Head Coach Kevin Stefanski (9.1.22)
Opening statement:
“Good finish to the work week. Guys worked really hard today and really worked hard all week. Got some good work in the meeting rooms, in the weight room and out here on the practice field so really a positive step for us. We will send the guys into the weekend here and get ready to roll Monday.”
On the importance of Browns players taking the time off during the holiday weekend to disconnect and rest before starting the regular season:
“Have not had more than one day off here for the last – whatever it has been – seven weeks. This is some time where they can definitely get a quick recharge of the battery and not think about football for a little bit but still making sure that they are taking care of their physical, whether it is nutrition, hydration or those type things, so still being smart getting a workout in over the weekend. We kind of gave them a plan for that. It is important as the season gets ready to go you have to unplug for a little bit.”
On the decision to have the current number of QBs on the Browns:
“(Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager) Andrew (Berry) and organizationally, just felt like it was the right thing to do to have these players, take a look at everybody and constantly be in evaluation mode.”
On what QB Josh Rosen showed the team in recent weeks that led to the decision to sign Rosen tot the practice squad:
“Josh gave us some good reps. There were some really good moments in those games and some really good moments out here on the [practice] field. He is still learning. This was new to him a few weeks back. He has come a long way because he is a very, very smart quarterback, but he is still growing.”
On the benefit of having Rosen on the team, given the time spent with the team and familiarity with the playbook:
“Josh, he is very smart. He is in early. He has a ton of understanding of what we are trying to do. He has caught up very quick.”
On if he has any new observations of QB Kellen Mond after meeting and practicing today:
“No, nothing new. I was able to shake his hand. He got here in time to be in meetings. It is like anything else, when you get a player at any position, it is time to kind of jump in the playbook and start to learn it as quickly as they can.”
On DE Myles Garrett and DT Perrion Winfrey not participating in practice today:
“Myles was excused for personal [reasons], and Perrion was sick.”
On if the team is confident that T Jack Conklin will be able to start at RT in Week 1:
“I am not ready to comment to Week 1. I think all along, Jack has done everything we have asked him to do in his rehab. He has worked very, very hard. He is progressing, but I do not think we will make that call until next week.”
On if the Browns feel good about the team heading into Week 1, understanding the team is always trying to improve:
“I recognize the guys have worked really, really hard. I think from a training standpoint, they are right where you need them. I think there is always room to grow, both in individual technique and understanding of our schemes. I think there is room to grow for all of us.”
On if DE Jadeveon Clowney or T Chris Hubbard sustained injuries:
“No, just rest.”
On the trust level with QB Joshua Dobbs has grown to where the team may incorporate Dobbs into an offensive package:
“I trust all of those guys. Dobbs is another very intelligent quarterback so we trust him. He knows what to do. Yeah, he has done a nice job.”
On if the team encourages the coaches and staff to get away this weekend prior to Week 1:
“No, we are a little bit different than the players. We have work to do so we will make sure that we are working.”
On the Steelers using Dobbs in special packages and if the Brown see value in doing the same:
“I think we will work through those type of things. That is definitely part of his game. We are still working through how and when we would do that.”
On if Dobbs is definitively the Browns No. 2 QB or if it is still being evaluated:
“Yeah, Josh Dobbs is our No. 2.”
On the Browns signing two TEs to the practice squad and if it is safe to assume the team will elevate one to the active roster on gamedays:
“I would not assume anything. We will see.”
On the benefit of G Joel Bitonio’s long-term experience with the Browns and his even-keel approach to help younger Browns players:
“What you love about Joel is he is himself every day. He works very hard. He is a guy who does things right on the field, in the meeting room and takes care of his body. I think he is just someone who, more than anything, the guys see an example of how to be a pro.”
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