CLEVELAND, Ohio — Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel took questions from reporters on Sunday with regard to the 31-6 win over the Dolphins, his first career win, Quinshon Judkins, and more.
Below is the transcript as provided by the Browns media relations department:
How was your first career win as an NFL quarterback feel?
“I think just all together, try not to make it about myself, but I think, it’s just about the team – us finding a way to win, coming together, that’s what’s most important. And that’s what’s fun, winning is fun, and you know that your attention to detail has to be at a high level to continue to do this.”
What did it say about your football team that, with all the things swirling around, and you guys are 1-5, to pull together and come up and put together a performance like this today?
“You know, I don’t know if anything was swirling around, but just on our end, I think just continuing to fight, continuing to claw and scratch to be a good football team, and we know that it’s little plays here and there that adds up, but the attention to detail has to be at an all-time high, and we understand that. But it does feel good to see the defense do what they do, in our run game, continue to take strides in that way, and then just special teams making plays as well. We always talk about complementary football, but seeing us all come together is important and good to see.”
How bad were the conditions out there?
“Don’t even know about it, honestly. Didn’t pay no mind (joking). But no, it’s weather. It’s part of the game, it’s just part of what it is. But I think it’s all about mindset.”
What’d you think about Quinshon (Judkins) and especially using the wildcat? Kevin (Stefanski) said they came up with that Thursday.
“Yeah, huge. You know, I think anytime you can get plus one in the run game, you can utilize that. And have ultimate trust in Quinshon. But also, what we want to do in short yardage, and the more versatile we can be there, the more it’s going to help us for sure, so proud of Quinshon for sure.”
What can you say about the fact that you’ve played clean ball, you haven’t turned it over in any of your games, and then also looking to use your legs to get out of some trouble today. How do you feel like you’re operating?
“Yeah, I think you always want to expedite the process of being able to play at a certain level. But you know, there is understanding of natural progression as well. But the process doesn’t change, you’re going to still fight to be at your best. But I think at small chunks we’ve learned how to slowly have chances to win, and then finally go and win a game, that’s something that we’re all kind of molding together. But, definitely proud of the guys, and definitely want to continue to be good in the areas we’re good at, and improve in the areas that we need to. So that’ll never change.”
How excited or encouraged are you by the fact that you guys could come out here at 1-5, show that grit and heart, put together a performance like this and have something like this to build on?
“Yeah, I don’t want you to look at my expression and think I’m not excited, but I am very excited. Also, it’s important to build sustainability as well, so just going to build on that. I’m excited for the guys. There’s a lot that we will look back, and it’s good in many areas, and there’s a lot of things that you want to clean up. But I think that’s what I’m excited most, is guys are eager, guys want to better. And when you look at the areas of improvement, it’s encouraged, and we always encourage that. But definitely, like I said, winning is fun, for sure. Don’t get that twisted.”
You say build off this performance. In what ways do you feel like you have to build?
“I think the more film you put together as a unit, there’s more to take away. And I think there’s a lot of areas that we improve week-to-week that we want to improve on. And you see us run the football like that. But there’ll be areas. Like we always talk about, in the red area and third downs, that never changes. Being plus in the turnover margin. Not one area will just allow you to win, of course, there’s certain areas that will, but I think when you come together with all three areas, everyone leaves the field a lot happier, because you put yourself in a good spot to go win games. So, it’ll be marginal gains, and try to improve every single week. That’s all you can do.”
Having said that, how good did you feel about the way the defense took a lot of pressure off you and that side of the ball today?
“We got ultimate trust in our defense. You know, I don’t think that’s ever changed from week one. But I think there has to be a certain way that we all play to complement one another, but then also taking gains and growth from each side. The trust in our defense, trust in the special teams and offense will never change. But you want to see each group grow individually and then together as well, so that’s what we’re focused on.”
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