HC Freddie Kitchens (8.15.19)
Head Coach Freddie Kitchens:
Opening statement:
“I thought we got a lot accomplished today. It was a lot like yesterday. The tempo was more like I like it today than it was yesterday. I think we identified a problem yesterday, not that there was anything wrong with the tempo, but we set the tempo. Nobody else does. I think these guys learned that today.”
On having more scuffles in practice today:
“There was, wasn’t there? I told you guys yesterday, we are not into backing down from anything.”
On if he felt there may be some ‘backing down’ prior to yesterday:
“No, I just think sometimes when you change settings… I don’t know what to say. We just have a way that we are going to treat our practices. That is how we are going to practice. That doesn’t ever change. It doesn’t matter who we are going against. It doesn’t matter if we are going against ourselves. I think we learned a lot about ourselves from the standpoint of that’s how you have to approach it. You keep your tempo. Let everybody else adjust to yours, not the other way around.”
On if the Browns left that attitude behind at the start of yesterday’s practice:
“I think so. I think these guys are resilient from the standpoint of we can identify a problem and I think these guys work to fix it. We identified that problem last night, and they came out and fixed it.”
On Browns players who are in position battles while they also may have missed practice time due to injury:
“That is a big factor. You start evaluating your roster, and at the end of all this, whatever is on tape is who they are. You want to get some good stuff on tape, and time is running out. The clock is ticking. I think the sense of urgency has to be picked up in some areas. I think they are working at that. It just does not happen overnight.”
On if WR Damion Ratley’s performance last year gets factored into the evaluation, given Ratley has missed some time in camp:
“It is what he did today.”
On how WR Odell Beckham Jr. has stood out, despite not participating fully in team drills:
“We had a conversation today with all of them. Odell and (WR) Jarvis (Landry), they need to lead that room, and they are doing a good job of it. He can still lead from over there. He can still lead and make sure those guys are doing what they are supposed to do, correct them and prep them for things that are about to happen. He and Jarvis both are doing a good job of that.”
On Beckham saying he will be ready, chemistry will be fine with QB Baker Mayfield and his NFL experience helping confirm that:
“I think he will make the team if that is what you are asking (laughter). I am not worried about Odell at all. He will be ready to go mentally and physically. He will be ready to go.”
On if he can share how much Mayfield and other Browns will play on Saturday:
“No, I can’t. We will wait and see on Saturday. I haven’t fully decided yet. I am not trying to avoid the question. I really haven’t decided. I swear to you guys, I take it one day at a time. I think I have a preliminary plan but that changes. We got some good work done today and yesterday. We will see. We will talk about it and determine that.”
On the plan for Beckham’s playing time:
“I am not even going to really discuss our plan. It is like our plan so I am not going to discuss it. I am not trying to be rude. I am just not going to talk about our plan.”
On RB Nick Chubb’s long run today after several last season and if that skillset ever surprised him:
“No, I think during the evaluation process you saw the speed and you saw the agility. He has one of the best jump cuts I have ever seen. I am not claiming I have seen every jump cut so I am sure I am going to offend somebody with that. He has a good jump cut in the hole. He has great body control, balance and all the characteristics and skillsets that good running backs have. Yeah, we saw it.”
On if the Browns have a better feel for RB Kareem Hunt’s skillset and balance with Chubb now that he is practicing more:
“Kareem really came back yesterday for the first time with meaningful reps. You see the ability, and I think everybody sees it.”
On Chubb’s big run getting Mayfield and the Browns OL excited and if it was it a legit touchdown:
“What do you think? I think we know, and I think they know.”
On if Chubbs’ run was gratifying to the Browns OL:
“Yeah, definitely. This game is built on explosive plays and not turning the ball over. Anytime you get an explosive play, everybody understands the significance of that moving forward in a game. That was an explosive play.”
On T Drew Forbes’ development and ability to be considered for an OL spot:
“He has gotten better. He kept his head down when everything around him seemed to be falling apart. He kept his head down and just kept working. I think he has seen some of the benefits of doing it like that. That is just one example. He is doing well or he is doing better. Some of these guys just have to play. Some of these guys come from small schools, and they just have to play. He flashed in the game the other night so that earned him some more reps. He flashed yesterday so that earned him some more reps. It is kind of like we are on a reward system around here, I guess, like your little gas card thing (laughter).”
On if WR Jaelen Strong has been more consistent as training camp has progressed:
“Yeah, I think so. I think a bunch of those guys have. Jaelen definitely has, and he just needs to keep working. In a sense, we still have a long way to go, but what they have to understand is the clock is ticking so the sense of urgency has to be picked up. I think it has. I am not saying it has not, but the sense of urgency, I feel a sense of urgency. I want them to feel it.”
On Strong brings a good physicality to the Browns WR group:
“Yeah, that he could potentially bring to the group because he is a physical guy when he wants to be. We just need it every day. I just want to know what is going to be on the field. I want to know every day what I am going to get.”
On an update on DT Devaroe Lawrence’s status:
“Actually, he is better than we thought. He is really day to day. Something just has to settle down. We were a little worried yesterday afternoon, but it ended up being fine.”
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