RB Nick Chubb (8.22.23)
Nick, does it matter to you if you play in the preseason finale?
“It doesn’t matter. Whatever they want me to do, I’m willing to do it. Haven’t played in one since a lot of years ago, so it’s not my decision, but I’m ready to do whatever it takes.”
How much have you found your timing with Deshaun (Watson) and the running game? How much have you found it connecting so far?
“I think it’s coming along good. We got a head start last year when the Deshaun got in late in the season, so I think this year we just kind of built off that and I think it’s going along very well.”
You’ve been being used a little bit more in that passing game. How do you think that might open up your game and allow that to open up the offense?
“I think it will. Not knowing what we’re going to do if I’m in the game. Last year I was just mostly (playing) 1st, 2nd down, so I kind of gave them an idea of what we’re going to do. But hopefully this year will be different with me doing more things.”
Do you feel any more responsibility or pressure given that the guys behind you don’t have a lot of experience? You had Kareem (Hunt) for the last few years, but now you have guys who don’t have as much experience.
“Not so much. I know those guys behind me are prepared well every day with Coach Stump (Mitchell) and here at practice. So I know if anything happens, those guys will be ready to go out there and compete and make plays for this team.”
I know Jordan (Wilkins) has only been here for about a week, but what does he know? Another guy that’s played a number of games, at least in the league.
“He’s just very experienced. He came in, he knew the playbook almost immediately. He’s very smart. He makes great plays, good reads, and he’s a great guy.”
Are you excited to be more involved in the passing game and get more touches in a different direction?
“Whatever it takes, I’m excited for it.”
What advice have you given Elijah Moore for lining up in the backfield?
“When you see the hole, just hit it hard. Yeah, but he’s done a great job at that. Against the Commanders, he did a great job of hitting it fast.”
It feels like you might have a different kind of mentality. Is that fair to say? Did you feel a little different this year going into the season?
“Who, me?”
Yeah.
“I feel the same. Ready to get started.”
Nick, the Browns have doled out some cash to redo the contracts of two foundation players. Have they talked to you or your agent about doing something?
“I haven’t heard anything.”
What are your expectations for Deshaun (Watson) this year and how have you seen him change from last year?
“With Deshaun, I want Deshaun to be who he is, who I’ve known to be since high school. Growing up in Georgia together, I’ve always heard about him. He’s always been a great player and just for him to get back to who he is.”
Nick, we saw a run on Sunday, I think last time we were out here. Got a little chippy afterward with you and somebody else. That defense. How physical are they? How competitive is it out there with them now under Jim Schwartz?
“They do a great job. Very physical. Always around the ball, making plays. I’m happy to not play against them on Sundays, for sure.”
How much does that level of competitiveness help out here every day?
“It helps a lot. I think how you get better as a team is to compete at a high level. That’s what we do every day.”
How explosive can this offense be this year with everybody healthy and Deshaun (Watson) in his second year and some added help there at the wide receiver spot in the offseason?
“Yeah, I think there’s that potential to be one of the best in the NFL. It depends on us executing every day and alignment, assignment, playing fast, but being smart.”
When you went back and kind of looked at the film and everything from those two joint practices with Philly, what was sort of your takeaways from what you saw?
“Probably the biggest thing is whether I go out there and compete, just go out there and compete, fly around. You’re going to make mistakes. It’s going to be intense. But I think for the most part, we’re a very disciplined team. And when it came down to that, I think we did good.”
I know you and Baker (Mayfield) are close. He got named a starter today. How happy are you for him that he’s getting another shot to do that?
“I’m excited for him. Baker, I came in here with Baker. He’s a great friend of mine. So, I’m excited to see him go out there and do well.”
Every year you come into camp, best possible shape. Is this the best of your career. You think, the way you’re feeling physically right now?
“Well, I hope so. I mean, the way I train in the offseason, I always hope to come in great shape. Even better than last year. Who really knows?”
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