RB D’Ernest Johnson, WR Braxton Miller, DL coach Tosh Lupoi and run game coordinator/RB coach Stump Mitchell (8.21.19)
Included below are select quotes from interviews with the following Browns position coaches and players during today’s media availability:
- RB D’Ernest Johnson
- Defensive line coach Tosh Lupoi
- WR Braxton Miller
- Run game coordinator/running backs coach Stump Miller
RB D’Ernest Johnson:
On how he can build on opportunities from the Colts preseason game:
“You just have to keep working. Every day you have to come out here, it is a new day and a new opportunity to get better so you have to come out here, stay focused and continue to work.”
On if he is expected to have a similar role at Tampa Bay:
“I am not sure. I am just going to go in there when my number is called. I think the starters are going to be playing a lot more in this game so whenever my number is called, I just have to go out there and make the best of every opportunity given.”
On if uses trying to make the team as motivation and how he approaches the situation:
“I use it every day as fuel. Last year, I was out of football for a whole year so it was tough. I use that as motivation from me being out of football. I do not want to go back to that so I am just trying to do anything in my power to make the team. Whether that is special teams or whatever they want me to do, just do it to the best of my ability.”
On what he has accomplished during training close:
“Learning how to be a pro, how to approach every practice. Paying attention to every detail, watching a lot of film and learning from guys like (RBs) Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt and Dontrell (Hilliard), picking their brains and learning from new guys.”
Defensive line coach Tosh Lupoi:
On the Browns DL as training camp ends:
“We have plenty of work to do, but we are excited to get there. We have been gradually getting to where we want to be. We still have a lot of improvement in the near future and we have to get there fast, but it has been awesome to see the group’s chemistry really start to come together. I thought that was evident seeing our last performance, not that that was good enough but compared to our first performance as far as gap integrity, guys starting to rush together work together. We are going to keep striding in that direction.”
On if there are days when DE Myles Garrett surprises him with his high performance:
“We are setting expectations and setting the bar really high. I think that is exactly what he wants so I am going to demand a lot out of him. I really feel he has all the tools and capabilities to be special. We will continue pushing him. He has responded really well to what we have asked him, whether it be individual training or within the body of the defense. I am excited to see him get after it here soon.”
On the Browns starting DL being able to play together recently:
“It is exciting. Today was really the first day that I can remember where the full D line was all back in there. For various reasons, we have had young men [out] – (DE) Chris Smith just had a beautiful baby girl, an individual had a concussion, a couple guys have had an illnesses and injury. It is great to have everyone back. Now, we can really start gelling and working together.”
On LB Genard Avery and his versatility:
“Genard is someone that has elite speed and he is fully capable of being an effective rusher. Not only that, but we are trying to get him and I believe he is improving at setting the edge versus the run, as well. I do not think he wants his game to be known as doing one thing as a designated pass rusher. That is what he is trying to prove here that he can be accountable with his assignments and be effective on first and second down defeating the run and using his leverage to his advantage.”
WR Braxton Miller:
On his first day with the Browns:
“It felt good. I feels like I am home. It is good to be out there with new teammates. They brought me in like I was here already. I went out there and had fun just playing football.”
On if anything feels different on his first day about this training camp compared to other teams:
“I was able to meet everybody when I first got here, and it was a warm welcome for sure. Everybody was happy. I could feel the vibe and I could feel the good energy around the facility and what is going on around here. I definitely can feel a great energy and positive vibes.”
On if he had interested from other NFL teams and chose to come the Browns:
“Yes, I did have a couple of choices. I think this fell in my lap, and this is one I really wanted to go to. Being closer to my son and my family and being able to play for my home state, that is one of the things I always wanted to do. I am just happy to be here.”
Run game coordinator/running backs coach Stump Miller:
On if the run offense has become tougher and more physical throughout camp, given the number of inside running plays:
“I think so. We are getting a lot of reps at it so hopefully, we will be a lot better at running the ball and also a lot better at defending the run.”
On if RB Dontrell Hilliard gets set back due to his injury, particularly given RB D’Ernest Johnson’s performance against the Colts:
“This game is all about availability. All players have to be available because the game is going to go on, and we can only play with those guys who are healthy enough to play it. I think Dontrell realized that. He had a good practice, and hopefully, he will get an opportunity to show what he can do come Friday night against Tampa.”
On RB Nick Chubb during training camp and his potential this season:
“I think he is going to be special like he was last year. I think he will be used a little more in the passing game than he was last year. Nick just continues to improve on the skillset that he has, and I think he has a fantastic skillset. Of course, it is going to revolve around the offensive line doing their jobs, the tight ends doing their jobs and the wide receivers doing their jobs not just in the running game but also in being a threat in the passing game so they can’t put eight men down in the box.”
On Chubb not being exposed to much contact during the preseason games yet seeing indications he is a strong back:
“His feet, his quickness and his ability to make people miss in the whole. His speed to go the distance. He has shown everything that he can be a very good back.”
On where Johnson has excelled to make an impression:
“He has not looked at the elephant in the room in the other guys. He feels like he is the big man in the room. He feels like he can play, given the opportunity to showcase what he can do. I think that is exactly what he has done, not worrying about how good Nick, (RB) Kareem (Hunt) or when we had (Texans RB) Duke (Johnson Jr.) or Dontrell or any of those guys in the room. He just goes about his business trying to be the best player he can be, and he is performing.”
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