CLEVELAND, Ohio — Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel took questions from reporters Saturday after the game with regard to leading two scoring drives, playing with Jamari Thrash, and more.
Below is the transcript as provided by the Browns media relations department:
Did it feel different the second time out there compared to the first?
“At home was cool. I was really excited to play at home, been here for an event but hadn’t been on the field. It was a lot of fun. I love our home atmosphere.”
The third down completion to Thrash in the two minute drill. Go into that play.
“(WR Jamari) Thrash did a great job winning on that route. Throwing an indicator for me so I can anticipate the throw. Him being able to get two feet in, I’m proud of him. I think you can see–from game one together to two–just building our continuity and cohesion together. That’s how it happens, and it happens slowly. The league is a little different with new guys in and out, but the more you can build that continuity with a player or unit, the better you see guys perform.”
Take us through that two minute drive. It looked flawless. How was it from your perspective?
“You want to end with points and we talk about the middle eight a bunch. I think you divvy the game up: starting fast, which Joe (QB Flacco) did a great job of, the middle eight, dominating that and getting as many points as you can, then finishing strong. I think we all did that within the time periods we had, trying to continue to build on that, and operating in the two minute is great, you need those kinds of reps.”
You’ve practiced situational stuff all the time. Did this feel like you were practicing it?
“Anytime you get in practice, there’s an elite focus to try to replicate that. But when you’re in the game and getting different coverages and getting what the defense may give you, it operates a little differently.”
Is there something different with you in a game situation vs practice? It seems like in the games you are just dialed in. Do you feel that when you’re out there?
“You try to pride yourself on your preparation, and the preseason is interesting in the way you do prepare. There’s joint practices, sometimes there’s a week of prep, there’s a lot of ways people do and you try to manage it the best you can. But the practice ground is for learning and being able to grow and try different things, and shoot, we try different plays. We see what our identity is, run game pass games, and everything in between.”
To be turnover free and lead two scoring drives. What was that like?
“I think it’s just continuing to take care of the football, it’s the only thing you talk about. I don’t want to be a coach’s speaker or be redundant, but taking care of the football, winning the turnover battle, being really good on third down, scoring touchdowns in the red area, and then dominating the middle eight. I think that’s all things that you want to be aware of and you want to do. You want to continue to be aggressive, and learn–in certain plays–when it’s time to give it a shot, or time to give it up and throw the ball away. Things I’m learning and want to do that for us to get better.”
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