CLEVELAND, Ohio — Browns quarterback Joe Flacco took questions from reporters Saturday after the game with regard to playing with the starters, Harold Fannin Jr., Shedeur Sanders, and more.
Below is the transcript as provided by the Browns media relations department:
So how would you sum up your first live action (of the season)?
“Yeah, listen, it was good to get out there. I think there’s a lot of different, when you’ve been in the league so long, we all know as players, you’re getting ready to play that last preseason game, and ultimately I think it was good to get out there and get your feet wet a little bit, get some rustiness off, get your mind, you know, preparing for a game, going through pregame, all that stuff. I think there’s a lot of value in it.”
How about I saw Ethan (Pocic) walk out with the knee brace. I know how valuable he is to you and to this team. Just how much of a concern is that to see?
“Yeah, I think anytime you see guys walking around less than 100%, you’re concerned for your main guys. So, we’ll see how he feels and what’s actually happening with him. But he’s a big piece of what we have.”
Seems like you really got into rhythm, I mean, for that first start to come out there and be…
“Yeah, it’s important anytime you take the field, man. You want to go out there and perform well. We didn’t do anything crazy today, but like I felt good. We completed the ball, did what we had to do at times, didn’t try to do anything crazy, got the ball in a few guys’ hands just to get them feeling the football too. So, ultimately it was a good day.”
Joe, if you don’t mind addressing or talking a little bit about the fact that Shedeur (Sanders) struggled, maybe did some things that he had done in college in terms of retreating. Do you recall how difficult it probably was back as rookie to get thrown into the action?
“Yeah, dude, I remember. Yeah, big time. I can remember just like yesterday. I mean, that’s part of being a rookie. You know, you’re going to get thrown into situations that maybe you don’t think are ideal. I got thrown into a game against New England with two minutes left. I fumbled on the one-yard line. They scored two plays later. That was John Harbaugh’s first preseason game, and he was not happy. I mean, I wasn’t happy either, but like, hey, it’s part of the game. It’s part of what makes a football player, is learning how to deal with those situations and learn from them. So, yeah, listen, we’ve all been there. It’s part of the game.”
Harold (Fannin Jr.), how special was it to see him get that first (touchdown)? I know it’s only the preseason, but that first catch, that first touchdown…
“You know, it was cool. As we broke the huddle, Dave (Njoku) and Harold were both in and I was kind of waiting to see who’s going to which spot here, but it was great. I think he’s going to be a hell of a player and an important piece for us and it’s good to see him breaking out of his shell a little bit and becoming a part of this team. You know, to get him a touch there was great.”
How do you feel about this offense? Now that you’re out there, you see Isaiah Bond, you’ve got speed, you’ve got Dave, Harold and Jerry (Jeudy). How do you feel about this group?
“Yeah, I feel good about these guys, man. They’re talented players and I think you all know we’re pretty talented up front. So, if we can get everybody rolling and feeling good about it, then I think we should be pretty confident heading into week one.”
Joe (Flacco), what is important for you over these next two weeks?
“You know, just kind of take it one day at a time, just like always. Maybe – you talk about Isaiah (Bond), like he’s obviously just gotten in here, maybe get a little bit of feel for him over the next week, before we really get into the actual game planning part of it for Cincinnati. But yeah, just kind of keeping fresh over the next week, and then just getting your mind right, that one last time, to go do this thing for the long haul.”
How big are these next couple weeks or so? Because you know you’re the starter, and things sort of accelerate that ramp up process because of things falling into place on the depth chart?
“Yeah, I mean, obviously at this point in the year, you want to be able to go out there and get reps and prepare to be the guy. So, I mean, yeah, that’ll be a little bit different than training camp, I guess, a little bit. But honestly, the last few weeks, I feel like I’ve been pretty good, been able to get my feet underneath me and start to get in a little bit of a groove, and the next two weeks are just about carrying that forward, not doing anything to take a step backwards. Just continuing to take that next step for all of us.”
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