The Browns’ coaching staff spoke to the media ahead of practice and shared their approach to the upcoming faceoff against the Bengals.

Stefanski stated that the Week 18 finale is a challenge they are prepared to face, while defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz had stated the team will go all out.

“Obviously, like we talked about, haven’t seen them since week one. But excited about the opportunity. These guys worked very hard this week, and then we get to finish strong on Sunday,” Stefanski began.

The Browns’ head coach stated he and the team plan to limit the Browns’ passing game by covering Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. 

 “So, we'll obviously always try to put our guys in position to go make plays. But it comes down to their players versus our players,” he said. 

“Obviously, good players, good coaches, good scheme. They know us, and we know them, so we got a chance to try to even the series and finish strong.”

Given the injured players this season, especially the ones who will miss the Week 18 matchup, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz shared the extra efforts his team needs to make for this game. The Browns stand at 4-12 and have performed poorly for the past two seasons. 

Schwartz pointed out that the team is focused on this matchup and avoiding all negative spill-overs. 

“This game will stand alone, and we have to finish our preparation,” he started. 

“We have to go out and, you know, play with a lot of toughness and effort and physicality. And if we do those things, we’ll feel good about ourselves and coming out with the win.”

Stefanski also updated on rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger, tight end David Njoku, and rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr., who will be absent from the field due to their injuries. Prasing Schwesinger, he said he was in awe of this performance while he was injured.

“For him to play in that game with the injury he had is absolutely remarkable. So, I cannot say enough good things about Carson Schwesinger.”

Stefanski was upset about Njoku’s injuries but emphasized recovery

“Sometimes you’re unable to go because of your body, and he’ll work real hard to get as healthy as he can get. But yes, disappointing for him. That’s unfortunate,” he stated.

Pointing out Fanning Jr.’s competitiveness, he praised the 21-year-old, who is out due to a groin injury.

“There’s tight ends that are bigger than him, but he sticks his nose in there and blocks through the echo of the whistle,” Stefanski pointed out. “Competitive in the pass game, strong hands.” 

The Browns’ coaching staff is also prepared for attacks on Myles Garrett, who is trying to beat the record for most sacks by a player in a season. 

“They are always Myles-conscious. Everybody’s Myles-aware. They have to be because otherwise he’ll just completely wreck your game,” he said. 

This match, the last opportunity Garrett has to break the record, is all that stands between the Browns and irreversible changes the organization is bound to undergo.

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Joyita Das