November 11, 2025 • 24 mins
On this episode, hear from Browns HC Kevin Stefanski, C Ethan Pocic, and S Ronnie Hickman.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:05):
Welcome to this Tuesday edition of the From the Podium podcast.
I'm Gabe Kolera. The Browns are off today and we'll
be back tomorrow in the Cross Country Mortgage Campus right
here in Berea to begin preparations for the Baltimore Ravens
at Huntington Bank Field this coming Sunday at four to
twenty five. On today's episode, you'll hear from head coach
Kevin Stefanski, center Ethan Posk, and safety Ronnie Hickman. We'll
(00:27):
start with head coach Kevin Stefanski, who gave some more
thoughts on the Jets game.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
Yeah, obviously frustrated, disappointment on that result yesterday, and we're
spending time right now watching it with the with the
players and trying to learn from that. And you know,
hard to win on the road, and certainly hard when
you do some of the things we did in that ballgame.
But we're committed to this thing and we'll just find
ways to get better in all areas and we'll go
(00:52):
from there, big division game at our place this week.
If that'll take any questions.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
Yeah, Kevin, just wondering about the fact that news just
came down that that Brian Dable got let go. Uh,
just wondering. I mean, I know you know Brian, and
I know how you felt like when it happened to
Brian Callahan. My question is then, I mean, how do
you feel about it? And also, these guys are coaching
(01:17):
rookie quarterbacks. I mean it's a can be a.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Tough gig, right, Yeah, obviously, I'll you know, I've I
have a personal relationship with a lot of guys Mary
Kay in this league, so you just you don't like
to see that for them, so i'll, you know, keep
that those type of things between us.
Speaker 4 (01:33):
But yeah, it's, uh, you know.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
You always feel for anybody out there who's going through
that type of thing.
Speaker 5 (01:41):
Okay, thank you.
Speaker 6 (01:42):
Hey Kevin, it feels like it lost like yesterday's could
be tougher to get over than some So how do
you get everybody to bounce back, especially sitting at two
and seven.
Speaker 4 (01:52):
Yeah, they're all hard to swallow.
Speaker 2 (01:55):
Scott, It's uh, you know, it's it's this business, so
you never get used to it, and it stings. Having
said that, you have to turn around and get right
back at it. So that's what we'll do. We got
to quickly learn from it and then, like I said,
do you guys move forward to a division game at
our place, and when.
Speaker 6 (02:14):
You go back and look at those two kick returns
for touchdowns, what stands out? And then what changes can
you make to special teams because it's happened before.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
Yeah, obviously you know, not good enough. We're we can
be way way better than that. You know, some of
these big ones, you got to get the guy on
the ground and limit you know what could be a
bad return for you, but get them on the ground
for a gain of twenty or whatever. It is so
frustrating that for those balls to go the other way
on us. And we'll look at them and learn from
(02:44):
them and understand how we can be better in a
technique sense, and then we'll look at how we can
move our guys around to make sure we've got guys
in the right spots and like we always do. But yeah,
that's tough to win on the road, tough to win
a football game giving up those two returns.
Speaker 5 (02:59):
Thanks, Keivin.
Speaker 7 (03:00):
I'm gonna ask you about those returns too. How how
do you stay confident in Bubba and thrown when it
has been a problem all year?
Speaker 2 (03:11):
Yeah, listen, I have a ton of faith and Bubba,
I have a ton of faith in our special teams.
Speaker 4 (03:15):
We have to be better. That's that's the case.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Uh, there are ways that we can try to be better,
but it's it's it's definitely. We'll continue to coach our
guys hard, We'll continue to give them the techniques to use.
Speaker 4 (03:29):
But I trust our guys. I trust that we'll get
back to work.
Speaker 7 (03:34):
You have to make changes on those coverage units.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
I think you'll throughout the game, Jeff, and and throughout
the season. You're always making changes with guys and depending
on who's available to you in a given game. So
we'll always look at those things.
Speaker 8 (03:49):
You Yeah, Kevin, just what progress have you seen from
Dylan start one to start five? What areas have you
seen drastic improvement?
Speaker 2 (04:00):
I think with young quarterbacks Darryl's it's understanding that there's
gonna be ups and downs. You know, Can Dylan play better,
yes he can. Can we play better around him, yes
we can. Can we coach him better, yes we can.
So I understand the question, but but I just trust
that our young players at every position, and certainly at
the quarterback position, are guys that are going to work
(04:22):
their tails off to get better every single day.
Speaker 8 (04:25):
And Jimmy Haslam said during training camp that you knew
that seeing both young quarterbacks at some point this season
was important. So just where is shador at as far
as his development and do you have a timetable of
when you would take a look at him?
Speaker 5 (04:43):
Yeah, I don't.
Speaker 2 (04:44):
I don't think it's fair to speculate, Darryl are We're
committed to getting better as an offense. Dylan is certainly
committing to improving every which way he can, and all
the while, all of our players, young players are are
developing and working so hard behind the scenes to make
sure that they're getting better on a daily basis.
Speaker 9 (05:06):
Thank you, Thank you, Kevin. If you could take us
behind the curtain a little. On that fourth down with
ten minutes to go, you're in a plus territory fourth
and one now under your presence setup, you decide to
go for but who calls that play?
Speaker 2 (05:27):
Well, let me first say this, Tony. I'm responsible for
every decision, every play call, offense, defense, special team, so
I'll own all of it, and I trust our players,
I trust our coaches. We obviously did not get the
result we wanted there, and the desire obviously on third
down and on fourth ten is to get that first.
(05:48):
We came up short. But bottom line is it's my responsibility.
Speaker 9 (05:52):
But I mean, since you just made the play calling change,
is it's fair to say that Tommy called the play
and you just agreed with the play.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
Yeah, I'm not gonna go behind the curtain all the way, Tony,
just to tell you, I trust Tommy just like I
trust Jim. I always have the ability to step in
when necessary, but I'm gonna always, you know, give my
coaches who I trust. I'm gonna give him the opportunity.
Are there times that you change a call? Yeah, there are,
(06:21):
But bottom line as we did not come through there.
Speaker 10 (06:26):
Hey, Kevin, I wanted to ask about Carson. I mean,
I know, it sounded like his prognosis with the ankle
was always really good. Like playing was on the table
for him fairly early. It seemed like you guys knew.
But to fight through that, to work through that in
the bye week, and then to perform the way he did,
Like what does that say about him and the rookie
season that he's having.
Speaker 2 (06:46):
Yeah, he has Wolverine blood, I believe is what it says.
The kids playing at an extremely high level. For him
to come back from that injury and perform like he did,
it was incredible to watch, you know, you just and
really throughout that bye week, he just kept getting better
and better and you felt like there'd be a chance
of him playing. So listen, I have not looked around
(07:08):
the league at how other guys are playing and that
type of thing, but I'd be hard pressed to believe
there's a defensive player as a rookie that's playing better
than him, and then factor in what he came back from,
it's pretty remarkable.
Speaker 5 (07:22):
Thanks, Kevin.
Speaker 11 (07:23):
I wanted to ask you, I mean, with the offense,
it seems like the offense is pretty fragile and has
a tough time handling adversity. And I use the idea
they went ninety five yards, looked really good, then you
have the kick return and after that it took until
Ronnie Hickman's interception to kind of get them jump started again.
(07:47):
Do you agree that they're a tough time right now
handling adversity and if they if you don't agree with it, why.
Speaker 2 (07:54):
Yeah, I think our guys responded at you know, at
times in the game, Fred, did we play perfect?
Speaker 5 (08:01):
No, obviously we did not.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
I thought there were some missed opportunities in the run game,
there were some missed opportunities.
Speaker 5 (08:06):
In the past game.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
You're not going to get every single one of those.
But our guys they're going to fight to the end.
We didn't come through, you know, as a football team,
but the guys understand what what an NFL game is like,
and there are those ups and downs throughout the game.
Speaker 11 (08:21):
And what about undisciplined. You kind of had ten penalties,
seventy eight yards, a lot of pre snap and things
that you know, even the first play of the game,
Judkins goes fifteen and gets called back. You know, how
can you adjust to those things?
Speaker 2 (08:36):
Yeah, obviously, you know the pre snap penalties are ones
that we really can control, and post snap we can
be great with our technique. But I believe we had
three pre snap penalties on offense, which is three too
many on the road. We know the situation at the
end there. We can be better. We will be better.
Speaker 5 (08:56):
Thank you, Kevin.
Speaker 12 (08:57):
Kind of off of that, I know you want to
be and you'll preach kind of those techniques and making
sure they'll they'll clean them up. But what does that
look like? I think I've asked you about this before.
What does that look like in a week when you're
trying to ensure that disciplined you don't get those pre
snap penalties.
Speaker 2 (09:12):
Well, I think you just you emphasize it every week,
like we do with the players in all meetings out
on the practice field, and we talk about, you know,
avoiding the avoidable ones, which are those pre snap penalties,
and making sure you're in the right formation, making sure
you're not jumping off sides and those type of things.
So we obviously we're not good enough in that area
(09:36):
last week, and we will make sure that we emphasize
it again and make sure that it's something that's the
strength of ours and particularly it should be at home.
Speaker 12 (09:45):
And you mentioned a little earlier just some of those
changes that happened in a game throughout a season. Dylan
Gabriel brought up the phrase, you know, if you keep
doing the same things and don't change anything, it's the
definition of insanity. Do you feel that you, as a
coach and this team has changed enough to create actual
results on the field or is there more that you
(10:06):
need to change to turn this thing around?
Speaker 2 (10:10):
Yeah, bottom line, Cam is we need to play better
football on all three sides of the ball, and we're
going to start doing that this week at home division opponent.
Speaker 13 (10:20):
Kevin, just when looking back at the film and everything,
what was your overall thoughts on how Tommy called the game?
Speaker 2 (10:26):
Yeah, I think you guys will have a chance to
talk to Tommy this week. You know, I thought we
had some opportunities there. We weren't perfect in any facets,
so certainly weren't perfect on offense, but plenty to build
off of.
Speaker 13 (10:41):
And then just a dovetailing off cam and asking about
things getting fixed during the week on pre snap penalties
and stuff. When you guys have the officials in for
practices during the week, can you ramp that up with
maybe them calling things a little bit closer than what
they normally do in terms of maybe preventing that.
Speaker 2 (11:03):
Yeah, I'm comfortable with how we structure that part of practice.
It's a point of emphasis for our football team and
it will continue to be a point of emphasis.
Speaker 13 (11:15):
Okay, thanks Kevin.
Speaker 6 (11:16):
Going back to the fourth and one, what should have
happened there or what went wrong that you weren't able
to execute?
Speaker 4 (11:23):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (11:23):
Obviously, first thing I tell you, Scott is you give
them credit. You know that they did a good job,
good defensive call versus what we were doing. Tried to
get into different formation and go quickly, but they did
a nice job.
Speaker 6 (11:37):
And then going back to Carson, there was one pretty
big play where he wound up without a helmet on.
Should add have been a penalty on that screen for
a touchdown? What did you see when you looked at it?
Speaker 2 (11:48):
Yeah, listen, they again, they made a good play call.
Speaker 4 (11:53):
We got to try to get that guy on the
ground no matter what.
Speaker 3 (11:56):
Yeah, Kevin, just wondering what does give you total faith
in Bubba and the special teams, not just after what
happened yesterday, but at various points throughout the season. There
was another part return for a touchd on some other
things that have gone on. But what what kind of
makes you feel that way?
Speaker 14 (12:14):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (12:14):
I think I get to watch our coach's coach. I
get to watch our guys work. Mary, Kay, we need
to improve. We understand that those two returns yesterday are
really disappointing, and our guys understand, you know, everybody's role
that we play in this thing, So we'll get it fixed.
Speaker 4 (12:35):
Can you hear me?
Speaker 5 (12:36):
Yep?
Speaker 9 (12:37):
My weekly question, would Deshaun Watson be cleared to practice
this week.
Speaker 4 (12:42):
Yeah, I'm not sure if that's what we're doing.
Speaker 5 (12:46):
Okay, and.
Speaker 9 (12:50):
This was your first game this year not calling plays.
Did you do anything differently from last year when you
were in this position.
Speaker 2 (13:00):
No, you know, obviously, my role is to make sure
everybody's in position to succeed, and I'll continue to look
for ways to do that.
Speaker 8 (13:09):
Yeah, Kevin, I want to ask you about that fourth
and four cam getting called off sides there on TV.
It looked like you were yelling this situation not to
jump the announcers we're talking about it. Just where's your
frustration level go when it's such a critical point in
a game where you're trying to get the ball back
at the in the last minute so you at least
have a chance, and a major mental mistake happens in
(13:34):
such an obvious situation.
Speaker 2 (13:36):
Yeah, as you know, Darryl's that's anything that happens in
the football fields my responsibility. I got to make sure
that the guys are aware of what's going on. One
plays not can be the determining factor of that ball game.
There are plenty of plays that we need to be better,
but that's my job to make sure these guys understand
those situations.
Speaker 4 (13:54):
Okay, thank you, I'm next.
Speaker 1 (13:55):
Center Ethan Posik discussed the offensive line stability the Browns
have seen the last few weeks.
Speaker 6 (14:00):
Hey, obviously six actions today. When you went back and
watch a film, I know a lot goes into it,
But what did you see as the biggest problems there?
Speaker 15 (14:06):
Yeah, we just got an execute better and all work
together and you know, just fine tune something, a thing here,
a thing there.
Speaker 6 (14:18):
And overall, you know, that felt like a really difficult
loss to take Yesterday, you know, two kick returns and
defense plays really well and dropped to two and seven.
So how was a group? Do you guys keep your
heads up and try to figure out a way to
bounce back.
Speaker 5 (14:32):
Well, I would say individually, you know, I just trust God.
Speaker 15 (14:34):
I trust God's plan, I trust I just trusting God.
So I just uh continue to control I can control
my preparation and uh, and I think the saying goes
for the team, just continuing to control what we can control.
And we just got to come out Wednesday and have
a great practice and get things rolling.
Speaker 14 (14:57):
Hey.
Speaker 10 (14:57):
Ethan Wyatt yesterday was talking of out how some parts
of the offense still felt more effective than maybe they
had previously. I guess, like do you agree? And you
know he talked about like some yards per carry that
you guys had without having really explosive runs and things
like that. Was there anything else?
Speaker 15 (15:16):
Yeah, I would just say like some days like certain
runs works better. It's nothing like you know, it was
just like yesterday the duo was working really nice. So
and but I don't look too deep into this or
that or whatever. You know, soins like football just like
goes a certain way, and like yesterday kind of just
(15:36):
went that way with like duo and like one of
those like vertical games going vertical in the run game.
Speaker 5 (15:43):
So I don't look too deep into all that.
Speaker 15 (15:46):
So I know some people do and like analytics and
all analytics, analytics and all that stuff and everything.
Speaker 16 (15:52):
Hey, Ethan, obviously it was Tommy's first time calling the
plays on offense for you guys. You know, Wyatt and Joel,
as Ashy alluded to, sort of talked about some of
the positive steps that they felt like their progress that
was made. Just what did you think overall of Tommy's
vision and sort of the execution of the game plan offensively?
Speaker 5 (16:14):
Yeah, I thought I did a great job.
Speaker 15 (16:15):
I you know, I got trusted every coach on the
staff to call plays or you know, whatever their role is.
And you know, I thought Tommy filled in and he did.
He did a real good job. And you know, I
think there's some few stuff that players need to execute
and myself included in that. And so like I'm just saying,
(16:36):
there's some hidden yardage out there that would have made
Tommy look even better, but we just got to execute
on a few more plays.
Speaker 3 (16:44):
Yeah, Ethan, just wondering. Chevinster Fanski told us yesterday that
he is sticking with Dylan Gabriel, So just wondering what
your thoughts are on that and what you've seen, what
you saw in Dylan really yesterday.
Speaker 15 (16:59):
Yeah, Dylan, he he's like progressing a lot, and he's
you know, we gotta remember he's still a rookie. And
you know, I think he's playing great. I think he's
he's doing his job. I think he's not trying to
do too much. I think he's just you know, he's
in his role and he's doing a great job, and
he's taking coaching and he's got a great attitude every day,
and uh, you know, I just I think, you know,
(17:21):
he's just going to keep getting better. So I think, uh,
you know, I really like the kid, I really do,
and I like his attitude, his demeanor and everything he brings.
Speaker 3 (17:31):
How do you think the Tommy Reese called offense was
kind of good for Gabriel yesterday?
Speaker 5 (17:36):
Yeah?
Speaker 15 (17:36):
So I don't know too much about because I'm not
in that quarterback room, but you know, I think, uh,
you know, I think it.
Speaker 5 (17:45):
I think it went well. You know, we scored twenty points.
We could it could have been better.
Speaker 15 (17:49):
We could have executed a little better, kind of like
what I said earlier, as players, and uh.
Speaker 5 (17:55):
So it could have even been better.
Speaker 12 (17:57):
Hey, even what is it about this team, the players,
the coaches that makes you feel like you aren't just
saying we will be better, we can be better, but
that you actually can do that and can execute and
turn this thing around.
Speaker 14 (18:12):
Yeah.
Speaker 15 (18:13):
Like, so to answer your question, you know, we lost
yesterday and that's not good enough.
Speaker 5 (18:20):
But there's still bright spots on the tape.
Speaker 15 (18:23):
There's still things that when we look at it and
we you know, maybe something, you know, maybe they win
that play, we come back to sideline, aren't if they're
gonna do this, we're gonna do this and then we
fix it. And so I got full faith in this team,
the coaches, everybody, the trainers, the equipment staff, the weight room, coaches, everybody,
(18:47):
so the lunch cafeteria people.
Speaker 5 (18:49):
So we're gonna get it. You know, we just got
to keep working.
Speaker 12 (18:52):
How important is that mindset? Do you think to make
sure that you're building off of that and not letting
things spiral in the locker room, in the building, in
the organization.
Speaker 15 (19:02):
Yeah, Like the only option in this league is really
to just fight, keep fighting, like there's there's no other option.
Speaker 5 (19:09):
And this that's all I know. That's all we know.
So like.
Speaker 15 (19:12):
To to do anything else and to not strive for
wins and fighting and perfection and everything, that's all we know.
Speaker 6 (19:21):
All right, that wraps us up. Thanks Steven, Thanks everyone.
Speaker 1 (19:24):
Finally, Ronnie Hickman, who had an interception of Justin Fields
in Week ten against the Jets.
Speaker 3 (19:28):
Yeah, Ronnie, just wondering. I mean, you went out there,
you made a big play for the team yesterday, Justin's
first interception of the season, and then you guys capitalize
on it. How frustrating for you that you guys weren't
able to close out that game and finish it out
and get the win.
Speaker 17 (19:48):
Yeah, it's tough, you know, especially when you when you
cut the tape on and you kind of see those
mistakes or you know, very self inflicting and things that
you know we can you know, we could have done
better at So it's very frustrat but you know you
got to move on.
Speaker 12 (20:02):
Hey, Ronnie, amid all of these struggles that the team
has had on in whatever phase it may be like,
how how are you guys as an entire unit, not
just defense and offense special teams, How are you guys
as a full team getting yourselves through these struggles trying
to make sure that locker room doesn't spiral, but in
the case of so many teams that it can.
Speaker 17 (20:24):
I think it's just a test to the bond we
have as you know, as teammates in this locker room
and you know everyone in this building. You know, Coach
Leafanski preaches about family and and you know, you know
we take that to heart, whether that's good and bad,
wins and losses.
Speaker 14 (20:36):
So you know, the.
Speaker 17 (20:37):
Conversations, Uh, they're gonna be tough, but you know, as
a family, you know you're going to have those moments
and we just got to learn from it and get better.
Speaker 12 (20:44):
Does it feel like for you like there's enough going
on in the week, enough maybe adjustments and changes before
the game that can create change and it's just not
going your way, or like does there need to be
more change in a week before a game to get
that action on the field.
Speaker 14 (21:01):
I think we had a great week of practice.
Speaker 17 (21:02):
I think guys were locked in and on both sides
of the ball, offense and defense.
Speaker 14 (21:06):
I felt like there was energy.
Speaker 17 (21:07):
I thought we came out of the bye week, you know,
you know, on the same page as a team, as
a whole unit. It just comes down to executing on
Sunday and then you know, those self inflicting you know,
plays that will cast you in the end.
Speaker 1 (21:22):
Thanks Ronnie, Hey Ronnie.
Speaker 10 (21:23):
I know the defense came off the field after those
first three plays. You forced the three and out and
you guys score, and then the next time you go
on the field it's a fourteen to seven deficit because
of the two special teams touchdowns. I guess what was
happening with you guys as you go back out there
and suddenly you're trailing and it's a totally different situation.
Speaker 17 (21:46):
I think, you know, the sudden change thing as a defense.
You know, we've been able to grow throughout the years.
But I know for us as a defense, our number
one goal is to get the ball back to our offense.
And I think we've improved as far as you know,
those sudden just where you're back on the field or
the scoreboard changes drastically. As a defense, no matter what
it is when they put that ball down, our main
(22:08):
job is to get the ball back.
Speaker 14 (22:09):
To the offense.
Speaker 10 (22:10):
And I know, like special teams, Bubba has been like
such a focus. It seems like from the outside. Kevin
talked about still believing in him and what everyone can
do on special teams. I guess for players, like what
has that been like and that relationship with him.
Speaker 17 (22:26):
Yeah, you know, Bubba, you know, he's a great special
team coach, and he's very passionate. I think if you
ask anyone in the building and always been around him,
you know he cares, you know, not just about you know,
the special teams, but you know, just about the guys
in this locker room and the guys that you know
that play for him in this organization. So you know,
it's all us as players to go out there and
you know, and do our job.
Speaker 6 (22:46):
Hey, Ronnie, I wanted to follow up with that about Bubba.
So after a game like yesterday, when we give up
to two kick returns for a touchdowns, what is Bubba like,
you know, on the sideline after the game or even
today in meetings?
Speaker 14 (22:58):
I mean, he's coaching, he's going over corrections and he's coaching.
Speaker 5 (23:04):
Does he?
Speaker 6 (23:05):
I mean Kevin earlier said that he has a ton
of faith in Bubba, Like does yours ever get shaken
when there's a game like that where special teams is
a big part of a loss.
Speaker 17 (23:17):
Now, it's not really my job to be, you know,
being shaky about a coaching position or whatever you yeah,
trying to get at. But you know, you know, Bubba's
our coach, and you know he coaches us throughout the
week hard, he puts us in good positions.
Speaker 14 (23:32):
I'm and that's that.
Speaker 8 (23:33):
Sorry.
Speaker 10 (23:34):
You couldn't get my hand raised fast enough, Jordan, Ronnie,
I just wanted to ask about Carson because it just
seems like he's been playing so well for a rookie,
and Kevin today said he had Wolverine blood for going
out there and fighting through the high ankle sprain, And
just from your perspective in that defense, in the back
of that defense, watching what he does. How much has
he made an impact in his first year with you guys?
Speaker 14 (23:57):
Yeah, I think you guys see it.
Speaker 17 (23:58):
I think you know, everyone's watching the game can see
the type of impact to play it like that has
so has just been great. You know, he's a young
guy but able to impact the game and you know,
such a tremendous way. And you know, for him to
come back after you know, the little injury had and
still be extremely productive and making plays for us, it's
huge in just a testament to you know, the type
of player he is and you know how much he
(24:18):
wanted to be back out there with his guys.
Speaker 3 (24:20):
All Right, Thanks Ronnie, appreciate it.
Speaker 14 (24:22):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (24:22):
That'll do it for this episode of the From the
Podium Podcast. Be sure to like hand subscribe to the
show wherever you get your podcast, keep it locked to
Cleveland Browns Daily each weekday, and follow the Browns on
social media for more coverage from the Cross Country Mortgage
Campus right here in Berea. I'm Gabe Kollura. Thanks for
listening to the From the Podium podcast.
Welcome to this Tuesday edition of the From the Podium podcast.
I'm Gabe Kolera. The Browns are off today and we'll
be back tomorrow in the Cross Country Mortgage Campus right
here in Berea to begin preparations for the Baltimore Ravens
at Huntington Bank Field this coming Sunday at four to
twenty five. On today's episode, you'll hear from head coach
Kevin Stefanski, center Ethan Posk, and safety Ronnie Hickman. We'll
(00:27):
start with head coach Kevin Stefanski, who gave some more
thoughts on the Jets game.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
Yeah, obviously frustrated, disappointment on that result yesterday, and we're
spending time right now watching it with the with the
players and trying to learn from that. And you know,
hard to win on the road, and certainly hard when
you do some of the things we did in that ballgame.
But we're committed to this thing and we'll just find
ways to get better in all areas and we'll go
(00:52):
from there, big division game at our place this week.
If that'll take any questions.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
Yeah, Kevin, just wondering about the fact that news just
came down that that Brian Dable got let go. Uh,
just wondering. I mean, I know you know Brian, and
I know how you felt like when it happened to
Brian Callahan. My question is then, I mean, how do
you feel about it? And also, these guys are coaching
(01:17):
rookie quarterbacks. I mean it's a can be a.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Tough gig, right, Yeah, obviously, I'll you know, I've I
have a personal relationship with a lot of guys Mary
Kay in this league, so you just you don't like
to see that for them, so i'll, you know, keep
that those type of things between us.
Speaker 4 (01:33):
But yeah, it's, uh, you know.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
You always feel for anybody out there who's going through
that type of thing.
Speaker 5 (01:41):
Okay, thank you.
Speaker 6 (01:42):
Hey Kevin, it feels like it lost like yesterday's could
be tougher to get over than some So how do
you get everybody to bounce back, especially sitting at two
and seven.
Speaker 4 (01:52):
Yeah, they're all hard to swallow.
Speaker 2 (01:55):
Scott, It's uh, you know, it's it's this business, so
you never get used to it, and it stings. Having
said that, you have to turn around and get right
back at it. So that's what we'll do. We got
to quickly learn from it and then, like I said,
do you guys move forward to a division game at
our place, and when.
Speaker 6 (02:14):
You go back and look at those two kick returns
for touchdowns, what stands out? And then what changes can
you make to special teams because it's happened before.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
Yeah, obviously you know, not good enough. We're we can
be way way better than that. You know, some of
these big ones, you got to get the guy on
the ground and limit you know what could be a
bad return for you, but get them on the ground
for a gain of twenty or whatever. It is so
frustrating that for those balls to go the other way
on us. And we'll look at them and learn from
(02:44):
them and understand how we can be better in a
technique sense, and then we'll look at how we can
move our guys around to make sure we've got guys
in the right spots and like we always do. But yeah,
that's tough to win on the road, tough to win
a football game giving up those two returns.
Speaker 5 (02:59):
Thanks, Keivin.
Speaker 7 (03:00):
I'm gonna ask you about those returns too. How how
do you stay confident in Bubba and thrown when it
has been a problem all year?
Speaker 2 (03:11):
Yeah, listen, I have a ton of faith and Bubba,
I have a ton of faith in our special teams.
Speaker 4 (03:15):
We have to be better. That's that's the case.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Uh, there are ways that we can try to be better,
but it's it's it's definitely. We'll continue to coach our
guys hard, We'll continue to give them the techniques to use.
Speaker 4 (03:29):
But I trust our guys. I trust that we'll get
back to work.
Speaker 7 (03:34):
You have to make changes on those coverage units.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
I think you'll throughout the game, Jeff, and and throughout
the season. You're always making changes with guys and depending
on who's available to you in a given game. So
we'll always look at those things.
Speaker 8 (03:49):
You Yeah, Kevin, just what progress have you seen from
Dylan start one to start five? What areas have you
seen drastic improvement?
Speaker 2 (04:00):
I think with young quarterbacks Darryl's it's understanding that there's
gonna be ups and downs. You know, Can Dylan play better,
yes he can. Can we play better around him, yes
we can. Can we coach him better, yes we can.
So I understand the question, but but I just trust
that our young players at every position, and certainly at
the quarterback position, are guys that are going to work
(04:22):
their tails off to get better every single day.
Speaker 8 (04:25):
And Jimmy Haslam said during training camp that you knew
that seeing both young quarterbacks at some point this season
was important. So just where is shador at as far
as his development and do you have a timetable of
when you would take a look at him?
Speaker 5 (04:43):
Yeah, I don't.
Speaker 2 (04:44):
I don't think it's fair to speculate, Darryl are We're
committed to getting better as an offense. Dylan is certainly
committing to improving every which way he can, and all
the while, all of our players, young players are are
developing and working so hard behind the scenes to make
sure that they're getting better on a daily basis.
Speaker 9 (05:06):
Thank you, Thank you, Kevin. If you could take us
behind the curtain a little. On that fourth down with
ten minutes to go, you're in a plus territory fourth
and one now under your presence setup, you decide to
go for but who calls that play?
Speaker 2 (05:27):
Well, let me first say this, Tony. I'm responsible for
every decision, every play call, offense, defense, special team, so
I'll own all of it, and I trust our players,
I trust our coaches. We obviously did not get the
result we wanted there, and the desire obviously on third
down and on fourth ten is to get that first.
(05:48):
We came up short. But bottom line is it's my responsibility.
Speaker 9 (05:52):
But I mean, since you just made the play calling change,
is it's fair to say that Tommy called the play
and you just agreed with the play.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
Yeah, I'm not gonna go behind the curtain all the way, Tony,
just to tell you, I trust Tommy just like I
trust Jim. I always have the ability to step in
when necessary, but I'm gonna always, you know, give my
coaches who I trust. I'm gonna give him the opportunity.
Are there times that you change a call? Yeah, there are,
(06:21):
But bottom line as we did not come through there.
Speaker 10 (06:26):
Hey, Kevin, I wanted to ask about Carson. I mean,
I know, it sounded like his prognosis with the ankle
was always really good. Like playing was on the table
for him fairly early. It seemed like you guys knew.
But to fight through that, to work through that in
the bye week, and then to perform the way he did,
Like what does that say about him and the rookie
season that he's having.
Speaker 2 (06:46):
Yeah, he has Wolverine blood, I believe is what it says.
The kids playing at an extremely high level. For him
to come back from that injury and perform like he did,
it was incredible to watch, you know, you just and
really throughout that bye week, he just kept getting better
and better and you felt like there'd be a chance
of him playing. So listen, I have not looked around
(07:08):
the league at how other guys are playing and that
type of thing, but I'd be hard pressed to believe
there's a defensive player as a rookie that's playing better
than him, and then factor in what he came back from,
it's pretty remarkable.
Speaker 5 (07:22):
Thanks, Kevin.
Speaker 11 (07:23):
I wanted to ask you, I mean, with the offense,
it seems like the offense is pretty fragile and has
a tough time handling adversity. And I use the idea
they went ninety five yards, looked really good, then you
have the kick return and after that it took until
Ronnie Hickman's interception to kind of get them jump started again.
(07:47):
Do you agree that they're a tough time right now
handling adversity and if they if you don't agree with it, why.
Speaker 2 (07:54):
Yeah, I think our guys responded at you know, at
times in the game, Fred, did we play perfect?
Speaker 5 (08:01):
No, obviously we did not.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
I thought there were some missed opportunities in the run game,
there were some missed opportunities.
Speaker 5 (08:06):
In the past game.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
You're not going to get every single one of those.
But our guys they're going to fight to the end.
We didn't come through, you know, as a football team,
but the guys understand what what an NFL game is like,
and there are those ups and downs throughout the game.
Speaker 11 (08:21):
And what about undisciplined. You kind of had ten penalties,
seventy eight yards, a lot of pre snap and things
that you know, even the first play of the game,
Judkins goes fifteen and gets called back. You know, how
can you adjust to those things?
Speaker 2 (08:36):
Yeah, obviously, you know the pre snap penalties are ones
that we really can control, and post snap we can
be great with our technique. But I believe we had
three pre snap penalties on offense, which is three too
many on the road. We know the situation at the
end there. We can be better. We will be better.
Speaker 5 (08:56):
Thank you, Kevin.
Speaker 12 (08:57):
Kind of off of that, I know you want to
be and you'll preach kind of those techniques and making
sure they'll they'll clean them up. But what does that
look like? I think I've asked you about this before.
What does that look like in a week when you're
trying to ensure that disciplined you don't get those pre
snap penalties.
Speaker 2 (09:12):
Well, I think you just you emphasize it every week,
like we do with the players in all meetings out
on the practice field, and we talk about, you know,
avoiding the avoidable ones, which are those pre snap penalties,
and making sure you're in the right formation, making sure
you're not jumping off sides and those type of things.
So we obviously we're not good enough in that area
(09:36):
last week, and we will make sure that we emphasize
it again and make sure that it's something that's the
strength of ours and particularly it should be at home.
Speaker 12 (09:45):
And you mentioned a little earlier just some of those
changes that happened in a game throughout a season. Dylan
Gabriel brought up the phrase, you know, if you keep
doing the same things and don't change anything, it's the
definition of insanity. Do you feel that you, as a
coach and this team has changed enough to create actual
results on the field or is there more that you
(10:06):
need to change to turn this thing around?
Speaker 2 (10:10):
Yeah, bottom line, Cam is we need to play better
football on all three sides of the ball, and we're
going to start doing that this week at home division opponent.
Speaker 13 (10:20):
Kevin, just when looking back at the film and everything,
what was your overall thoughts on how Tommy called the game?
Speaker 2 (10:26):
Yeah, I think you guys will have a chance to
talk to Tommy this week. You know, I thought we
had some opportunities there. We weren't perfect in any facets,
so certainly weren't perfect on offense, but plenty to build
off of.
Speaker 13 (10:41):
And then just a dovetailing off cam and asking about
things getting fixed during the week on pre snap penalties
and stuff. When you guys have the officials in for
practices during the week, can you ramp that up with
maybe them calling things a little bit closer than what
they normally do in terms of maybe preventing that.
Speaker 2 (11:03):
Yeah, I'm comfortable with how we structure that part of practice.
It's a point of emphasis for our football team and
it will continue to be a point of emphasis.
Speaker 13 (11:15):
Okay, thanks Kevin.
Speaker 6 (11:16):
Going back to the fourth and one, what should have
happened there or what went wrong that you weren't able
to execute?
Speaker 4 (11:23):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (11:23):
Obviously, first thing I tell you, Scott is you give
them credit. You know that they did a good job,
good defensive call versus what we were doing. Tried to
get into different formation and go quickly, but they did
a nice job.
Speaker 6 (11:37):
And then going back to Carson, there was one pretty
big play where he wound up without a helmet on.
Should add have been a penalty on that screen for
a touchdown? What did you see when you looked at it?
Speaker 2 (11:48):
Yeah, listen, they again, they made a good play call.
Speaker 4 (11:53):
We got to try to get that guy on the
ground no matter what.
Speaker 3 (11:56):
Yeah, Kevin, just wondering what does give you total faith
in Bubba and the special teams, not just after what
happened yesterday, but at various points throughout the season. There
was another part return for a touchd on some other
things that have gone on. But what what kind of
makes you feel that way?
Speaker 14 (12:14):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (12:14):
I think I get to watch our coach's coach. I
get to watch our guys work. Mary, Kay, we need
to improve. We understand that those two returns yesterday are
really disappointing, and our guys understand, you know, everybody's role
that we play in this thing, So we'll get it fixed.
Speaker 4 (12:35):
Can you hear me?
Speaker 5 (12:36):
Yep?
Speaker 9 (12:37):
My weekly question, would Deshaun Watson be cleared to practice
this week.
Speaker 4 (12:42):
Yeah, I'm not sure if that's what we're doing.
Speaker 5 (12:46):
Okay, and.
Speaker 9 (12:50):
This was your first game this year not calling plays.
Did you do anything differently from last year when you
were in this position.
Speaker 2 (13:00):
No, you know, obviously, my role is to make sure
everybody's in position to succeed, and I'll continue to look
for ways to do that.
Speaker 8 (13:09):
Yeah, Kevin, I want to ask you about that fourth
and four cam getting called off sides there on TV.
It looked like you were yelling this situation not to
jump the announcers we're talking about it. Just where's your
frustration level go when it's such a critical point in
a game where you're trying to get the ball back
at the in the last minute so you at least
have a chance, and a major mental mistake happens in
(13:34):
such an obvious situation.
Speaker 2 (13:36):
Yeah, as you know, Darryl's that's anything that happens in
the football fields my responsibility. I got to make sure
that the guys are aware of what's going on. One
plays not can be the determining factor of that ball game.
There are plenty of plays that we need to be better,
but that's my job to make sure these guys understand
those situations.
Speaker 4 (13:54):
Okay, thank you, I'm next.
Speaker 1 (13:55):
Center Ethan Posik discussed the offensive line stability the Browns
have seen the last few weeks.
Speaker 6 (14:00):
Hey, obviously six actions today. When you went back and
watch a film, I know a lot goes into it,
But what did you see as the biggest problems there?
Speaker 15 (14:06):
Yeah, we just got an execute better and all work
together and you know, just fine tune something, a thing here,
a thing there.
Speaker 6 (14:18):
And overall, you know, that felt like a really difficult
loss to take Yesterday, you know, two kick returns and
defense plays really well and dropped to two and seven.
So how was a group? Do you guys keep your
heads up and try to figure out a way to
bounce back.
Speaker 5 (14:32):
Well, I would say individually, you know, I just trust God.
Speaker 15 (14:34):
I trust God's plan, I trust I just trusting God.
So I just uh continue to control I can control
my preparation and uh, and I think the saying goes
for the team, just continuing to control what we can control.
And we just got to come out Wednesday and have
a great practice and get things rolling.
Speaker 14 (14:57):
Hey.
Speaker 10 (14:57):
Ethan Wyatt yesterday was talking of out how some parts
of the offense still felt more effective than maybe they
had previously. I guess, like do you agree? And you
know he talked about like some yards per carry that
you guys had without having really explosive runs and things
like that. Was there anything else?
Speaker 15 (15:16):
Yeah, I would just say like some days like certain
runs works better. It's nothing like you know, it was
just like yesterday the duo was working really nice. So
and but I don't look too deep into this or
that or whatever. You know, soins like football just like
goes a certain way, and like yesterday kind of just
(15:36):
went that way with like duo and like one of
those like vertical games going vertical in the run game.
Speaker 5 (15:43):
So I don't look too deep into all that.
Speaker 15 (15:46):
So I know some people do and like analytics and
all analytics, analytics and all that stuff and everything.
Speaker 16 (15:52):
Hey, Ethan, obviously it was Tommy's first time calling the
plays on offense for you guys. You know, Wyatt and Joel,
as Ashy alluded to, sort of talked about some of
the positive steps that they felt like their progress that
was made. Just what did you think overall of Tommy's
vision and sort of the execution of the game plan offensively?
Speaker 5 (16:14):
Yeah, I thought I did a great job.
Speaker 15 (16:15):
I you know, I got trusted every coach on the
staff to call plays or you know, whatever their role is.
And you know, I thought Tommy filled in and he did.
He did a real good job. And you know, I
think there's some few stuff that players need to execute
and myself included in that. And so like I'm just saying,
(16:36):
there's some hidden yardage out there that would have made
Tommy look even better, but we just got to execute
on a few more plays.
Speaker 3 (16:44):
Yeah, Ethan, just wondering. Chevinster Fanski told us yesterday that
he is sticking with Dylan Gabriel, So just wondering what
your thoughts are on that and what you've seen, what
you saw in Dylan really yesterday.
Speaker 15 (16:59):
Yeah, Dylan, he he's like progressing a lot, and he's
you know, we gotta remember he's still a rookie. And
you know, I think he's playing great. I think he's
he's doing his job. I think he's not trying to
do too much. I think he's just you know, he's
in his role and he's doing a great job, and
he's taking coaching and he's got a great attitude every day,
and uh, you know, I just I think, you know,
(17:21):
he's just going to keep getting better. So I think, uh,
you know, I really like the kid, I really do,
and I like his attitude, his demeanor and everything he brings.
Speaker 3 (17:31):
How do you think the Tommy Reese called offense was
kind of good for Gabriel yesterday?
Speaker 5 (17:36):
Yeah?
Speaker 15 (17:36):
So I don't know too much about because I'm not
in that quarterback room, but you know, I think, uh,
you know, I think it.
Speaker 5 (17:45):
I think it went well. You know, we scored twenty points.
We could it could have been better.
Speaker 15 (17:49):
We could have executed a little better, kind of like
what I said earlier, as players, and uh.
Speaker 5 (17:55):
So it could have even been better.
Speaker 12 (17:57):
Hey, even what is it about this team, the players,
the coaches that makes you feel like you aren't just
saying we will be better, we can be better, but
that you actually can do that and can execute and
turn this thing around.
Speaker 14 (18:12):
Yeah.
Speaker 15 (18:13):
Like, so to answer your question, you know, we lost
yesterday and that's not good enough.
Speaker 5 (18:20):
But there's still bright spots on the tape.
Speaker 15 (18:23):
There's still things that when we look at it and
we you know, maybe something, you know, maybe they win
that play, we come back to sideline, aren't if they're
gonna do this, we're gonna do this and then we
fix it. And so I got full faith in this team,
the coaches, everybody, the trainers, the equipment staff, the weight room, coaches, everybody,
(18:47):
so the lunch cafeteria people.
Speaker 5 (18:49):
So we're gonna get it. You know, we just got
to keep working.
Speaker 12 (18:52):
How important is that mindset? Do you think to make
sure that you're building off of that and not letting
things spiral in the locker room, in the building, in
the organization.
Speaker 15 (19:02):
Yeah, Like the only option in this league is really
to just fight, keep fighting, like there's there's no other option.
Speaker 5 (19:09):
And this that's all I know. That's all we know.
So like.
Speaker 15 (19:12):
To to do anything else and to not strive for
wins and fighting and perfection and everything, that's all we know.
Speaker 6 (19:21):
All right, that wraps us up. Thanks Steven, Thanks everyone.
Speaker 1 (19:24):
Finally, Ronnie Hickman, who had an interception of Justin Fields
in Week ten against the Jets.
Speaker 3 (19:28):
Yeah, Ronnie, just wondering. I mean, you went out there,
you made a big play for the team yesterday, Justin's
first interception of the season, and then you guys capitalize
on it. How frustrating for you that you guys weren't
able to close out that game and finish it out
and get the win.
Speaker 17 (19:48):
Yeah, it's tough, you know, especially when you when you
cut the tape on and you kind of see those
mistakes or you know, very self inflicting and things that
you know we can you know, we could have done
better at So it's very frustrat but you know you
got to move on.
Speaker 12 (20:02):
Hey, Ronnie, amid all of these struggles that the team
has had on in whatever phase it may be like,
how how are you guys as an entire unit, not
just defense and offense special teams, How are you guys
as a full team getting yourselves through these struggles trying
to make sure that locker room doesn't spiral, but in
the case of so many teams that it can.
Speaker 17 (20:24):
I think it's just a test to the bond we
have as you know, as teammates in this locker room
and you know everyone in this building. You know, Coach
Leafanski preaches about family and and you know, you know
we take that to heart, whether that's good and bad,
wins and losses.
Speaker 14 (20:36):
So you know, the.
Speaker 17 (20:37):
Conversations, Uh, they're gonna be tough, but you know, as
a family, you know you're going to have those moments
and we just got to learn from it and get better.
Speaker 12 (20:44):
Does it feel like for you like there's enough going
on in the week, enough maybe adjustments and changes before
the game that can create change and it's just not
going your way, or like does there need to be
more change in a week before a game to get
that action on the field.
Speaker 14 (21:01):
I think we had a great week of practice.
Speaker 17 (21:02):
I think guys were locked in and on both sides
of the ball, offense and defense.
Speaker 14 (21:06):
I felt like there was energy.
Speaker 17 (21:07):
I thought we came out of the bye week, you know,
you know, on the same page as a team, as
a whole unit. It just comes down to executing on
Sunday and then you know, those self inflicting you know,
plays that will cast you in the end.
Speaker 1 (21:22):
Thanks Ronnie, Hey Ronnie.
Speaker 10 (21:23):
I know the defense came off the field after those
first three plays. You forced the three and out and
you guys score, and then the next time you go
on the field it's a fourteen to seven deficit because
of the two special teams touchdowns. I guess what was
happening with you guys as you go back out there
and suddenly you're trailing and it's a totally different situation.
Speaker 17 (21:46):
I think, you know, the sudden change thing as a defense.
You know, we've been able to grow throughout the years.
But I know for us as a defense, our number
one goal is to get the ball back to our offense.
And I think we've improved as far as you know,
those sudden just where you're back on the field or
the scoreboard changes drastically. As a defense, no matter what
it is when they put that ball down, our main
(22:08):
job is to get the ball back.
Speaker 14 (22:09):
To the offense.
Speaker 10 (22:10):
And I know, like special teams, Bubba has been like
such a focus. It seems like from the outside. Kevin
talked about still believing in him and what everyone can
do on special teams. I guess for players, like what
has that been like and that relationship with him.
Speaker 17 (22:26):
Yeah, you know, Bubba, you know, he's a great special
team coach, and he's very passionate. I think if you
ask anyone in the building and always been around him,
you know he cares, you know, not just about you know,
the special teams, but you know, just about the guys
in this locker room and the guys that you know
that play for him in this organization. So you know,
it's all us as players to go out there and
you know, and do our job.
Speaker 6 (22:46):
Hey, Ronnie, I wanted to follow up with that about Bubba.
So after a game like yesterday, when we give up
to two kick returns for a touchdowns, what is Bubba like,
you know, on the sideline after the game or even
today in meetings?
Speaker 14 (22:58):
I mean, he's coaching, he's going over corrections and he's coaching.
Speaker 5 (23:04):
Does he?
Speaker 6 (23:05):
I mean Kevin earlier said that he has a ton
of faith in Bubba, Like does yours ever get shaken
when there's a game like that where special teams is
a big part of a loss.
Speaker 17 (23:17):
Now, it's not really my job to be, you know,
being shaky about a coaching position or whatever you yeah,
trying to get at. But you know, you know, Bubba's
our coach, and you know he coaches us throughout the
week hard, he puts us in good positions.
Speaker 14 (23:32):
I'm and that's that.
Speaker 8 (23:33):
Sorry.
Speaker 10 (23:34):
You couldn't get my hand raised fast enough, Jordan, Ronnie,
I just wanted to ask about Carson because it just
seems like he's been playing so well for a rookie,
and Kevin today said he had Wolverine blood for going
out there and fighting through the high ankle sprain, And
just from your perspective in that defense, in the back
of that defense, watching what he does. How much has
he made an impact in his first year with you guys?
Speaker 14 (23:57):
Yeah, I think you guys see it.
Speaker 17 (23:58):
I think you know, everyone's watching the game can see
the type of impact to play it like that has
so has just been great. You know, he's a young
guy but able to impact the game and you know,
such a tremendous way. And you know, for him to
come back after you know, the little injury had and
still be extremely productive and making plays for us, it's
huge in just a testament to you know, the type
of player he is and you know how much he
(24:18):
wanted to be back out there with his guys.
Speaker 3 (24:20):
All Right, Thanks Ronnie, appreciate it.
Speaker 14 (24:22):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (24:22):
That'll do it for this episode of the From the
Podium Podcast. Be sure to like hand subscribe to the
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