Run Game Coordinator/Running Backs Coach Stump Mitchell (11.18.22)
On how RB Kareem Hunt has responded to status uncertainty around training camp and the trade deadline:
“I think he is handling it like he has handled every season. He has tried to come out and get better. Of course, he was the No. 1 running back when he was in Kansas City so he would like the opportunity to do that – he is not that for us – but he comes out, he works hard and he tries to get the most out of everything.”
On if Hunt has improved with being patient in the running game:
“I think so. As you can see, his average is higher now than it has ever been. I think that is because he is showing a little more patience. That is the key for him working to get better at such small things for him but a big thing because of our blocking schemes.”
On what led to the Browns running game struggling last week against the Dolphins:
“They beat us at some points. We knew it was going to be a physical game. We had an opportunity to make some runs and we did. When we didn’t, they had a lot to do with it.”
On the message to RB D’Ernest Johnson about patience for opportunities as the No. 3 RB:
“First of all, patience is something that D’Ernest has had to endure all of his career, and he has to still be able to perform when given the opportunity. This is the National Football League. At every position, you hope to have the opportunity to first and foremost make an NFL team, and then if the opportunity presents itself, you want to make sure when your number is called you can perform. D’Ernest has a good attitude. D’Ernest as a kick returner, a punt returner or a running back, when given the opportunity, he is going to perform.”
On RB Jerome Ford as a kick returner and Ford sustaining an injury earlier this season:
“We have seen his ability to make plays with the ball in his hands. Unfortunately for him, if there was going to be anything for him in terms of running back, he got hurt and missed four weeks and the season continued to move. Plus, you already had (RB) Nick (Chubb), Kareem and D’Ernest in front of him. Right now, he missed a lot of time in terms of getting skilled as a pass blocker, which is something that those guys coming out of college the first year usually struggle with. He has done a tremendous job with (Director of Player Engagement) Ron Brewer when he was out looking at different things that we would see from defenses in terms of passing schemes. He will be there when given the opportunity. Right now, we need him as a returner, and hopefully, he will be able to fill that role for us.”
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