WR Odell Beckham Jr., G Joel Bitonio, RB Nick Chubb and RB Kareem Hunt (11.27.19)
Included below are select quotes from interviews with the following Browns players during today’s media availability:
- WR Odell Beckham Jr.
- G Joel Bitonio
- RB Nick Chubb
- RB Kareem Hunt
- QB Baker Mayfield (full transcript)
WR Odell Beckham Jr.:
On the scene and intensity expected at Pittsburgh:
“Another football game. Every game is intense. It is a rivalry already so I think we all know what is at stake.”
On if the Steelers game will have anything extra following what occurred during the previous game:
“From what I have learned from my experiences is we create this controversy starting right here and right now, and then it leads onto the field and then it is either to meet the expectation or not meet it. I feel like I have been here so many times that I can sit here, we can talk it up or we can do all of these things and it can lead to the field and things can get messy and it is like we fed into it or it is just going to be another football game. In my eyes, it is just another football game for me with what we need and what we have at stake, as well. Other than that, there is no extra that I am looking into.”
On maintain the 1-0 mantra, particularly this week against the Steelers:
“You just approach it the same way. You go in there, have to go 1-0 this week. Alignments, assignments, technique and making sure everything is everything and that you are in the right place at the right time. Like I said for me personally, I have been in this situation to where I can learn how to block out the extra and knowing I fell into a trap before, just knowing and having more wisdom now of how to get around it.”
On how the importance of a game like this week late in the year can help a team mentally due to the length of the season:
“It is tough. You just have to lock in. Whether it is Week 17, playoffs or whatever it is, you have to lock in. At this point in the season, we all know what is at stake. We know what we have to do, and right now, it just starts with beating Pittsburgh. That is the only goal that we have – to be 1-0 this week.”
G Joel Bitonio:
On how the team maintains its singular focus this week:
“I think it is pretty much easy for everybody. We are focused on trying to get a win this week. It is a new game. We played them. They know some of our tendencies, and we know some of theirs. I am sure they will change some things up from a defensive standpoint. We are focused on going to Heinz Field and playing our best game possible. You have all the outside noise and stuff. but once you get to gameday it is us versus them on the field, there are 11 guys on each side of the ball and we will be ready to roll.”
On if he feels the need to be on alert for any extracurricular activities:
“No, I think the refs and no one wants to get fined or any of that stuff. We are going to protect our quarterback, and we are going to protect our guys that handle the ball, but we are going to play hard like we always do and we will see what happens. If something breaks out, you will handle it accordingly, but I think guys are ready to play football again and see who the best team is on Sunday.”
On how meaningful is it to be in a significant game against the Steelers this late in the year:
“It is good to be playing in December and a meaningful game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. They have been successful for the last 15 years, but for us to come out there and have a chance to put us in position, we will be good. It is just another game for us. We are trying to go 1-0 this week. We are trying to be the best team we can be and build on what we have done the last couple of weeks, just one step at a time, though.”
On T Greg Robinson being in concussion protocol:
“Yeah, I hope he is OK. It is one of those things. Hopefully, he can get back. I do not know all the details on that stuff, but we have guys that have played in the NFL before. (G) Justin) McCray has played this year. (T Kendall) Lamm has been around, and like I said, hopefully Greg can get back. He is a big, strong guy and he went up against them a couple of weeks ago. He kind of note (Steelers LB) Bud Dupree and some of those guys that rush him over there, but we will be ready. We have guys that know this offense, they are going to fight and go against these guys. They are a great defense whatever you put out there. We will be ready. We will have five guys ready to roll, and that is the nature of the beast.”
RB Nick Chubb:
On the expected environment at Pittsburgh on Sunday:
“I expect it to be a loud, hostile environment. We all know what happened last game. I am sure they did not forget. We are excited. We are happy to go in there and play in that type of high energy. Their fans will be into it, and we will be ready.”
On the importance of controlling emotions during the Steelers game:
“Yeah, that will be huge. Their fans will be loud and all that comes with it, but we just have to stay together, stay composed and just play our game.”
On if he is expecting the Steelers defense to bring anything more this week, given the physical nature of the previous game and the Steelers offensive players who left the game:
“It does not matter at all. I am sure the next guy up will be ready to play a physical game and come as hard as ever so we are ready for it, too.”
On how the incorporation of RB Kareem Hunt into the offense has helped him:
“I think the biggest thing with Kareem is I feed off of him. He hypes me up and he gets me going just a little bit more. Watching him create plays and the explosive plays and big plays that he makes, it picks me up, it pumps me up and it gets me ready to go in there and make a play for him and for the rest of the team. That is the biggest thing for him. He is just a motivator.”
RB Kareem Hunt:
On if he knows going into the game if he is going to get more carries:
“No, I just kind of see how the game is going, and like I said, whenever my number is called, I am going to be ready to go in there.”
On the Steelers-Browns not being as strong of a rivalry with the Browns performance in recent years:
“That is true. They have had our number for a number of years. We just have to go out there, compete and show them this is a rivalry and that we are going to be here for a long time.”
On if a season sweep of the Steelers will revive the rivalry:
“I guess so, but we are just worried about the next game. If we win this game does do not mean that is the last one. We still have more to look forward to.”
On the expected atmosphere at Pittsburgh on Sunday:
“Loud. Both sides because it is going to be a lot of Cleveland fans and it is going to be a lot of Pittsburgh Steelers fans. I feel like it is going to be real loud and a hard-hitting game.”
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