbs.-plus men hitting you from all different angles so there’s a lot going on there.”
(On if Taylor played a lot of plays in Indianapolis)- “He did. He played quite a bit and hung in there well. Again, I think his workload has increased and he’s playing better. I think that would be a fair statement.”
(On if Taylor’s workload has increased because he has shown some pass rush ability)- “No, I wouldn’t say that. I think he’s just playing a little bit more and a little bit better. There’s nothing really behind the scenes to say more or less.”
(On if Peyton Hillis’ low per-carry average is due to the offensive line needing to come together and correct mistakes)- “I don’t know that. He had a pretty good workload last week. I mentioned that was a game where everybody was fight for four, five, six yard chunks. Peyton’s a guy that as he gets his carries, he tends to be a little bit better. I wouldn’t characterize that as anything right yet, we’ve only played two games.”
(On if Montario Hardesty and Peyton Hillis have to be good blockers to player together)- “To put them both in the game together? Yeah and I think they both are in terms of blocking either the runner or the pass. I think that’s fair.”
(On why Sheard is more comfortable on the left side)- “He just is. Again, I am not trying to make a joke. We watch him and there are certain things about what we do. I am left handed, I naturally throw better with my left. Certain guys just tend to be better on doing certain things. That’s part of the evaluation process as you get to know guys. Sometimes when you are playing defensive tackles, instead of playing a one or the three, you play right and left. As you get a feel for your guys, that are part of what goes on.”
(On Ahtyba Rubin and if he is the rock because the other guys are new)- “I would agree with that. You are touching on a good point, I think he is one of those steady performers and he says very little. We have conversed over the last couple of months but not much. That’s just his nature and I have a strong appreciation for that. He is a fine human being and is a very quiet, steady guy. I think that’s something that new players and that defensive line can rally around. I think he’s good and he’s played well and he’s had two good games.”
(On being prepared for the no huddle against Miami and how pleased he was with how they defended the Colts running it)- “I know it is part of their system. Really we all have components of it, whether you choose to use it or not there are reasons for it. We know they have it and we have a good idea that they may use it. We’ll practice it. Now last week having gone against a no-huddle type scheme for a portion of the game last week, I think you get used to it. Again, there are trends in football offensively and defensively. I remember at one point when the Steelers were running the stunt 4-3 defense. It was exotic and new and then all of a sudden that scheme kind of moved around and then you get offseasons to prepare for it. It’s the same thing in football and I think every defense, as I mentioned, you have to be ready for no huddle, Wildcat and unbalanced. Those are just three things and any kind of gadgetry that a team may have in their package, but the ability to practice it last week will obviously help for this week.”
(On players in the NFL faking injuries to slow down the offensive’s pace)- “There is a rumor that it happens. I am three games into this thing as the head coach and I have always been an offensive coach so there is no need to do it on offense. Now whether or not it happened, I wasn’t there.”
(On balancing Colt McCoy being in and out of the pocket)- “There is a balance and I think a quarterback in this league has to be able to operate from the pocket. That is the starting point for our offense, one, three, five and seven step drops in the pocket with a mixture of just straight drop backs and play action. That’s where it starts. Then you have to, in my opinion, have to have a certain percentage of structured keeps, boots and nakeds. Then you see sometimes in the game where a quarterback is operating from the pocket, the rush dictates that he needs to get out and then you hear coaches talking about extending the play and making a play. You saw all three of those components of playing quarterback last Sunday. I think the long throw to Mo (Mohamed Massaquoi) down the right sideline to the one, that was a drop-back three step throw that he flushed and made a play. The one to Evan Moore in the end zone was a drop-back five step throw. He flushed and made a play. Then there were some keeps and movements that he made plays on where they were structured for him to get out of the pocket.”
(On if McCoy is developing an internal clock on how long to stay in the pocket)- “Sure, there is something instinctual about when guys are getting ready to nail you and you practice it. You drop back, he hits you up in the pocket, if there is a running lane you take it. We had another call, a drop back where he scrambled and he ran for a first down. I think he is improving and that is something that needs to be practiced and we practice it every day.”
(On Joshua Cribbs getting possible squib kicks)- “That is something we practice, and the question about squibs and directional? I think so. I think that’s coming because unless you can guarantee the ball is going to go through the uprights, there is a chance it’s coming out at you. I don’t know and again just like you practice different components of offense on defense, we do the same thing in the kicking game in terms of the return game. You are always aware of squibs, surprising onsides, bloops and what not. I think there is a chance you might start to see that and they could pop it way up and then just swarm the guy.”
(On a quarterback analysis rating saying McCoy was the 21st best quarterback last weekend)- “I didn’t hear about that rating. I think he played a solid game and again he needs to improve on for us to win consistently. I think there are some things that he needs to do better. Last Sunday, I thought he executed well enough for us to win. In terms of rankings, I don’t know. I didn’t hear about that.”
(On McCoy’s improvement through the first two games this year compared to last year)- “In terms of comparing his performance last year to this year, I don’t think that’s fair in terms of his overall comparison. I really don’t quite know what he was being told. I know he was put in the game basically because there were injuries. I am trying to look at him as a guy that is improving, this is his third game in my mind. What he did last year when he was in there was he had some gritty performances and showed that he has some natural ability to play the quarterback position. That is kind of what I took from that. I would probably leave the comparisons to this year.”
(On McCoy’s being able to take a hit)- “He did and it was a pretty good shot too. He came back. Most quarterbacks get hit a few times a game, that is just the way it goes and he took a good solid one and he bounced back.”
(On if McCoy was told he needs to get rid of the ball sooner on the play he was sacked on)- “He was told, but I need to emphasize it. The scheme of the protection and the route concept was a third-and-short situation and they gobbled up the route. He needs to be aware of the fact that you need to continue to drift and roll or throw it away.” web page
Agreed. This appears to be a solid move worth a look at the very least; if it improves either player's production or BOTH (darest we hope?), then it may be brilliant. Time and reps will tell, but so far, I like his handling for the most part.
"Every responsibility implies opportunity, and every opportunity implies responsibility." Otis Allen Glazebrook, 1880
Transcript from news conference with Browns coach Pat Shurmur
by Nate Ulrich on September 22, 2011
in Cleveland Browns,NFL,Pat Shurmur
Browns coach Pat Shurmur met with reporters this morning. Here is a transcript from the news conference:
(Opening statement)- “I don’t have much to add from yesterday’s conversation. There’s nothing new really on the injury front. We listed Mo (Mohamed Massaquoi) as limited, he actually practiced yesterday and will practice today as well. There’s nothing new really with that, he’s really the same status as he was a week ago and then he played the whole game so there’s nothing there. I mentioned yesterday, Tony Pashos was trying to come back in faster form and he’ll practice, we’ll try to get something out of him today and see how he does.”
(On how Pashos responded to practicing yesterday)- “I think he had a good day yesterday so we’re looking to see if he can build on that today.”
(On if Pashos would he play the whole game or rotate if he was healthy)- “We’ll have to make that decision later in the week depending on if he’s a go or not. We’ll decide.”
(On if the Dolphins’ offense looks a lot like the Browns offense from a year ago with Brian Daboll as the coordinator)- “I don’t know, I’m sure there’s some concepts. There are concepts that all coaches run so there’s some of those in there. There are some new things that he’s doing this year that he didn’t a year ago. It’s hard to say specifically what they are. I’m sure he’s very similar in his base, which you can see. I’m sure he’s kind of developed some other things to try to utilize the personnel that he has there.”
(On if Daboll has an edge because he’s familiar with the Browns’ offensive and defensive personnel)- “I think he’s attacking, from an offensive standpoint, a different scheme of defense and a lot of new players. From his standpoint, as an offensive coordinator he knows something about the specifics of a guy and his skill and ability and I think in some ways that may be helpful. But, it’s a new system, there are a lot of new players so I think you have to be careful how much you weigh that into the equation.”
(On Brandon Marshall being a physical receiver and that playing into Joe Haden’s game)- “I think Joe plays physical for a guy of his stature and you’re right, Brandon Marshall is going to be a big challenge for us. He’s big, he’s strong, he can run and he can catch. He has all the attributes you look for for a number one receiver and he’s showing up that way. It’s going to be a challenge for us and I know our guys are looking forward to it, but we just have to go out and do it.”
(On what he thinks about Chad Henne)- “I liked Henne when he came out of Michigan. I think he’s a good thrower, he’s a big guy and he’s thick in the lower body so if you find a way to hit him, you’ve got to really knock him down because he can bounce off and scramble and make a play. I think he’s a tough guy so there’s a lot there that you’re looking for in a really fine quarterback, he can be dangerous.”
(On how the dual role of being a head coach and offensive coordinator is going for him so far)- “Good, I think it’s been fine so far. Regardless of how many roles you have during the week it’s putting the plan together, making sure that the guys are getting the plan taught and then on gameday getting your mind right to call the game in an order that you want to with the plays that you have practiced. All that seems to be going fine.”
(On how he resolves his time between being a head coach and being an offensive coordinator)- “I spend a lot of time working on both jobs, that’s how I resolve it. I guess I’m struggling to find the root of your question there, but I spend a lot of time as the head coach and there are duties that reside with that as well as directing an offense and it’s not uncommon model. It happens all over the league, that’s the way we handle it. I feel I’ve mentioned it numerous times, we have very experienced coaches here. Not only at the assistant level, but also in the positions of authority, running the defense and the special teams. To this point I feel good about the structure of things.”
(On why he retained some coaches from last year)- “I knew about them, I interviewed them. I liked them and I asked them to stay, that’s why.”
(On the retained coaches being valuable during the lockout in helping him learn about his players)- “We didn’t have any communication with the players so we spent a lot of time meeting and getting ourselves in a position to get our systems ready to teach. They obviously had very good knowledge of players on the team, offensively and defensively. I felt like they were a big help, at least to me, getting to know the players that we had on this team. Plus, as I just mentioned, I think they’re fine coaches, I visited with them, asked them to stay and I’m glad they did.”
(On Dimitri Patterson’s role enhancing as he goes forward and what he can bring to the secondary)- “Dimitri goes in and he’s the nickel back and he goes in in situations typically when they put three receivers on the field. Some of that is dictated a little bit by how much we see three receivers. We feel like he’s competed well, we feel like he can go in there and play inside or outside, we’re very pleased with what he’s done to this point and again there were things that he needs to clean up about his game, but we feel good about him going in in that at that role. If for some reason he had to play outside for a while, we feel he could do that as well.”
(On Alex Smith’s involvement as the offense moves forward and balancing having three good tight ends)- “We’ve talked about Alex before as well. He’s multiple in my opinion. He can block the line of scrimmage, but when he gets out in a pattern distribution, you can throw him the football and he’ll catch it. I feel as though he’s very dependable. He can go in and play the primary Y position and he can also go in and play the U so he knows where it all fits. It’s a good feeling for a coach when you have a guy that’s dependable and multiple and I feel at least he’s done that.”
(On if it’s a trade off when he can’t use Evan Moore as much when Smith is in the game)- “Typically, you get 65-70 plays and you have to decide how you’re going to use them. Every one of the guys you’re talking about is not going to be in there on every snap so you have to use them in a way that you feel best. Some teams its better to attack with two tight ends, some teams it’s better to attack with three receivers and two backs and some just in regular. We look at all those things and that’s why you’ll see, really in all offenses, you’ll see a difference in the way a game looks at times because you’re attacking within your system, within your ability to get the ball to your guys, you’re attacking in what you feel is a little bit of a weakness for the defense.”
(On the depth that is developing at safety and how he feels about it)- “Well if your active players are healthy and playing well then you end up developing depth because they’re in there at some point during the game. That’s the key and I think as Usama (Young) plays more because he’s getting himself back healthy and full speed then he’ll continue to improve as well. In terms of improving, when you’re playing in real live games at full speed against real live offenses then that’s where you get to really step up your game.”
(On if it’s infuriating as a coach when opposing defenses fake injuries)- “I haven’t really thought to deeply about it because it hasn’t really affected our team. I understand what happens during games. There are rules and we need to abide by the rules and coach our players to play by the rules. That obviously, as the season goes on things happen in games and it’s just like if we have a mistake in a game, we go back and reemphasize it and bring it to everybody’s attention in a stronger way and I think that’s what I think is happening. You don’t want people doing things that are playing on the edges, but we’re all big boys. We just have to play by the rules and coach it that way.”
(On if faking injuries is an unwritten rule in the NFL)- “I think it’s gone on, but I don’t know, I’ve never coached it. Now, that it’s been brought to everyone’s attention, you’re hearing players talk about other places they’ve been and how it’s been talked about. I’ll kind of leave it at that until it affects us.”
(On how Massaquoi has fit into his system)- “I’m pleased that he’s back out there. I think he’s a fine receiver and I like what he’s brought to the table so far. He has a knack for running routes, very good route runner. He catches the ball, he’s a big target and he’s smart. You can line him up in a lot of different places so I’m looking forward to seeing him work through the season.”
(On if he’s concerned with Brian Robiskie’s production)- “No, I’m not. As I’ve mentioned in the past, at times receiver production comes in bunches. You may not get a few or you may not many throws or you may not be targeted much and then in one game you may get five or six so I’m not. I think Brian is doing everything we’re asking him to do, he’s knows where to go and where to be and he’s playing hard so I’m not at all concerned about that.”
(On if he is seeing Greg Little blossoming into a bigger target offensively)- “I think he’s playing better and he’s improving and I can see where he’ll be a guy that we’ll throw the ball to throughout the year. I think he’s playing better.”
(On defending the run better)- “Defending the run, I’ll always go back to this, it’s a team thing. Whether it’s the end setting the edge or the safety or linebacker, if we’re facing a team that’s going to attack our perimeter then we have to be able to defend it. We just keep practicing it and there’s a lot of ways, you could be in a two deep coverage, three deep coverage, there’s times where the ends have it, times where the backers have it and it’s important that we defend the edges because you really don’t want the ball to get to the perimeter if you can avoid it.”
(On Haden improving on the run defense)- “Joe’s a tough guy and if we’ve got a rolled up corner and he’s got to tackle it or turn in back inside, he’ll do that. I’m not concerned about his willingness to tackle and I think he enjoys it.”
(On if he’s worried about Montario Hardesty’s mental part of the game being on the sideline)- “No, not at all. I think he’s been with us every step of the way. We talk about taking mental reps and you have to do that in pro football. If you’re a backup running back or any really role player you have to get mental reps. It’s one of the key things for a backup quarterback, to be able to go in and execute with very few reps during the week and I think all the skill players know that and they try and embrace that so it’s important that they see it and get it done. They get their general ball handling, they watch the blitz pickups, they know where the run is supposed to hit and then there’s a natural piece to being a runner where you run to daylight.”
(On a red zone play from two weeks ago where Colt McCoy threw to Joshua Cribbs when he was covered and it didn’t work and how they can fix that)- “I’ll just say this generally, if he tried to throw it to Josh and he wasn’t open, then he’s got to throw it to the next guy in the progression and Josh has to get open. I think that’s the general answer. I apologize, I am struggling to remember which play you are talking about.”
(On why the Wildcat has fizzled out and if it was it a gimmick)- “No, I don’t think it’s a gimmick I think its good offense. We talked about it yesterday, it kind of burst on the scene in Miami in a game against New England. They had quite a bit of success so as you have success then you build on it and I think what happens is that it was a little bit of a trend. It got legs and started running around the league, a lot of teams did it. When I was in Philadelphia we had plays, last year in St. Louis we practiced plays and we actually ran a few. You’re always looking for a good idea that you can get offense out of, either move the ball or get an explosive play. I can’t tell you why other teams don’t run it. I do know this though, when trends develop that time in the offseason when the players aren’t around, coaches huddle up in a dark room with coffee and they go, ‘How we going to stop this,’ or if it’s something on defense. If a lot of people are running the Bear defense and that becomes a trend and teams are getting stifled by it then offensive coaches are saying how do we attack it. It may be the offseasons of a bunch of smart guys, but I don’t know. Maybe some teams now don’t have that type of player that can stand there as the quarterback, execute the offense, run the ball and throw it, I don’t know. I do agree with you, I think teams have gotten away from it as a steady part of what they do.”
(On Usama Young potentially regaining the starting position)- “It’s a real possibility and he’s in there playing all the time. I look at it this way, I feel at this point we’ve got three safeties in there playing and doing a nice job. It’s a very long season. We’ve got Eric Hagg coming back, we’ve got Ray Ventrone, we’ve got five safeties and at any point during the game they could all be in there. We need to put the guys in there that are going to help us win the game. There are very few spots where you say you’ve just got one player that does it and I think that’s what we have there.”
(On what has pleasantly surprised him the most about his defense)- “I don’t know. I’m getting a feel for our defense as they play. As I mentioned yesterday, we’ve played two different styles of offense. A one back zone offense last week and prior to that a two back downhill, lead play, power scheme, play action. I think they handled both of them pretty well. This week it will be a multiple two back, one back type style. I feel like they’ve adjusted pretty well, I feel like I’m very pleased with the way our corners and our safeties challenge the receivers and I’m starting to see a little pass rush, which is something that you need. Then I’m extremely pleased in the leadership and the play that we’re getting out of D’Qwell (Jackson), which is a key piece to a defense when your MIKE linebacker is playing at a very high level.”
(On what he needs to see for Carlton Mitchell to be active and what’s the difference between him and Robiskie)- “What do I need to see? He needs to be out there and practice in a way where we say, ‘Okay, you’re up.’ He’s a good special teams player from what I’ve been told, he’s got speed, he’s big and he’s getting himself back in playing type shape after his injury. In terms of a comparison to Robiskie, I would say they’re similar in size. Carlton is much faster I would say, I think there are some things that Carlton needs to learn in terms of running routes, but that would be the difference.” web page
Transcript from news conference with Browns defensive coordinator Dick Jauron
by Nate Ulrich on September 22, 2011
in Cleveland Browns,Dick Jauron,NFL
Browns defensive coordinator Dick Jauron met with reporters today. Here is a transcript from the news conference:
(On what he expects from the Brian Daboll’s offense)- “They are very multiple obviously. They have been predominantly two personnel groupings so far, but I anticipate we may see more groupings and different formations. He does a very good job moving people around and using his talent and they do have a good deal of talent.”
(On Daboll having a history of using trick plays and if that makes his job more complicated)- “You know our people here know him and have a lot of respect for him so we have gotten a good deal of information on those kinds of things. Then the fact that lots of things get done in the league on a week to week basis so to some degree you have to prepare for them all the time whether you have seen him from a team or not. In this case, we know that it’s part of his offense. They will do those things, so we will have to take a look at them as much as we can.”
(On what Miami’s offense does well)- “They are a very talented group at wide receiver and overall their offense is a very experienced offense. Their offensive line has experience. They have good size. They’ve played in the league and they know how to play in the league. The center is the youngest of them and I think he was a high round pick. He is a very good athlete. There skilled people are very good. They have size and speed at the receiver position. They have experience there. I think clearly there running back situation is a good one. There rookie had a terrific first game and he is very talented. We were aware of him coming out of college and obviously thought a lot of him and then of course with Reggie (Bush) there. They give you some match-up issues that you have to deal with. Chad Henne, clearly in the opening game he really put up huge numbers. In the second game, they were in that game until very close to the end of it against two outstanding teams. They are talented. Again, they will give you some matchup issues, spread you out. They do a lot of good stuff with a lot of good players.”
(On him telling Jabaal Sheard and Phil Taylor that the season opener was nothing like they have ever seen before)- “They understood after the first game that there is a huge difference. Even in preseason to a regular season game and clearly from college to the National Football League there is a huge difference. Now they are going to grow hopefully every week and get a little bit better. They both understand the level you have to play on to scratch out a win. It’s hard to win any game in this league and you have to be on it to have a chance. They are both hard working guys and we are happy with where they are. We just have to keep going.”
(On how it worked out with the defensive ends swapping sides)- “Really well, everybody was thrilled to get a win. As I said earlier, it’s difficult to win in this league. For Jabaal and Phil and all the rookies it was their first one in the National Football League so they were really excited about it and really happy about it. Jayme (Mitchell) and Jabaal both like the switch. There was certainly a good deal of thought put into it, but it wasn’t earth shattering for the reasons. Jabaal played more on that side in college. Coming out as a rookie we thought we would get him away from the tight end most of the time or more of the time on the other side, but he’s more comfortable on that side. Jayme just wants to be on the field and just loves to play. It worked out well for both of them so we will see where it goes.”
(On his feeling about having the starting defensive linemen getting most of snaps)- “Not great, we have to fall into a rotation. We just have get them more rest then what we are giving them. I believe we will fall into that rotation. I am not certain it’s going to be as soon as we would like, but it will happen as we see guys play more and more and getting a feel for everybody and then just doing it. We struggled with some injury issues through our training camp. Now, we are fairly healthy. We just have to start a rotation and kind of stay in it and get there reps down a little bit if we can.”
(On T.J. Ward’s coverage skills)-“We really like what we see in T.J. and he is another young player that just needs to play. He needs as many snaps as he can get both in practice and on gameday to just keep gaining experience. I believe you saw in the Indianapolis game, he made a terrific play on their tight end. It was kind of a crossing route down the field and he got a pass break up on it. He’s got a unique ability, toughness. Now we just have to get him more and more experience as much as we can and as quickly as we can.”
(On why the Wildcat has gone away)- “We have all seen things run in cycles for whatever reason. It was difficult, it poses problems and makes you prepare. It makes you take time and prepare. Then things do go in cycles and personnel configurations shift on teams. There are certain guys that can handle that and certain guys that can’t or they don’t do it as well, you don’t trust them as much back there with the ball making decisions with the ball. They had a great pairing back there for a number of years. They certainly have the talent to do it and they could easily do it again, but for a while there it was the talk of the town.”
(On preparing to face Joshua Cribbs and the Wildcat before playing Cleveland in the past)- “It’s hard because it’s kind of a reversion. It’s going back in football back to the original days depending on the formation and the personnel. It’s really power football, its single wing football. You have to defend the quarterback with somebody. He goes out to the sideline and you send a defender out there and then they gain an advantage blocking in the run game. They lose something in the pass game you hope, you certainly hope. It’s not an easy thing to do. It takes time from them in their preparation and it takes time away from any defense preparing for them. I guess you have to weigh on the rewards on their side. Is it worth the time? It certainly was their time worth in the past.”
(On if he is surprised that D’Qwell Jackson has been able to come back so strong from his injury)- “I don’t want to answer that question real quickly because I didn’t know D’Qwell until this year. To me, I haven’t been around when he missed the time. I don’t even really want to think about it. He’s been so good and so important to us in many ways, on the field and off the field. He is just a great person to be around in terms of his willingness to do it and his wanting to do it and wanting to do it right. It’s interesting, you just come in and there he is, I am aware he didn’t play, but I didn’t miss him when he didn’t play.”
(On Jackson coming back)- “The other players would say he’s got fresh legs.”
(On if Henne plays better on the road because his home team fans aren’t booing him)- “I don’t know. I don’t know the answer to that. When I look at him I see a good player. He is talented player and has good size, good arm strength. He appears to be in control of his game. He can run which is always an issue. It poses a problem for you. Professional sports are interesting. I don’t know if they boo him or not. They boo you when you lose and they cheer you when you win so you have to win. Somehow you have to find ways to win and he looks like a good one to me.”
(On what he liked the most about the Colts game)-“Just the ‘W.’ The thing we liked the most was just the win.
(On what helped them get the win)-“The red zone and the fact anytime you can make teams kick field goals when they get down there it will help your chances to win. It was critical. It was just critical for us.”
(On stance on faking injuries)- “I guess I have heard the talk about it and there is a lot of talk. I guess I have heard more then what I heard before because I hear our staff talk about it. Everybody must be talking about it out there. My experience with the no huddle offense that go quickly like that is that you usually don’t need to do anything and if you do, it usually takes care of itself. People get tired, they get tired and they can’t go and they fall. I have never played inside. That’s a long grind. In a game where people huddle it’s a long grind because you have giant people every down pushing against each other. That is a rough go in there, so they go down. They will go down, but we don’t fake it and just play and hopefully you don’t have to use your timeouts. Hopefully you get your stoppages in the course of the action and it usually works that way. I didn’t see it, apparently and I guess it was the Giants-Rams game was where it all started? I didn’t see it.”
(On what Sheldon Brown has given the team)- “He is really steady, really smart, very professional and a very good corner. He is a very solid corner. He is maybe as good as I have been around, finding the ball, getting his hands on the ball, getting the ball out, deflecting balls. He’s a constant example for the younger guys on how pro prepares, how he watches tape, how he approaches his work day, everything. He’s been critical to us and will be as we move.”
(On Brown is still good enough athletically)- “Oh clearly, yeah. Clearly.”
(On Joe Haden having three flags on him)- “You don’t want to get any penalties, but you know you are going to get them. When you play on the edges, you have to play fast. You have to play really hard and then you have to make decisions quickly. Every time you look at a really good corner or any corner people say, ‘You can get him with a double move.’ Well, yeah and it’s hard when you are out there and they run double moves and they do a lot of stuff out there. Occasionally you are going to grab a guy and you better grab him because we would rather live with the penalty then one over the top. We play fast and we play hard and we live with some things as long as they are not really foolish penalties. We will have to live with some of them because they occur. You don’t want them and you certainly aren’t telling them it’s okay, but it happens, it happens in games.”
(On if he sees Usama Young getting a chance to start)- “We do, I think you will see it fairly similar to what you saw a week ago as he gets back into it. He will get play time and then we will just work from there because we like them both. We like Mike (Adams) and what he’s done. Usama is getting back into it, but we will still split time and give them both a chance out there and then once again just see where it goes as we move along.” web page
Quote: (On if he’s concerned with Brian Robiskie’s production)- “No, I’m not. As I’ve mentioned in the past, at times receiver production comes in bunches. You may not get a few or you may not many throws or you may not be targeted much and then in one game you may get five or six so I’m not. I think Brian is doing everything we’re asking him to do, he’s knows where to go and where to be and he’s playing hard so I’m not at all concerned about that.”
this from his coach. I know I know.. what do you expect him to say? Right.
He could have said nothing or that we are trying to work on it so he will get more looks or something like that., Instead he said he's "not concerned" about Robo.
Those that think Robo is a waste will not beleive the coach is telling it like it is,, those that think Robo has skills will believe it.
As always....
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.” Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe." Damanshot
Transcript from news conference with Browns coach Pat Shurmur
by Nate Ulrich on September 26, 2011
in Cleveland Browns,NFL,Pat Shurmur
Browns coach Pat Shurmur met with reporters this afternoon. Here is a transcript from the news conference:
(Opening statement) – “Good afternoon. I’ll start out with injuries to the best of my knowledge here. Sheldon Brown had a groin strain yesterday and we’ll go through the week and see how he does. Chris Gocong also strained his groin, but he stayed in there. Joshua Cribbs played the game and his groin is no worse for wear. I think he’s doing alright.
Peyton Hillis is continuing to get better from his strep throat. Joe Thomas has a little bit of a knee strain, but our understanding is that he’ll be fine. I just want you to be aware of that in case you see him a little bit limited early in the week. The others guys, Titus Brown and Eric Hagg, will do more in practice this week, they’re continuing to improve.
Mohamed (Massaquoi) got through the game no worse for wear with his foot and then Tony Pashos will make an effort to come back even stronger than he did last week in terms of getting reps earlier in the week. Then we have another list of guys here with just bumps and bruises.
Phil Taylor’s knee is fine, so he’ll be fine. I know he received some attention during the game, but I think he only missed two plays and then came back in so I think he’ll be fine. Otherwise, I really don’t have much to add to what I said last night. When I looked at the tape this morning and we as coaches evaluated it, there are a lot of things in there that we can do better.
I do feel like defensively we did a nice job on defense keeping the game close until the offense found a way to move the ball and get some points. That’s a good thing. We got sacks, we disrupted the quarterback, there weren’t any long runs and at the end of the game when we needed a stop, after spotting the team 30 yards with a field goal to win it, they did a tremendous job of getting it to fourth-and-10 and then finishing the game with an interception.
I have to credit them, Dick Jauron and those guys do a terrific job in getting those guys ready. I thought special teams the effort was sound. We made our kicks, we got our points, but I think there were some areas in there that we can get better.”
(On mentioning they had a freighter full of corrections to make, what’s at the front of the boat to correct first) - “We’ll, we’ve got to find a way to start fast and we were just watching the tape on offense and we were running the same type of plays the second half that we were running in the first half and it was very clear that we were just executing them better in the second half, coming out of the halftime. That’s the message. Listen guys, relax and just execute. Take the gimmes, get yards on the runs that we’re running the football, get into manageable third downs, let’s move the football and find a way to stay on the field.
What you’ll find is that all those great things that you want to do you don’t get a chance to do if you don’t get enough plays and it think you’ve got to start fast to get enough plays on offense. Then, the defense doesn’t have to play two thirds of the game as well. That’s at the front.”
(On if everybody needs to correct mistakes) - “I think it’s safe to say that it’s just general execution and of course that starts with me.”
(On Colt McCoy being off on so many throws before that last drive) - “I don’t know. Again, I mentioned yesterday I think we were just off a little bit, but a quarterback that’s just a little bit off makes it look like you missed by a mile. I don’t know, but it’s something we’ll work through. We just try to create those situations, impress upon them, you get what you emphasize and impress upon the guys that we need a little faster start.”
(On if the players are uptight at the beginning of the game) - “No, they’re pro’s, I don’t think they’re uptight. I mean we’re all wound up it’s a game. We just have to find a way to control our emotions just like I did at the end there. But, we’ve got to find a way to control our emotions and do what we’ve practiced all week.”
(On if McCoy’s over throw to Joshua Cribbs was a poorly thrown ball or if Cribb’s groin slowed him down) - “No, I mean it was a throw on that first third and long that we knew that we wanted to run a “cross and go” and he was wide open and we missed him. There’s not much magic there other than that we can’t miss him.”
(On if it’s the growing pains you go through with a young quarterback) - “I’d like to think so. I’d like to think we’re getting through these as we go. I think it happens with young quarterbacks, guys that have been in the league a while. We’ve got to find a way to play consistently good starting with the first snap and I think that’s the message.”
(On what his take is on the excessive celebration and what exactly did they do) - “Well, it’s a flag and it’s a rule. As the rule states, when you go to the ground and it looks like its choreographed then they throw a flag and that’s what they felt was happening. You’d have to ask the players, I don’t think it was, but that’s what they (referee’s) saw. There’s a rule, we know it and we’ve got to follow the rules.”
(On Peyton Hillis and Montario Hardesty playing in the backfield more often) - “No, I think they can play together. Right before the game our roster changed and we had plays in the game plan to feature both Peyton and Montario and obviously, you go on to other things when the roster changes. All though the fullback has to be a guy that can block that’s typically not what we do in our system. He has to be able to catch and run and do all those other things as well. There’s a place for it, for sure. Now, when I looked at the numbers here I would have liked to have played him more, but not 61 snaps, my goodness. But, that’s the way it worked out and we got Armond (Smith) in there for a couple snaps. He (Montario) just wanted to go and he was going pretty well. I think he did a terrific job.”
(On Hardesty making a nice cut and getting up field) - “Part of Montario’s game, I think he’s a very instinctive runner and if we can get him back to 100%, which he’s approaching, I think we’ll all see that. He’s got very good instincts as a runner and that’s what was seen in him in college and that’s why he’s here. He did some good things running the football yesterday. He made a couple subtle cuts as well that turned what would have been very short gains into good gains.”
(On if the excessive celebration penalty could have been enforced on the extra point attempt rather than the kickoff) - “They could have. I’ll have to double check that. In terms of making that a tougher extra point, yeah they could have. If they did choose to do it, to create field position in order to get a field goal.”
(On if they could have backed up the PAT) - “I’d have to double check that, but it’s my understanding that they could of.”
(On if Joe Haden was shadowing Brandon Marshall intentionally or if it just happened to be coincidence) - “It was intentional.”
(On if Haden will shadow opposing team’s number one receiver for the rest of the season) - “How we defend teams will change week-to-week and this game boils down to matchups most of the time and we felt like we wanted to do that matchup wise. We may or may not, depending on who we play. If we find that we play a team that has two really good wideouts then we wouldn’t do something like that. If they have a wide receiver that’s marginally better than the next in our view, then we might do that. It could be either.”
(On if he got the improvement that he wanted to see) - “I think each time you play a game you see things that you got better at or things that you need to improve on. I think we got better at the ‘hanging in there’ portion of things and finding a way. In the first game, we were just as close to winning that game as we were in the third game and we didn’t get it done. In this game we did and so if you consider that improvement than I would say yes.”
(On why jumping into the stands is not an excessive celebration) - “We have reviewed it. The league has videos on it and we are aware of the rules and we have to play by the rules. Typically, when you are celebrating you go to the ground and the officials feel as though it’s choreographed then they throw a flag. That’s the facts.”
(On receivers not being able to get involved until last drive) - “We tried to get them involved earlier and the receivers were number one or two in the progression along the way for whatever reason. We didn’t take any sacks. I thought for the most part the protection was pretty sound. Now Colt had to scramble a few times and he got the ball off and got hit a couple times. But there were attempts to get the ball to receivers. They showed up at the end and made plays. I think that could be said about everybody on offense, but we will make an effort to get the ball to receivers in the first quarter, second quarter. I believe that they need to touch the football and now we just need to do a better job of executing those things.”
(On receivers doing a good job of getting open) - “Yes for the most part. Again, each play kind of stands on its own merit whether it’s good or bad. There was some decision making that went on where we could have got it to a guy more open than the other. I will leave that for your open locker room discussions with the players.”
(On the defensive front getting consistent pressure on the quarterbacks) - “We are another game better of knowing what those guys can do. I thought (Defensive Line Coach) Dwaine (Board) had a good rotation getting guys in there. Every play is a critical play but you need your guys all the way to the end. So we had a good rotation in there and they played a lot of snaps. I think getting sacks is a team thing just as well as giving up sacks is a team thing. There is coverage involved. There is pressure sometimes and then there is just flat out guys beating guys. I think there was a little bit of all three elements yesterday, but I think that unit is really improving.”
(On painting a big picture that the team has a long way to go) - “Just everything in general, I think when we know intimately what’s happening on each play and matchups and what they are going to do and what we are trying to do. Even though something may look like a good or bad play, I have a checklist of things I am thinking of. From everything offensively, from running the football to protecting the quarterback, to the quarterback making the right decisions and throwing the ball accurately, to guys getting open and making plays when they are covered, all of those things. I think that’s what I am referring to. On defense, making sure we continue to challenge, tackling in the open field, being gap secure when they run the football. I think those are things and we work on them constantly. We just need to keep doing it. Just got to do it.”
(On if the expectations change at all) - “No. It’s a sixteen or seventeen week season, but the next mile post is the Tennessee Titans. They are finishing up the evaluation, the coaches and players right now. When we hit the streets here at 2:30p.m., our next marker is the Tennessee Titans. I think that’s the expectations. When you start to look beyond the next day or the next game then I think that’s when you start making mistakes. You can’t project. Let’s play them up, play them out and add them up at the end. I think that’s the way we have to do this thing.”
(On making the decision to play Greg Little coming off the bench rather than starting) - “It depends on what grouping we are in. All the receivers played a bunch of snaps yesterday. He played fifty snaps so whether he starts the game or not it doesn’t matter to me.”
(On the defense not giving up long chunks of yardage) - “I think the important thing there is efficiency on third down. You have to get off the field on third down and then there are a lot of ways looking at it. Better percentage on first down makes a longer third, all of that. Most teams on offense find a way to move the ball. Now, when you get in the red zone and teams find a way to get in the red zone anywhere from two to three and sometimes five times a game. That’s when you have to make them kick field goals. Turnovers, efficiency on third down, that’s getting off the field and then execution in the red zone. That’s pretty much offensively and defensively the areas that if you are going to be consistently good you have to be good in those areas.”
(On if he has won any games possessing the ball for twenty-two minutes without a bunch of kick returns) - “I don’t know. That’s a good question. I would have to go back and look, but that bend but don’t break I am not necessarily fond of that. But when you don’t let them score and the game stays within one score then you always have a chance to win. It’s easier on the heart though when you get ahead.”
(On if the secondary has surprised him) - “No, our secondary doesn’t surprise me. I think they are well coached and I think we have talented guys. I watched them in practice play very well together. We have a three safety rotation and they are all in their making plays and its working. We have corners that we feel can play in the slot and out on the perimeter, so it’s working. I give the coaches credit for getting them lined up properly and teaching them what they need to see. I give the players credit for their ability to go out and play. So no, I am not surprised.”
(On Dimitri Patterson) - “Dimitri has been a good addition to our secondary. I think he’s a guy that can play outside or inside and he challenges. I think I have used this term before, he and Buster (Skrine) are both gritty guys. So they like it, they accept the challenge of getting up on the receiver. We do bump and run quite a bit and that’s fun for corners. I think they enjoy that and then they enjoy the challenge of trying to defeat the receivers. I think he does all of those things.”
(On first and second year guys making big plays on the game-winning drive) - “Well they need to make plays because there are a lot of them out there. I think it’s good. A lot of these guys, we bring them into these environments as pro players and they have done it before. You know playing before large crowds. I think of when a game is too big for a guy. Really most of the guys that we put out there that have showed up, it’s not too big for them. Then they just have to go out there and do it. They find a way to control their emotions and their own thoughts. They learn what to do and then they just go do it.”
(On Evan Moore not being in the game) - “The snaps that he was in there we tried to get him the ball. I think that’s the important piece. When we put Evan in the game they treated him like a receiver and went to nickel. That changed our thoughts a little bit, but he got in there and made a couple catches. That one in the last drive and then he had I think it was a second and long he caught an under route and made yards. There were two other ones when we tried to throw him the ball so he was targeted I think five times.”
(On no huddling advantages) - “There are advantages to it. I like no huddle. The difference between no huddle and two-minute although it may appear like that they are similar. It’s different, but he executed very well there and we have a component of our offense where we can get to no huddle. As I mentioned earlier, call a play, get lined up and run it. I think that’s the starting point.”
(On if Peyton Hillis is at home) - “Peyton is here today, from my understanding. He was in the meetings so I don’t know if he was gone or left yet, but I just saw him. We were in the meetings together.”
(On Peyton Hillis being with the team or not on Saturday) - “He sure was. He was at all of the meetings.”
(On a surprise on Peyton Hillis not giving it a go on Sunday) - “He was getting better. He got really sick the middle of the week and then he was getting better. He was at the team hotel on Saturday night and we were hoping he was going to get a good night’s sleep and then get better. It didn’t happen. He was at everything. Again, I made the comment yesterday, with his illness I felt like if he couldn’t play the best thing for him to do was go home and get better. My understanding talking to the trainers is he feels better today.”
(On if Peyton Hillis tried to talk him into letting him play) - “We visited, but that’s obviously between the player and the coach. He couldn’t go, so we sent him home.”
Quote: When we put Evan in the game they treated him like a receiver and went to nickel. That changed our thoughts a little bit, but he got in there and made a couple catches.
Interesting. These are the subtle types of adjustments that the average fan, meaning me, never notices... I just wonder why they don't throw him the damn football.
Quote: I just wonder why they don't throw him the damn football.
Well if you want the football in this offense you BETTER line up on the right side of the field...otherwise you can sit down or go pick daisies.
From your lack of smiley can I assume you are serious? I went back through the play-by-play where it give you a description of each play, "pass short right" "pass deep middle" etc... and by adding them up Colt was:
to the left 11 for 17 for 108 yards
to the center 3 for 7 for 25 yards
to the right 5 for 15 for 78 yards, 2 TDs and 1 INT
But if everybody wants to keep beating the horse that he throws everything to the right, have at it. That's one of those things that happens on this board all the time, somebody says something and somebody else says, "Oh yea, I noticed that too." And then a couple other people repeat it and before long it becomes fact... well it's not correct. Hope that helps.
Quote: I just wonder why they don't throw him the damn football.
Well if you want the football in this offense you BETTER line up on the right side of the field...otherwise you can sit down or go pick daisies.
Maybe, but if I'm not mistaken, Little caught one over on left (offensive left) and several on the right. Watson caught balls on both sides of the field. MoMass,, I think it was only on the offensive right and same with cribbs.
Moores catch was almost dead center.
Are you saying that it matters where the line up or where the ball is thrown?
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.” Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe." Damanshot
Sounds like he is getting after it, but Robo seems invisible. Hope he is helping himself. And I hope the coaches are trying him indifferent ways to create some advantages for him. Some here are on either side of the fence and stand convinced. I am willing to watch more tape on him. Hope he has success for us on the field.
"Every responsibility implies opportunity, and every opportunity implies responsibility." Otis Allen Glazebrook, 1880
Transcript from news conference with Browns coach Pat Shurmur
by Nate Ulrich on September 29, 2011
in Cleveland Browns,NFL,Pat Shurmur
Browns coach Pat Shurmur met with reporters today. Here is a transcript from the news conference:
(Opening statement)- “Good morning. I have nothing new to add as far as yesterday as injuries go. We have as many players out there practicing now as we’ve had since the beginning of training camp, which is good. Some of them on a limited basis, but they’re all dress and going, which is good. Other than that I guess D’Qwell (Jackson) had a nice honor, AFC Defensive Player of the Month. I lead that into everything he’s done through training camp. It doesn’t surprise me that he’s playing at an extremely high level. I expected it based on what I’ve learned about him in the last few months. Normally when your MIKE linebacker is playing well and doing good things, it adds a huge boost to your defense and I’m glad for that.”
(On his approach to learning NFL football and becoming a coach without the experience of being an NFL player)- “My approach to learning, number one I wanted to try and become the best teacher I could become at his level. There are probably so many things similar to coaching in the NFL as they are in college as they are in high school. You try to encourage and empower the players and help them with the details of what it takes to be good at their position. I was fortunate enough in my first go-around in this league to work for Andy Reid who is a tremendous teacher. I worked amongst a bunch of guys that were tremendous teachers. I took notes, I’ve got cabinets full of notes back from the late 1990’s. I just tried to learn as much as I could, I’d write it down, I’d review it and I think that was my approach. Fortunately, we were in a position where we found a way to win games, we were working with tremendous players. When you work with good players you learn things from them, when you’re around successful coaches you learn things from them and then just by the shear nature of the amount of games that you’re involved in, you learn something every week. At one point, one of the balls I cherish, Andy gave us a ball for our 100th victory together, our years in Philadelphia, then you start adding up the games. That’s what I tried to do and I just tried to learn as much as I could every day, I tried to ask more questions, I gave comments and I still try to do that. I learn something every day from the guys that I work with here and I think that’s the best approach.”
(On what he’s learned about D’Qwell Jackson since taking over as head coach)- “When it was allowed, I had a chance to visit with him in the offseason, but when you watch him compete, when you watch him prepare what I learned about him was basically during training camp when I watched him take care of his business. He made very few mistakes, he helped get guys lined up and he was very good at stopping the run as well as playing the pass. Just being around him you see those things and you get a feel from a guy who gets things and he gets it. The world makes sense to D’Qwell and he understands the process of being a pro and he’s a talented guy. When you tie all that together then I’m glad to see he’s having the success he is.”
(On when they decided Jackson would be a good fit at MIKE linebacker in their 4-3 defense)- “We did that before we decided where everybody fit. We went into this thing knowing he was going to be our MIKE linebacker. There’s enough evidence of him on tape where he has the skill set necessary to play that position. There was never a doubt, he was our MIKE linebacker.”
(On if Jackson has more of a hunger after missing the last two seasons)- “Maybe. Again, I don’t have anything to compare it to, but I do know this, he’s a fine football player and there’s value added with him because he does all the other things necessary to help the team.”
(On if it was a gamble to rely on Jackson knowing he’s had injuries in the past)- “That goes on that list of things that can become concerns or you just don’t worry about it. I think we have a lot of situations, rookies playing, guys coming back from injuries. I feel confident in the schemes we’re teaching, I feel confident in the players on this team and you line them up and let’s go play. I’ve got other things that keep me up at night, I’m trying not to worry about that. Then you deal with injuries as they come, unfortunately, guys that have been hurt are maybe more susceptible, but I’m trying not to worry about that.”
(On if Chris Johnson is a guy who will break it outside or run between the tackles)- “He’s a slashing style runner. They’re a zone team if you would categorize their running game. They’re pretty much a zone team. Typically, zone runners will slash it into the B or C gap or outside and get your foot down and run it up the field. Then depending on how tight the zone angle is sometimes you can cut it back. That’s the type of runner that he is, I know in the past you’ve seen him running counter plays and lead types plays, but that’s what I think I’m use to seeing from him and the types of runs that they’re trying to run I think fit his style.”
(On if there’s an area of the defense that Johnson stresses more than others)- “He’s obviously a guy that if he gets to the perimeter, I don’t think that’s good for the defense because of his shear speed. You’ll find in the NFL it’s very hard sometimes to run the ball to the perimeter. Number one, the guys on the inside of the defense can run so fast and they can catch it and the outside of the defense a lot of the times does a good job of cornering it and turning it back. I think if he can get to the perimeter or he can get through the line of scrimmage to the second level then I think he’s extremely dangerous because if he gets squared up and he’s running fast through space, he’s a hard guy to tackle.”
(On who’s responsibility it is for keeping Johnson from reaching the perimeter)- “It depends on what we’re playing defensively. Depending on whether you’re one deep, two deep or quarters, there’s all different elements of how you take care of the perimeter of the defense.”
(On Chris Gocong has done for them so far)- “I think he’s a steady guy. I’ve known Chris from when he was drafted in Philadelphia. He came in primarily as a pass rusher out of college and has developed into a linebacker that can play off the line of scrimmage. He’s got very good instincts, I think he understands the game and we feel like he’s played at a high level as well so we’re glad he’s going to be here for an extended period of time.”
(On Gocong not really being a flashy player)- “No, just a steady guy and I think when you add a bunch of steady guys that are good players then you start talking about team defense and I think that’s what we’re trying to build here.”
(On if Artis Hicks would start if Tony Pashos is healthy)- “No, if Tony is up then he starts. That’s what we’ll do there.”
(On if he’ll leave Jason Pinkston at left guard or if Hicks and Oniel Cousins will see some action at left guard)- “We won’t disrupt the left guard. We’ve got one little area we’re working on and we’ll try to stick with that.”
(On if this system defensively is like the one Gocong played in in Philadelphia)- “It’s very similar, very similar type set up. He played the SAM linebacker, but they’re both off the line linebackers, in theory. One’s the SAM and one’s the WILL.”
(On if Gocong moved around a lot in Philadelphia)- “He did and we tried to use his pass rush ability coming out of college in nickel situations and from that standpoint we saw elements of what you’re seeing here. I do think for him coming out of college as basically a pass rusher, he had to learn how to play bubble or off the line linebacker, like he plays here.”
(On what makes Tennessee a top-ranked defense)- “In some of the categories they’re playing extremely well, in most actually. Again, when I watched their defense I feel a lot of the same elements that I’m seeing from our defense. Guys are being where they’re suppose to be, they’re very talented guys and if you match them up one-on-one long enough somebody’s going to break free and make a play. I think that’s what we’re facing. You’re going to see two defenses that play philosophically very similar. The coverages at times are a little bit different and the fronts are different at times, but when you look at it philosophically the way we’re teaching our defense and the way they’re teaching their defense, I see two very similar blue prints.”
(On what concerns him the most as an offensive coordinator going against the Titans’ defense)- “You’re always looking for things that you can exploit on a defense, but they really play real well. You don’t see a lot of big plays, you don’t see guys out of position, you don’t say, ‘In this situation we can go after this guy and we’re pretty darn sure we’re going to get him.’ If a run breaks out or a pass breaks out, instead of it going the distance they get them on the ground. ‘That was a bad play let’s regroup.’ You just don’t see some of that wild craziness that you see from some teams where its feast or famine and I can appreciate that. When you’re playing good team defense that’s what happens. I think they’re a defense that makes you work for it. This is going to be another one of those battles where everybody is fighting for a five-yard gain. Then, that puts pressure on the offense because you’ve got to stay out there for a longer number of plays and you’ve got to string a lot of plays together as opposed to tricking them and throwing one over there head.”
(On if it’s a game where Peyton Hillis can turn a five-yard gain into a to 15-yard gain)- “Sure, but I think that can be said for every skill player and we’ve talked about all of them. We’re going to find a way to play two linemen and all those good people we’ve been talking about. I think when you get a run you and you carve it out for a four-yard run, the fact that he could get six or eight, the same thing with the pass, if we check a ball down or we throw an underneath route for four or five then the route runners have to get us some yards as well. Anybody that touches the ball it’s very important to secure it, get your pads turned and try and get more out of it. There’ll be times when we launch it down the field, there always it.”
(On Hillis and Montario Hardesty playing together)- “We’re going to try to. Again, we have plays in the offense where we do and we’ll see how they show up.”
(On who the fullback is if Hillis and Hardesty are in)- “Typically, if we line up in the I, it would be Peyton, but if we line up in two backs, we’ll line up split where in theory they’re both halfbacks.”
(On if he talked to his two rookie defensive linemen about the quarterback head issue)- “Yeah, we talk about it constantly. I find a way in my meetings with the players or if something specific comes up through the play of the games last week. We try to keep track of things that come up, situations and penalties. We just constantly remind them you can’t hit them in the head and you can’t hit them with your head. They’re aware of it, we practice it, we coach it. Much like all of the rule situations that come up that tend to be league business, we make sure we review it. Just like anything, normally you get what you emphasize and when things happen it’s a reminder to reemphasize it.”
(On if he knows the amount of the fines the players got)- “I don’t know. I’ll try to keep that private, that’s league business. A lot of times when it gets reported, things could happen, they get appealed, things can happen. I’ll try to keep that internal.”
(On if it’s a learning process for the rookies to learn the different rules of the NFL)- “I think that’s part of what you’re learning to be an NFL player. I want them to sack the quarterback and hit them as many times as they can. But, how you hit them, there’s a little style to it.”
(On if the wide receivers are getting yards after the catch)- “We’re getting some, I think that’s another area you can always improve on.”
(On if there’s somebody that seems to be doing well with getting yards after the catch)- “We saw on that last drive Greg Little broke some tackles, Greg can do it. The big physical type style runners or the real fast guys tend to either run away from the defense or get turned and make a guy miss, those types of things. Tight ends, I thought Ben’s (Watson) done a nice job with that.”
(On if accurate throws help in getting yards after the catch)- “That goes back to when we’re grading the quarterback. Typically, accurate throws gives you the best chance for yards after catch.”
(On if Titus Brown will be ready to play Sunday)- “We’re going to have to evaluate him. He did well yesterday. With his ankle though, we’re going to have to see how well he does today because he hasn’t practiced in a while. Remember, when guys are coming back sometimes too much is worse than not enough. We’ll have to see where we’re at with that and see how he does today. We haven’t decided on him, he’s a guy we’ll have to decide on. There’s a solid chance that he won’t play though.”
(On if Titus Brown will play a major role on special teams if healthy)- “No question. He backs up D’Qwell and he’s a four phase special teams guy.”
(On if inaccurate throws is what is hurting the offense)- “I don’t know that. I watch every play and every play stands on its own. I would say this, early in the game last week there were some inaccuracies. I think as the game went on, not so much. I’m not discounting that, but I think we have to find a way. But, now early in the game there were also some other things that contributed to that lack of a fast start, that’s one of the pieces.”
(On defenses getting closer to the line and more physical with the receivers because of their short passing game)- “No, we had some gimmes the other day that we didn’t take advantage of where the coverage was loose enough. I wish I could say the reason we’re starting slow is, this, but really what it is is we just all have to be better. When you talk about the throwing game, it’s the decision making, the timing with getting the ball off on time and then the accuracy of the throw. That’s from the quarterbacks little piece. Now up front, we have to block them, the quarterback can’t get disrupted and have to move and then the receivers have to catch it. There’s a lot going on there and it starts with me, we just have to be better.”
(On if their team is tough to game plan for because they have two good running backs)- “I’m not sure about that, I think defensive coordinators will draw down on what we do and try to get some tendencies. I do know this though, the healthier, talented guys you have there at your disposal the better I feel about it.”
(On if Hillis and Montario both playing opens more options for him offensively)- “I think so, and I think the ability to play Peyton and play Montario where you have at times a little fresher Peyton at the end. I think there are elements of that that are good as well.”
(On if McCoy is getting more pressure and hits than the average quarterback)- “You want to eliminate hits on the quarterback. Sacks are the big no-no, you can’t have sacks. As I mentioned, sacks are a team thing. If they do get pressure the quarterback is trained to move. We’ve seen him move and make some plays or throw the ball away. I haven’t really done a study, that’s a good thing for me to do in the bye week is look at how many hits each quarterback has taken around the league per game. I think his hit total is down from other quarterbacks in the league, but we’re making an effort to get the ball out quickly too, which is a part of it.”
(On if he is concerned about overplaying D’Qwell Jackson)- “It’s all hands on deck. What you do is if you have a starting MIKE linebacker and you’re a three-down guy, you’re going to play 60 some snaps.”
(On if Jackson was on some type of a pitch count)- “No, he’s our starting MIKE so he plays and then we’ll see what happens from there.” web page
Transcript from news conference with Browns defensive coordinator Dick Jauron
by Nate Ulrich on September 29, 2011
in Cleveland Browns,Dick Jauron,NFL
Browns defensive coordinator Dick Jauron met with reporters today. Here is a transcript from the news conference:
(On D’Qwell Jackson being named AFC Defensive Player of the Month and how he has been playing)- “Really well and I think it’s richly deserved. Obviously he’s not doing it alone, but he is really playing at a high level. I know that we’ve talked about him before, his work ethic, his quiet leadership ability, his seriousness about his profession and he really prepares. He is a great example for any player, but particularly the young players. It is just really a richly deserved reward.”
(On if Jackson’s on and off the field attributes are unique amongst players he has coaches)- “He is a very good player. All those things are really great qualities to have not just in sport, he is an outstanding person. I think it translates well. His work ethic and maybe his outlook on life, everything translates well to the field. He’s got physical skills that he has improved and worked on and polished. It’s very important to him. He is very professional in his approach to everything.”
(On if he had the mindset that he might not have Jackson because of his past injuries)- “I would say no. I have been around enough to know that sometimes it just happens. You see people get hurt for two consecutive years and never have another injury or someone never gets hurt. We counted on having him, but the fact that he hadn’t played was there, but as I said I have also seen it happen so many different ways, so many different times where guys get unlucky and then nothing ever again, knock on wood.”
(On if a defense could spy Chris Johnson)- “You can, it clearly takes away from something else either the rush or coverage depending on if you want to be single safety high or two deep. If you want to have a four-man push or five-man push however you want to do it, but you can. You can do that.”
(On how often he draws on his past playing experience)- “Probably like all of you, I am just a believer that that everything you have experienced just keeps adding up. It makes you who you are, what you think. I don’t know necessarily what part of the playing aspect is critically important. It’s just all part of it. It just all fits together, so I don’t really know the answer to it.”
(On if he ever looked at coaches who didn’t play and thought, ‘What do they know’)- “I don’t think so. I always felt that being a player when you walked into the room the first time it maybe gave you a little more credibility with the players. But, if you didn’t know what you were talking about you lost it real quickly. I guess that’s the way I still feel about it.”
(On if they could run the defensive scheme they want without a big time defensive linebacker)- “Probably not, you have to have somebody directing the defense. You have to have someone calling, every time the offense comes out of a huddle there are things you have to talk about and things you have to identify. You need a communicator in there and preferably it is that guy. I suspect you could do it without that guy provided you had him somewhere else and he was in the middle of the communication. It would be hard, but maybe not impossible to have it be a safety, but he’s removed from the line. He’s got to be in different areas. The guy right in the middle of it is the guy and luckily we have a real good one.”
(On them identify Jackson as their MIKE linebacker right away)- “I think first of all Bill (Davis) has done a terrific job with him in this new scheme for him for both Bill and D’Qwell. He’s done a great job. Once you see him play, he’s got that unique combination of feel for the game and the athleticism to see it and then get it done. I guess that’s what always stands out when you are looking at a player on tape. You don’t know him personally, you don’t know him as an individual, but just watching his performance on tape. I think things jump right out. He’s got a strong desire to get to the football on every play. The bottom line of our game defensively is to get to the guy with the ball and get him on the ground. He can do this and he does it and clearly enjoys it, then everything else grows from there.”
(On Chris Gocong)- “I was introduced to Chris, not personally, but on a good deal of tape a year ago when I went to Philadelphia. I watched the cut-up’s. He plays at full speed and is a guy that plays fast. He is a very tough player. You know him, so you know he’s a very bright player as well too. He studies the game and is very into it, but he’s got the size and speed for the position that you are really looking for. You know he doesn’t look like he is as big as he is and he’s fast. He can move. I am really happy about that about that situation.”
(On Chris Gocong still has pass rush ability that he hasn’t shown in the NFL)- “I think he definitely has pass rush abilities and hopefully over time you will see them more and more. But, I am really happy with Chris.”
(On Jabaal Sheard’s growth from the first few weeks)- “I would just say it’s the natural progression of a young player. He is getting more and more comfortable. I believe he’s playing faster. He’s always played fast, I would say it’s been one of his most outstanding attributes. But, as he gets a feel for the league and the quality of the opponent, he will play faster still I believe and that’s happening from week to week. Obviously the opponents change all the time, there are little differences in them and I think he will learn, he will keep a book.”
(On Sheard progressing to be a good pass rusher)- “I think what you are seeing is what he is and he can get to the passer.”
(On what they told Sheard after he got flagged last week)- “It’s not real profound, don’t grab his fast mask. Don’t hit him in the head. Jabaal was going for the ball. He makes really good move, he gets inside and he gets to the quarterback. Now, he has a decision to make, what do you tell him? You say we can’t take that penalty. It was huge. It was a huge turning point in the game to some degree. He was trying to get the ball out. He saw the ball, he’s reaching for the ball and his hand got the mask. There is not a whole lot you can tell him. Peewee (Duane Board) and I certainly talk about it and talk about it with Jabaal, but you say, ‘What do you tell him?’ Do you tell him you should have kept your hands down and run over the quarterback? Well, the next time he gets in that situation he’ll keep his hands down the quarterback will throw the ball and it comes out. Then you tell him you have to get your hands up and block the pass. Sometimes things just happen and you wish they didn’t, you don’t want him to and really unfortunately it is probably the worst part of coaching when you say something like, ‘Don’t hit him in the facemask.’ It’s like saying don’t drop the ball. They know those things. You’re not really helping them, but there’s not a lot you can tell them.”
(On Matt Hasselbeck)- “First of all, he is completing over 70 percent of his passes. I think he’s the third ranked quarterback in the National Football League and you have seen about everything you could see. He’s played a long time. He’s been getting quality coaching obviously. Maybe unfortunately, he has been well prepared by our boss to play in the league and he’s had a lot of success. He really knows what he is doing. They do a nice job with their scheme. They have skilled players. He’s playing at a very high level.”
(On Joe Haden’s performance on Brandon Marshall)- “It won’t be significantly different then what we have talked about before. Joe is a very competitive guy and he’s got unique skills and he’s applying then more and more I think on the field. He again as a relatively young player is learning more and more about the league and he loves that kind of a challenge. You can just see it in him. He wants to be out there and wants to be matched up and he likes it. He’s got the skills to succeed at it. He’s got an unusual ability to reach around people, even bigger people. That was a significantly bigger receiver than Joe is as a corner. He did a really good job of staying on him and making plays around him, making plays on the ball again. He is really an outstanding player.”
(On Hasselbeck’s old offensive system and now playing under Chris Palmer)- “I wouldn’t compare the two systems. Chris has a lot of experience and he’s got a lot of options for the quarterback there. There are differences obviously in the offenses, but the quarterback in both of them has a lot of options and he is using them. He’s getting the ball out of his hand relatively quickly most of the time, when he has to he certainly is. When he is pressured he certainly is. He’s a skilled guy and recognizes what’s happening and the ball comes out fast.”
(On if Hasselbeck is going more vertical now)- “He’s gone down the field a good deal, a number of times to Kenny Britt, a number of times to (Nate) Washington. They have got some big plays but he has also delivered the ball underneath with quick rhythm passes, quick passes, quick audibles and getting the ball out of his hand. They have everything in that scheme. Now, I was never in any offensive meetings with Tom (Coughlin) or Chris in Jacksonville. I watched it a lot. It was very successful and the ball came out fast and the ball came out long. They did it all. Chris is good and he has good players.”
(On if he think’s Chris Palmer is trying to read his mind like he is to him)- “He’s studying our defense and we are studying his offense. I don’t know how much further it goes. We were together a short period of time and haven’t been together for a long time. He’s been a lot of different places and I have been in a lot of different places.”
(On why Chris Johnson has gotten off to a slow start)- “Unfortunately I don’t think about that, I just think about him all the time. You know the guy is so explosive and has been so productive. He is really a great talent as we all know. Both in the run game and in the pass game, unfortunately. We will have our hands full that’s for sure.”
(On the pass defense at the end of the game against the Dolphins)- “One of the great parts about that one last week was the fans. I thought our fans were really outstanding and played a part in it. They were so loud at the end. It was a lot of fun really and there was a lot of excitement in the stadium. You could feel it in the air really going out. When our offense scored it just kept building. The guys responded well. I thought everybody made plays. Everybody did their job. I thought Dimitri Patterson made a terrific play on the first snap. To have them get that ball at midfield was not good. It was not a good deal for us and they had that one timeout. I thought it was a huge play. They all were obviously. On first-and-10 to make that play on a ball that was probably thrown about 12-14 yards closer to field goal range as it was. I thought that was huge and then afterwards it kind of got better. We got pressure when we needed it. I think we disrupted a pass where there might have been a receiver open down the field and then to have it end with an interception, having the crowd behind us like that was really great.” web page
Cleveland Browns Transcript from news conference with Browns coach Pat Shurmur
by Nate Ulrich on October 3, 2011
in Cleveland Browns,NFL,Pat Shurmur
Browns coach Pat Shurmur met with reporters this afternoon. Here is a transcript from the news conference:
(Opening statement) – “Good afternoon, how’s it going? Let me touch on the injuries. Sheldon Brown pulled through the game fine. I don’t think he was any worse for wear. Joshua Cribbs has what’s characterized as a slight knee sprain. He’ll be day-to-day so we’ll see how that goes.
Joe Haden sustained a knee sprain as well so we’re continuing to evaluate that. He won’t practice tomorrow and we’ll just have to see as we move forward how significant it is. At this point, I don’t know anything, there’s a chance he may miss some time, but I don’t know. I don’t know that yet.
We’ll see, being that our next game is not for a couple weeks. Tony Pashos pulled through the game fine. I think he has the general soreness you would have after playing 91 snaps and I think he’s going to be fine as we move forward. Something new today, Alex Mack came in with symptoms that look like appendicitis and it was evaluated and it appears like he’s going to have his appendix out here, very soon, this afternoon.
That just happened. He came in this morning with soreness or the tenderness that would point to that and they evaluated him and he’s going to have to have it out. We’ll see how that goes. I wouldn’t want to speculate on time until after he has his surgery so we’ll find out. Other than that, Eric Hagg will continue to work.
(Mohamed) Mo Massaquoi pulled out of it, his ankle feels fine. He has a shoulder sprain that I don’t think they think is very significant so we should move forward. Other than that, I think that’s all the injuries. I don’t have much to add then what I talked about last night and I’ll open it up to questions, I’m sure you’ve got some things that you’re interested in and we’ll just move forward. I mentioned to the team that I’m disappointed that we lost. I think everybody played hard, tried to do all the right things, there are just ways that we can play better. ”
(On if Peyton Hillis fits this West Coast system) - “I think Peyton Hillis fits extremely well. He played yesterday, he got the football. I think it’s important he touches the ball and he did. We got to the point where we got the ball for the first time in the third quarter and it was 24-6, we’re moving the football and it quickly turned to 31-6. Then, the ratio of whether you run it or throw it starts to change significantly, but he was having success running the ball and he did fine.”
(On if Joe Haden has had an MRI on his knee) - “He has been evaluated and they’re calling it a knee sprain. I don’t want to misspeak that so I think that’s where it is.”
(On if reports are true that Hillis would not play or they wouldn’t play him because of his contract situation) - “I think there’s a lot going on with that question or comment, but that’s not the case. He played and he was a contributor yesterday. I think what’s being talked about is something that happened two weeks ago. In my mind, it’s not an issue and as we move forward I hope it becomes something that we don’t talk about. He’s our running back, we handed him the football, we threw it to him and he did a good job.”
(On if he was really sick) - “My understanding was he was sick and that’s why he didn’t play and he wasn’t sick this past week and he played. It sounds as though we’re going to talk about this, but I think I’m not just saying it, that’s what happened.”
(On if the Browns would ever diminish Hillis’ role because he has an unresolved contract issue) - “Absolutely not, absolutely not. I think that’s a non-issue. I think what you look at; you look at the game, you look at how it gets played out and at the end of the game you sit and look at a piece of paper that talks about what happened in the game.
Well, the game changes as the score changes and we did some things where the score got stretched out on us, and you naturally now are trying to race yourself back into the game and a lot of times that involves throwing it. I would never think of throwing the ball 61 times. For some folks that might be fun, I would never do that if we’re in a situation where it’s different.”
(On if it concerns him that the ESPN source about the Hillis situation came from the locker room/ organization) - “When information gets out you obviously like to see names attached to it. I am aware enough to know that there are all kinds of ways information spreads now. I’ve never sent one Twitter, I don’t have Facebook, I’m not aware of really how it all happens.
You folks are very good at getting information and it spreads. I’ve expressed to the team that I would prefer that we keep business in-house and I think sometimes that’s hard to do. I can’t really control how the team feels about certain situations other than we’re constantly talking about being very professional, about doing your job and doing those types of things. Until somebody says so and so said it, it’s very hard for me to comment beyond that.”
(On speaking to Evan Moore and Peyton Hillis in terms of lack of play) - “Neither one of them said anything to me about it. I would say this, everyone in that locker room was disappointed that we lost and I think its skill players, guys that touch the ball. There’s something about their nature where they want it all the time and I think that’s something good. I think we all know that when we don’t get everything that we’re looking for there are certain ways to handle it. It’s very hard for me to say beyond that.”
(On players saying ‘you have to ask the coach’) - “I think that’s natural. Again, I can’t tell you I just know this, there were a lot of guys in the locker room disappointed because we lost, me being one of them.
I went home last night, but I wasn’t throwing furniture. I was upset. I’m sure I wasn’t great at conversation last night. I was upset that we lost, but you know what, we get a good night sleep or the best you can, you come in, you handle the issues of the day and you move forward trying to do the best you can to get your team ready to play the next game.”
(On if he reflects on his own play calling) - “I looked at everything we did and I think it’s important you evaluate everything. I wish we would have done a lot of things better and I always look at plays, whether the design was good, where you call them, when you call them and all that. I’m always evaluating.”
(On if they have thought about throwing the ball more vertically down the field) - “There was, I think what happens to is the structure of the defense changes when they get ahead. They play a little softer in coverage which makes it a little bit more difficult to get them on one play.”
(On playing both Hillis and Montario Hardesty and getting them enough touches where they get into a rhythm) - “I think it’s important. I think Peyton needs to play most of the time and I think he played 50 or so snaps, I think 55. I’ll go back and double check it. I think Hardesty played in the thirties and there were times when they were in their together. No, it’s important and I think Peyton will get and should get more snaps and more carries. That’s just natural.”
(On if he talked to Hillis personally that morning before Miami and if he asked him if he could play knowing that it was an illness and not an injury related situation) - “What I would say it this, he and I had a conversation. My understanding was that he was ill and he didn’t play. That’s my understanding and so we moved forward and that’s when Hardesty played a lot. Yesterday, he (Hillis) was healthy and he played and he started and did a good job.”
(On if Hillis looked legitimately sick to him) - “Yes, he looked sick. I’m not trying to talk around it. He was ill and he looked ill.”
(On whose decision was it for Hillis not to play) - “The young man was sick and he didn’t play, OK and that’s the end of it. He played yesterday and I think that’s what the important thing is. Two weeks ago he didn’t play. We played the Miami Dolphins and won the game. Yesterday, he did. He was a significant contributor yesterday and we didn’t win.”
(On if he heard any grumbling from players in the locker room about Hillis not playing last week) - “No, I did not.”
(On when he addressed the team and said ‘let’s keep our business in-house’, was he referring directly to the ESPN report that some teammates questioned whether or not Hillis didn’t play for specific reasons) - “I think what I said was you were asking me about reports that were from either players or the team. What I did say was it’s hard for me to say because nobody had their name on those comments. Again, to answer your question, I think it’s important that teams are able to operate as teams. Information spreads, I understand that.”
(On if he has considered getting Evan Moore more involved in the passing game) - “He was in there for 20 (plays) and I don’t know if it was obvious, but we had a package where we had three tight ends, one receiver and one back, which we used a handful of times. Evan shows up quite a bit in the red zone. We got in there one time yesterday and so that contributes also. Game situations dictate it sometimes.”
(On if Joe Haden will need a scope for his knee) - “I don’t know that. At this point, my understanding is there is no surgery needed.”
(On if Alex Mack needs to miss time who his replacement would be) – “We have a couple of choices and let’s see first what happens with this surgery. We will work obviously (John) Greco at center and then Shawn (Lauvao) also played center.”
(On if he is still figuring out what the offense does best) - “I don’t know if we were trying to figure that out. I think I am getting to know the players a lot better. I think that’s something that you find out each week. You obviously want to put your best players out there as often as possible.”
(On if Montario Hardesty is looking up field first before seeing the ball in his hands) - “I think sometimes when you catch in those check downs your tendency is to start running before you catch it. That’s fair.”
(On what the team does best offensively at this point) - “I think we can run the football and I do think we are becoming better at throwing it. Each game dictates it. We have a lot of things that we can do and then you try to do the things you think are best against the teams you are playing.”
(On how often he has been able to stay with his initial game plan this season) – “I think obviously yesterday none because we got in a situation where we had to throw it most of the time. The two games that we won I think we were able to stick to and be pretty consistent running and throwing throughout the game. In the first game I think we were able to for most of the game.”
(On what you do during the bye week) - “The off week is designed to focus on that especially tomorrow in practice and then on Wednesday we will do some skill drills, weight lifting, and running. Work on the fundamentals and try to work on getting the Browns better with an eye towards Oakland. That’s typically what the byes are designed for. The new rules say that you have to give the players four days off in a row and the way I want to structure it they will be totally off Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Bring them back Monday for practice and give them their traditional Tuesday off and then get into rhythm for Oakland.”
(On if he felt Nate Washington’s 57-yard touchdown was an illegal play) - “There are rules for those types of plays. It was a good play on their part.”
(On if Colt McCoy should stay in the pocket longer at times) - “I don’t think I would say that generally. Colt at times will flush if the protection breaks down in some place, but I don’t think that’s an issue. There are generally things we need to work on to get better at, but typically if the route is a longer designing route you need to hang in there just a touch longer.”
(On if the defensive backs needed to switch on that play) - “They did a nice job with that play. There are rules for that though.”
(On if the referee getting hurt played a part) - “Yes, they had an injury didn’t they. They were working with one less.”
(On if defensive backs are able to bump receivers more than five yards off the ball) - “You’re not allowed to rub, but they executed the play well.”
(On if he will submit a letter to the league of office regarding that play) - “League business.”
(On emphasizing what needs to be improved better by the defense) - “Tackling. You noticed there was a long play to the tight end, the deep cross. It was a terrific throw. We had an opportunity and every once in a while they get a chunk. We had five explosive passes too. Where then alright you executed now you have to get the guy on the ground. I think we had a chance to eliminate that from being a score and we didn’t and that comes back to tackling.”
(On how Tony Pashos did in his first game of the season) - “Bear in mind no one performed well enough to win, but for his first time out there I think I saw some good things.”
(On if he has found personnel groupings and consistent play calling more difficult than expected) – “No, but as I have mentioned, I’m learning about our players as we go. Every week I get a little better idea of what they can and can’t do because they are presented with more situations and you see them operating more different situations.”
(On if fans need to come to the realization that Hillis is not going to carry the load like he did last year) - “That part is hard for me because I wasn’t here a year ago and I know he is a terrific player. He’s a big part of what we do and again, if I were here a year ago and I could have felt all of this I might have a different answer. The running back in any offense, especially ours, is a very important piece and he needs to touch the football.”
(On the pass protection) - “I thought for the most part the pass protection was pretty good. We had a couple snap issues on one, but when you are in a situation where you are in a pass first scenario then you have to buckle down. I thought for the most part they did a pretty good job there.”
(On whether not having an offseason program is hurting the team) - “No. I’ll stick to what I’ve said. We are just like everybody else.”
(On new coaches being affected by the lockout) - “It’s hard for me to say. The most ideal situation is you have a bunch of years and a bunch of time together. The real situation was we didn’t and we need to go out and perform. We just have to. I don’t know how I am being viewed by making that answer, but that’s the reality of it. Nobody quite cares and this is me.
You can look at the sheet and say ‘boy oh boy they did a nice job.’ We didn’t we lost. There are fifteen other teams that are dealing with the same scenario and there are no excuses. We have to win. Whether we did or didn’t practice in the offseason is a moot point right now. We need to move forward and focus on the next games we play.”
(On getting to know the personnel better during a bye week) - “Typically in the bye week what coaches do is, and I don’t know what is happening in other places but, the players get there time off. There is some practice going on and then you are able as coaches to sit back and evaluate what you have done to this point and decide how you move forward. That can be personnel, it could be scheme.
Here is what we’ve done well. Here is what we need to focus on as we move forward. Here are some things that have worked for us and other places that aren’t us. We will put them over there. I think all teams do that and so we will do the same.” web page
![[Linked Image]](http://www.dawgtalkers.net/uploads/FL_Dawg/Logo5_1.gif){kind=logo}
Spot on. 
![[Linked Image]](http://www.dawgtalkers.net/uploads/GraffZ06/browns_factory_sig.jpg)
