Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur spoke with the local media on Monday about the team's loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. We already know what he said about injury to Montario Hardesty, but he also elaborated on how he's pleased with what the special teams unit did, how much Carlton Mitchell did, what Colt McCoy should have done on his interception, and more. [Read full press conference transcript here]
(Special Teams [Opening Statement]) - "Specials teams, went in, in a little bit of a challenged state and I thought they answered the bell and did a heck of a job. I thought our guys battled, they had a very explosive returner and very good schemes. Our guys did a nice job to neutralize what was good about their special teams and helped us in a lot of other ways. I thought Chris (Tabor) and Shawn (Mennenga) did a good job of getting those guys ready to play and they went out and executed and played well."
(Offense [Opening Statement]) - "On offense, I think when you look at what happened we found a way to score three points before the half in a two-minute situation. We found a way to score a touchdown in the second half in a two-minute situation and in between that we turned the ball over twice which you can’t do. We talk about having a fast start and to the contrary we give them a gimmie by fumbling the ball on the second play of the game. Can’t do it, it’s unacceptable. Then we just have to generally find a way to be more efficient. There were some things about the game I thought were good. A couple guys stepped in and played well as backup players. I thought
Jordan Norwood stepped up and made some plays. He came in, in really his first extensive action, made plays. I thought OB ( Chris Ogbonnaya) battled with Montario going out. We were relegated basically to one tailback, if we were going to use another tailback it was going to be Owen (Marecic) in a one-back type set. Guys did what they generally had to do we just didn’t win the game." (Defense [Opening Statement]) - "One thing I’d add to the game last night, again, I’ll start with the defense. The defense battled. The first half could’ve gotten way out of reach, we had a stop on fourth down which was outstanding and then in the second half limited the 49ers to no points and less than 100 yards so I think that says a lot. They battled. I think the whole team battled. Now, we’ve got to play better in some areas of course, but the defense found a way to keep them off the board and keep them from making yards. I think that’s important, especially in the second half."
(On if they considered kicking a field goal with one minute remaining in the game) - "By the time we got into field goal range there was so little time that it was going to be difficult."
(On when they were down by 10 if they decided to go for the field goal) - "We were going to score a touchdown. We needed two scores."
(On if the offense is looking to throw the football more often earlier in games) - "Yeah, that sounds like a good plan. We are looking for every way we can to move the football. We’ll throw it on every down. That’s a good idea. I don’t mean to make a joke of it. We’re looking for every way we can to move the football."
(On McCoy’s interception in the end zone) - "OB (Chris Ogbonnaya) did a nice job of picking up the backer. We had a little protection issue. Colt scrambled. In that situation there, you either run with the football or check it down."
(On if he should have seen the double coverage) - "(Nodded yes)"
(On
Carlton Mitchell not playing in the game) - "He did play. He played seven or eight snaps, so he was in there."