Shurmur's Post-Game Presser After Seahawks Game

I am stunned that the Seahawks-Browns game was not featured on every highlight reel during the sports recap shows for the instant classic that it was. /sarc

Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur spoke with the media following the team's 6-3 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. I have pulled several of his quotes from the press conference transcript and have highlighted them after the jump. They are broken down into three sections -- offense, defense, and special teams. That seemed fitting for this game considering that each unit had a distinct impact on the outcome of the game. [Read full press conference transcript here]

The Defense

(On the defense doing well) - "I guess you can’t start out talking about this game unless you talk about the performance of the defense, my goodness.  They battled, that was tremendous.  When you look at it and you all have the statistics, but when you hold a team in the NFL to three points, that’s outstanding.  Outstanding.  That’s a credit to those players, I think it’s a credit to their coaches, I think it’s a credit to the work they’ve put in, I think it shows that we’re improving there in a lot of ways and they’re producing.  You saw a lot of guys battle, Joe Haden coming back.  I was talking to our medical staff and they said he might be sore tomorrow.  Shoot, I’m sore.  I can’t imagine how he feels and I think he battled.  He did a terrific job.  I think that has a lot to do with how the outcome of the game ended up."

(On sending T.J. Ward on a blitz to force a fumble)-"That’s just part of what we did.  We felt like we needed to get pressure and T.J. did a good job getting the ball out.  I though Dick (Jauron) called a great game.  I though the defensive coaches did a good job.  I watched them execute all week against that no huddle.  I’ll probably let you guys watch more practice, so you can see what I saw.  But, I thought those guys did a nice job of preparing for that and I thought they handled it pretty well."

(On if Marshawn Lynch changed the game plan of the game due to his back injury)-"It didn’t matter who the quarterback was and it didn’t matter who the back was, we teach a scheme on defense and they go attack them.  I think they did a good job.  I think that was a tremendous performance.  That’s the storyline, how that defense played.  I’m proud of them.  Gosh darn, I’m proud of them and they’re excited.  There was something in there.  The leadership of D’Qwell (Jackson), the improvement of the young guys, the (performance) of the secondary, the safeties making calls and being on top of things (all were good).  They only hit us on one play.  Basically, I think it was a sluggo seam and they got Titus (Brown).  I think they then did a good job of making sure of not giving up a touchdown."

The Offense

(On controlling the clock and the low score) - "Now, on offense the only thing I can say is we held the ball for 42 minutes, we ran 80 plays and how many times we run it?  We ran the ball 44 times so anybody who wants to watch running football, you got a chance.  I think it’s important that we do what we have to do to win the game.  The situation, players in the game, the way it was going on defense, it really dictates certain things and we just felt like it was important to stay with it.  They’re good against the run.  There’s no question they’re good against the run and I think it’s important that we find a way.  Now, we need to get in the end zone more.  I get all that, but I think our guys found a way and I think that’s the message here.  I’d like to think that’s going to be the mark of the team that we have.  One way or the other, find a way to win."

(On Hardesty hanging onto his passes) - "Montario (Hardesty) battled.  I think he caught the ball well.  Correct me if I’m wrong, did he drop any? No, good job Montario and he ought to feel good about that and that’s what coaches do too.  I made a decision that we’re going to call (pass) plays if Montario’s in there. They were hitting us with a bunch of man coverage so we hit them on those two screens.  We made the decision that who ever was in the game that we were going to throw it to them and you know what you’ve got to catch it and gosh darn it good job.  That’s something he should build on and be confident about."

(On if Hardesty has earned more carries after his performance today even when Hillis comes back)- "Well he has no choice right now.  He played like a starting running back and he battled.  He wasn’t perfect.  I’m sure he’s going to be sore tomorrow, but yes, I think for the time being he’s earned the right to carry the football and we’re going to welcome Peyton back when he’s healthy and hopefully we can keep building on that."

Special Teams

(On the pair of blocked kicks) - " In terms of the blocked field goals, we had some leakage on the right side and on the middle and we’ve got to get that cleaned up, there’s no mystery to that.  We got pressure in there and that was the reason.  I’ll go back and look at the tape.  I’ve already discussed it with Chris (Tabor) and we’ve just got to do a better job of protecting there and we’ll get that corrected."

(On the Seahawks punt return for a touchdown being called back and if he’s concerned about special teams)- "We’ve got to get that straightened out, yes I’m concerned.  Anytime a big play happens against you in any phase I’m concerned.  You get what you emphasize and then we’ll just structure it next week to make sure we’re not getting field goals blocked and we’re not getting punts returned.  It was a good call.  I don’t know what happened, but it was a good call.  I was very glad to see the yellow flag."

(On if there was any hesitation to go for 50 yard field goals after the first one was blocked)- "Not at all, not at all.  Phil’s (Dawson) a stud.  Unfortunately, with the off season not being the way it was, I didn’t get a chance to even talk to him.  What a great player, what a competitor and he makes his kicks.  I’d venture to guess that the ones weren’t blocked would have been makes.  I’ve got a very strong appreciation for what he is and he’s a pro.  That’s why he’s one of the best."