Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski (Post-Game Transcript)
Opening statement:
“Okay, injury front, [Browns T] Cornelius Lucas dealing with an ankle injury. We’ll get more information on that. A lot of lessons to learn in that football game. Two giveaways really were the difference there in that first half because I thought we were doing some really good things. But then we got that takeaway [which was] negated by an offsides [penalty]. So we’re just trying to hammer home how important it is to win that turnover margin in these football games. But I thought, by and large, the guys competed like crazy, which they did this week as well. So I was pleased with the effort and then we got to still have that mentality that we got to get better every single day. And that’s what the guys are going to do. With that I’ll take any questions.”
On if there’s an exception with two offensive players:
“There shouldn’t be.”
On if there’s an exception with one offensive player:
“They’re out of their sandbox. They were in the wrong area of their sandbox. We’ll get that cleaned up. That’s something, that’s kind of what I’m talking about where things like that happened in these games. We have to clean that up. And even if you weren’t on that rep, you’re a tight end or a wide receiver, you can learn from that rep. So that should never happen on that play.”
On whether he absolves Browns RB Dylan Sampson on that play:
“Yeah, obviously that can never happen on that play. There’s things, not all interceptions are created equal, but we can’t do that as a football team.
On the overall performance:
“Yeah, plenty to clean up. There’s some things that I thought we did well. I thought our offense as a whole on third down was very good early, which allowed us to stay on the field. I don’t think we were great on first and second down, but plenty to clean up.”
On the fumble exchange:
“Yeah, those two, us as coaches, we got to get them on the same page. We can never do that, ever.”
On the timeout in the first series:
“Yeah, I didn’t like the defensive look.”
On whether that was an operation problem:
“No.”
On if Browns QB Dillon Gabriel was close to not playing the game:
“Well, I think you have to be so careful with these types of injuries. And we have to protect players from themselves and sometimes guys want to play so bad and you just have to make sure that they can protect themselves, make sure that they can go perform. So that’s all it was. Just getting as close to kickoff as we can to make a prudent decision for the young man.”
On the timeline of naming a starting quarterback:
“So we will treat the final preseason game in a dress rehearsal-type way in the sense that we’re going to do a regular season schedule this week. So we will make a gameplan now. We won’t run every play that we put in this week, but I want the guys to get used to getting a gameplan, new plays, evolving the offense, defense, and special teams. In terms of who plays and that type of thing, we’ll talk about that later.”
On if he anticipates naming a starting quarterback:
“Let’s get through today and then you and I will chat.”
On both rookie quarterbacks starting a preseason game:
“Yeah, obviously I’m not going to compare our players, other than to say I’m pleased with where they both are in their progression. They have the mentality that they’re going to get better every single day, which I appreciate. That’s really where our focus is.”
On the defense’s performance in practices throughout the week:
“Yeah. Again, I’m not going to characterize it. I’ll tell you, I was really pleased with Wednesday and Thursday, really pleased with the guys today, obviously. Our brand of defense, as you know, is to play really, really hard and you have to compete like crazy. And I think that’s what you see from our guys.”
On all quarterbacks being ready for the following preseason game:
“From a health standpoint? I hope so, but I’m not sure yet.”
On Browns QB Shedeur Sanders’ pre-game warmups:
“I’d say it’s all rehab. We’re being very smart there. Hopefully he’s going to get better quickly.”
On Browns WR Gage Larvadain returning punts:
“I think just all these guys were trying to get the proper amount of work for them so that we can make our evaluations. That’s all it is.”
On Browns QB Dillon Gabriel’s play:
“Yeah, I thought the operation was good. When you go into these games, I know that’s kind of boring, but that’s what you’re looking for from the quarterbacks to orchestrate, get guys in and out of the huddle, make the right calls, send the motions, all those types of things. So I thought he did a good job with that. He’s got plenty that he’s going to clean up.”
On adding Browns WR Isaiah Bond to the team:
“Yeah, I really don’t have any update there.”
On if he expects Browns RB Quinshon Judkins to be with the team:
“I also don’t have an update there.”
On Browns T Dawand Jones’ lack of playing time:
“It kind of goes back to every single player. You’re making the decision on what we think they need to get ready.”
On if that situation applies to Browns RB Dylan Sampson:
“Correct.”