BEREA, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – It doesn’t feel like the Browns had the best week of preparation heading into Sunday’s game with the Ravens.
If head coach Freddie Kitchens’ comments Friday afternoon were any indication, they could be in for a long afternoon at FirstEnergy Stadium.
“It is mental from this point on until Sunday,” Kitchens said. “Our guys need to spend time focusing on what they have to do we have to do and doing their job.”
Defensive end Olivier Vernon, who said he will be a game time decision Sunday, admitted Friday’s practice wasn’t as crisp as it could’ve been.
“You are going to have good days and you are going to have bad days,” Vernon said. “Today, was probably one of the days we probably could have been better with communicating. That is just something we have to get better because Sunday is right around the corner.”
Kitchens believes that the Browns’ biggest opponent might not even be the Ravens this week.
“A lot of times, it is us against us – us just making sure we are doing what we are doing and controlling what we can control, and that is our job,” Kitchens said.
Baltimore has won their last 10 since the Browns beat them 40-25 on Sept. 29 while Cleveland has struggled losing six of 10.
“It is very simple. If everybody does their job, we will be successful,” Kitchens said. “If everybody has their eyes where they are supposed to be, we will be successful. If everybody has the gap that they are supposed to have, we will be successful. If we are not and if we do not, we will not be. It is truly that simple.
“They have to go execute now.”
Kick rocks – Jamie Gillan has had a painful week of practice. At least for his foot.
With temperatures in the teens, Gillan has been punting this week in the elements to prepare for potential cold weather this weekend.
“It’s like kicking a rock,” Gillan said.
Gillan has been adjusting his punting style and trying to drive the ball because the colder footballs don’t get enough hang time, or distance when they are kicked high.
Good news for Gillan, the forecast for Sunday calls for temperatures in the mid to upper 40s.
Richardson ready – Defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson plans to play Sunday and there’s nothing that will stop him.
“A heater won’t do it and neither will this back,” Richardson said.
Richardson missed practice Wednesday and Thursday and was limited Friday. He is officially listed as questionable for the game.
“Doesn’t matter how I’m feeling. I’m going out there to get a dub,” Richardson said.
No regrets – Vernon has no regrets about playing against the Steelers Dec. 1 after missing the previous three games with a knee injury.
“That was my decision to play, so. I feel better than I did then,” Vernon said.
He’s missed the last two games since after playing just 12 snaps but claims he didn’t suffer a setback. This week he’ll be a game time decision against the Ravens.
What will determine his availability?
“Just how I feel,” Vernon said.
Booth assignment – Former Browns left tackle and current NFL Network analyst Joe Thomas will call Saturday’s Texans-Buccaneers game along with Rich Eisen and Nate Burleson at 1 p.m.
Debate settled – As if there was any doubt as to whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie, Richardson ended the debate Friday.
“Definitely is,” Richardson said. “I always watch it around Christmastime. Isn’t that when it usually comes on? I think so. A little action packed, somewhat violent Christmas movie.”
Injury report – OUT: None
QUESTIONBLE: OT Kendall Lamm (knee), C JC Tretter (knee), DT Sheldon Richardson (back), DE Olivier Vernon (knee), RB Dontrell Hilliard (knee), S Eric Murray (knee)
EXPECTED TO PLAY: WR Odell Beckham Jr. (groin), WR Jarvis Landry (hip), LB Tae Davis (knee), RT Chris Hubbard (knee), CB Denzel Ward (ankle), DE Porter Gustin (neck)
