DT Larry Ogunjobi and C JC Tretter (12.19.19)
Included below are select quotes from interviews with the following Browns players during today’s media availability:
- DT Larry Ogunjobi
- C JC Tretter
DT Larry Ogunjobi:
On the Ravens having a similar run scheme to the Cardinals and what the Browns need to do to stop the run this week:
“I think the biggest thing is just gap integrity. Guys have to be in their gaps. When we are moving, stunting or whatever we are doing, it has to be all 11 guys doing their job because all it takes is one guy in the wrong gap and then it turns into what you saw last week. It is just the accountability to stay in your gap and do your job.”
On if the number of newer players on the defensive front created a lack of gap integrity:
“I would not say that because it was not just the front four, but I would say that just once the game starts, do your job.”
On ensuring the team comes out with high intensity this week:
“I try to come out every game ready to go. I do not really get into all the hype. The bar is set as far as what is going on. Just once you get here, come out and do your job. This is what you do, and I feel like if you care about this, you should be passionate about this, especially on Sundays when you go out and play. That is how I am, and hopefully, it will trickle throughout the team, but I feel as if that guys will answer the call. It is the last home game of the season so why would you not be fired up and ready to go against a great opponent who has not lost since we played them last? Why would you not be fired up and ready to go? It is the National Football League. It is a blessing to be here so of course, I will be fired up.”
On teams having a vocal leader on their team and if the Browns have that or need that:
“Kirko (LB Christian Kirksey) was that for us, but with him being injured – I know I am more quiet (laughter). I am a lead by example kind of guy. I speak when necessary, but I feel like there are times where we all kind of have to take that role, step up and speak because it does help sometimes when people do need to hear it.”
C JC Tretter:
On how Head Coach Freddie Kitchens has done keeping the team together:
“I think he has really kept us and the whole idea of 1-0 has not changed. That idea of this day being the most important day, each day going into a game and then obviously that week’s game being the most important. We are not really looking beyond one week at a time and are just really focusing and dialing in on what we can do this week.”
On if he feels Kitchens has everyone’s attention:
“Absolutely. Absolutely.”
On how much the Baltimore defense has improved since their Week 4:
“They are still a talented group. I think they have gotten better. They do some different things. Obviously, they have added some different personnel, but they are a talented group overall. They throw a lot at you. There is going to be a lot of communication needed, a lot of studying and a lot of understanding and just having everybody be on the same page.”
On if the Ravens will look to bring more pressure this time around:
“They will blitz from anywhere, and that is the thing where there is not really any read or understanding of where they are going to come from. You have to be ready from everywhere. They just do a really good job, and how their offense have played, they have had the ability to play with a lead for the most part most of the season and kind of unload a lot of exotic blitzes and make you work and study a lot of different things. It will be a good test for us, but I think we are all getting on the same page and we will be ready.”
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