QB Jacoby Brissett (9.7.22)
On how the season opener can be a tone-setter for the year:
“It is very important. (Head Coach) Kevin (Stefanski) has been preaching to us of we have to make sure we come out and get off to a fast start. This is our first one. We have to be ready to go. We know they are going to be ready to go. I think everybody’s emotions will be high because it is the first game of the season. We have to do a really good job of controlling ours, sticking to our fundamentals and technique and playing good football.”
On what role he can play in helping keep Browns players emotions under control:
“I think it is the Browns versus the Panthers. That is just what it is. It is nameless, faceless opponents.”
On how prepared he feels heading into Week 1 and if he is looking forward to playing with the full first-team offense for the first time in a game:
“Yeah, I am looking forward to playing another game of the National Football League. These do not come by easy. Definitely very appreciative of the opportunities that have been presented and just look forward to going out there, playing good football and taking care of business.”
On clarifying if he feels prepared for Week 1:
“Yes, sir. We have still got another week, but yes.”
On how he has grown within the Browns offense over the last few weeks:
“I think I have grown but still more room for improvement. Obviously, a new week and a new opponent that presents different problems and things that we have to take care of. Looking forward to it.”
On preparing for a Panthers defense with limited game film available to review:
“Just trusting our rules. Obviously, like you said, it is limited but there is still some out there. Just going to play good football. Making sure that more than I know what they are doing, I know what we are doing and why we are doing it and then go from there.”
On challenges presented by the Panthers defense:
“They are a good defense. Have a lot of good players. Obviously, getting (Panthers CB) Jaycee (Horn) back helped them a lot, and (Panthers LB) Shaq (Thompson) is going to be out there. They present a lot of problems, but I think we are up for the task.”
On how he ‘finds his center’ and stays calm while preparing for gameday:
“I thought you were talking about the actual center – I was like… (questioning look, laughter). I think it comes with preparation throughout the week. Look, we are all going to have those emotions at kickoff. That is every game and probably every player because we have a pulse. It comes with the preparation throughout the week. We will figure that out when we get to that point, but today starts with today.”
On if there is a specific point of emphasis for him each week that he reminds himself he must do in order to win an upcoming game:
“More so if I just be myself. If I can take care of myself and do my job of putting the guys in the right position and understanding our plan, then outcomes will take care of itself.”
On the amount of external hype and attention heading into this week’s game with former Browns and Panthers QB Baker Mayfield starting:
“I was not here with him last year so I do not care really.”
On if he will have a hard time blocking out the external hype and attention surrounding this week and Mayfield during pregame:
“No.”
On if he wishes he received more reps in the preseason:
“Like I said previously, we have had a plan together. I think our training camp practices reflected our plan. Like I said, I am looking forward to the opportunity. Have another good week of preparation coming up. When Sunday gets here, we will be ready to go.”
On if he was playing his former team would it give him a distinct advantage due to the familiarity with the opponent’s systems, similar to what Mayfield is doing this week:
“I don’t know. I don’t know what is going through his head right now. I can only speak for myself, and it is just, ‘Hey, go out there, be prepared and be ready.’”
On saying he always prepared like he was the starting QB and if it has been a different experience knowing for a significant period of time that he would start Week 1:
“No, it is no different. You just prepare.”
On how much input he has when the team is constructing its offensive gameplan each week and if the coaches ask him about his preferences:
“Definitely. We obviously have been building up this menu of plays to see what I like because obviously if I can’t run it and other players, not just me, can’t run the plays, we won’t run them. I think Kevin is doing a good job of listening to those opinions. Obviously, there are some plays where you are going to say, ‘Hey, you have to learn it,’ but as the week progresses, the more comfortable you get with plays.”
On taking over as the starting QB at the beginning of the season earlier in his career and if there has been anything unique about this experience with the Browns:
“It is the one that I have today. That is the most unique thing about it. That is all I can really think about is just going out there and just doing my best.”
On the benefits of having RBs like Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt as part of the Browns offense:
“I am excited to see them play. Obviously, I have played against the Browns a couple of times, but I have bene on the opposing side of it. It is a good feeling when they are back there. I am excited to watch them play.”
On Hunt’s ability as a receiver benefiting the Browns offense:
“Kareem is a good player. Very fortunate to have him on this offense and be a part of this. Like I said, I am looking forward to watching him play. He presents a lot of different problems [to opposing defenses]. I am excited.”
On if it motivates him at all that external individuals have ‘dialed back’ expectations for the Browns season when learning how many games he would start:
“I haven’t heard anything so I don’t really care to be honest.”
On if he makes a point of not paying attention to outside noise or speculation:
“[Of not] Caring? Yeah.”
On if he has spoken with Pro Football Hall of Famer Bill Parcells this week, given their close relationship:
“I have not talked to him this week yet.”
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