QB Baker Mayfield (10.11.20)
QB Baker Mayfield:
On if he has an update on his X rays and how he is feeling:
“A little sore right now. We will find out tomorrow when we look at it. I earned that one. I said it after the game on the field, I think that was the worst game I have played out of the five so far. I have to get better. A lot to learn from, but we learned on that defense and we got the yards when we needed it. The good thing about it is we do not have to learn from a loss – we can get better after a win. Just the mindset of trying to be just a bunch of big hairy American winning machines is important.”
On what the Browns’ 4-1 start means and what it says about the steps the team is taking to make progress:
“Yeah, I think you just said it, there is a lot a lot of season left. We have to continue to improve. A lot to learn from from this film, especially on my part. Have to continue to get better and put us in positions to win. There were two turnovers today. Not good enough. A lot of missed completions out there and a lot of guys that were open so have to continue to better.”
On if he was injured on the play that the Colts were offside and the play was not stopped:
“No, that was not the one that got my ribs. That was definitely a little awkward on my wrist. You expect him to blow the whistle, but every once in a while, if they are not going, have to throw the ball away and protect myself. That is the name of the game.”
On if the Colts defended the Browns differently in the second half and if that contributed to the interceptions:
“They were kind of doing what they were doing and taking away some of the other stuff. Just had to be more patient. The one trying to force it to (TE Austin) Hooper, the MIKE drops back and I need to put it on (WR) Jarvis (Landry) right now, and if I wait too long, than the other linebacker takes away Jarvis and then I have (WR) Odell (Beckham Jr.). Like I said, there are a lot of missed completions out there that I can learn from and get better.”
On DE Myles Garrett coming up with another big play and the resiliency of the team:
“Obviously, we do not want it to be that close if we do not have to be that close so just the fact that we can pull it out and lean on each other is very important. That is why it is a great team win. We counted on that defense today, and they played well. Guys stepping up and making plays. We will look back on it and realize where we can improve, but the most important thing is we came out with a win.”
On if he was injured on the hit from Colts DE Justin Houston during the play he threw the INT:
“To be quite honest with you, I do not know who hit me.
“The interception one? Yeah.”
On if he believes he will be able to play through the ribs injury next week:
“Oh, yeah. Mama didn’t raise no wuss.”
On RB D’Ernest Johnson, WR Rashard Higgins, S Ronnie Harrison Jr. and S Sheldrick Redwine stepping up and taking advantage of their opportunities to make big plays today:
“Yeah, that is kudos to those guys having the next man up mentality. You missed one, though – (T) Chris Hubbard stepping in for (G) Wyatt (Teller) when he goes down. Very important for us to be able to plug those guys in and continue to move the ball. We are very happy about those guys. Like you said, the guys stepping in on the defensive side of the ball and making plays like that, that changed the game. We are happy about that.”
On if he has already had X rays taken and if he knows the results:
“I had X rays, and I did not stay at a Holiday Inn so I do not know how to read them (laughter).”
On if he knows the results of his X-rays:
“No, not yet.”
On the tough catches the Browns offense was making in the first half:
“Yeah, there were numerous catches, but that is just a lot of trust I have in those guys. We have very talented players, a very talented supporting cast. Those guys, they know they have to be in their spots, and even if they are covered, it is one on one. We trust them to win those matchups.”
On if he felt that he was not playing how he wanted to in the game, including in the first half:
“I still think there were some things [to improve]. I think the drive right before halftime, definitely should have had a touchdown instead of just three points. There were missed completions and some high balls. There is a lot of room for improvement, but that is a good thing after a win. We can continue to get better, especially on my part.”
On the run game and the Colts defense’s performance:
“Yeah, they do a good job of running stunts on the D line. They are not a very flat out complex disguise different looks, but they execute well and they play hard. That is just how that defense is. They did a good job of containing that for the most part.”
On the versatility of the Browns offense and being able to score both through the pass and running games:
“It is important for us to be able to find answers on how teams are going to defend us. If they stop the run game, we have to be able to respond in the pass game. It is important for us to find ways to be efficient and move the ball and put us in position to win.”
On if this Browns team feels special with how they have been able to rise to the challenge no matter who is called upon:
“Absolutely, especially against a good team like the Indianapolis Colts. Very proud of everybody that stepped up and proud of the resilience for everybody to get a victory.”
On where the Browns’ resiliency comes from:
“I think it is a little bit everything. I think the culture that we have been working on building about the winning mentality that no matter what happens, move forward and try and get better and counting on everybody. It takes everybody. We said at the very beginning, at some point this year, we are going to need everybody in the building. Did a good job tonight.”
On his conversations with Higgins and his TD pass to him after Higgins did not play in recent weeks:
“Proud of him being able to deal with everything and come in and make plays when he can. I think it was a little bit of miscommunication on their end in the secondary. It looked it was supposed to be Cover 2 and just kind of threw him open. That is just playing ball. That is knowing that guy. I have had a lot of reps with him and knowing where he is going to be.”
On RB Kareem Hunt’s TD reception:
“He just has a knack for making plays. I think there were a lot of plays where we had some deeper stuff drawn up to where I could have gotten the ball to him on checkdowns. He is an incredible player, especially on the scramble drills. That was a catch similar to the one he had last year against Pittsburgh at home. He is a great player.”
On if he was made aware of Cowboys QB Dak Prescott’s ankle injury and that Prescott will require surgery:
“No, I did not know that. Prayers for Dak. Incredible leader. Incredible player. Somebody that I have a tremendous amount of respect for as a human being, as well as a quarterback. You never like to see that. You never wish that upon anybody. Hope for the best for him, and you said surgery so I hope that goes well. That is no fun.”
On Garrett continuing to make game-changing plays:
“He is a game-changer. We are extremely lucky and happy to have him on our team, and he continues to do that week in and week out in big moments and make those big plays. We are happy to have him.”
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