Mike Pettine press conference highlights
- The concerning part about the Browns' loss to the Jaguars: some players said that Jacksonville wanted it more. After all, the Jaguars were 0-6 and desperate for a win. You could sense their hunger. Pettine said he and the coaching staff carried anxiety all week about how the Browns would respond after such an emotional high after drubbing the Steelers. And just about everything was a letdown.
- "I think we ended up on the short end of the physical toughness and the mental toughness part of it," said Pettine during his Monday meeting with the media. "Our attention to detail was not where it needed to be, and that all adds up. Just as we talked about after the Steelers game, we put that game in a box on a shelf. This one's going in a box, and it's getting buried in the backyard…We were curious to see how we would handle it. It didn't work out. That's something that we need to look to address whether it's a mix of youth and veteran guys. For whatever reason, we weren't completely focused and dialed in and ready to play."
- The two most talked about plays from the Jaguars loss involved Pettine's decision to go for it on fourth-down. By now you know the plays – the second quarter incomplete pass led to a Jaguars touchdown before the half and the fourth quarter planned confusion ended in broken play where Ben Tate was stuffed for a two-yard loss.
- The Browns are 2-for-7 (28.6 percent) this season on fourth downs. Pettine says there is no exact science on when to go for it, but he isn't shy to take chances when he sees an opening.
- "I get the analytics behind it, but to me, all the circumstances are different," Pettine said. "I know you can just look at paper and say, 'Hey, they're converted at this rate,' but to me, you have to factor in the circumstances of the game. That's what I do, but I think in general, I'll tend to be a little more on the aggressive side. It's somewhere in between."
News and Notes
- Pettine provided some updates on the defensive line injuries. Phil Taylor (knee surgery) is progressing in his rehab efforts, but will likely be ruled out against the Raiders. Taylor underwent surgery on October 8th and has missed two straight games. Ahtyba Rubin (ankle) was the more eyebrow raising of the two. Pettine said the Browns have sought a second opinion on his injury and that nothing (including surgery) is off the table.
- The Browns originally considered drafting Kiero Small, who they called up from the practice squad on Monday. The 5-foot-9, 242 pound fullback has been thrilling the coaches with his practices and it was time to see what he's all about. Cleveland released fullback Ray Agnew as the corresponding move.
- The Browns will consider anything and everything on changes to the offensive line. Vinston Painter may replace Paul McQuistan at right guard – or John Greco may slide back to his original position. Cleveland will monitor the progress made by center Nick McDonald – both his wrist injury and his ability to pick up the playbook. If they feel comfortable with him, it seems like the most logical choice. Then, the Browns would have four of their original five starters in place.
- There was no real discussion on Sunday whether to jumpstart the offense by inserting Duke Johnson Jr. into the lineup. Nor is he being considered to replace Hoyer in the foreseeable future.
- "We're not going to hit the panic button after one loss," said Pettine. "We know that while the quarterback position needed to be more productive, it was more symptomatic of the entire offense. Brian is still firmly our starter. Like I said, each week we make the decision on if we want to include Johnny in the plan."
