BEREA, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Nick Chubb’s camp and preseason work was limited, by design, to ensure the powerful back was ready to roll when it matters most.
“I do feel good,” Chubb said prior to Wednesday’s practice. “I have not played any preseason games. I guess that is a little bit why I do not feel as sore. I feel good. If I played in the games, I would still feel good and I would still be ready to go, so that is not really that much of a factor for me.”
Like the coaches and his teammates, Chubb’s focus is on what needs to be done this season to help them surpass the success they enjoyed in 2020.
Training camp was long and there’s still 11 more days before they kick off in Kansas City, but Chubb believes the extra time has been productive.
“I think the biggest thing was building off of last year,” Chubb said. “We found out we can be a good team with how we played last year and winning 10 games. I think just for us coming here, building off of that momentum, keep things going, fix things – the small things, the details – get better at that and come out here and work every day.”
A centerpiece of the Browns’ transformation from the league’s perennial laughingstock to a legitimate Super Bowl contender, Chubb signed a three-year $36.6 million contract extension keeping him in Cleveland through the 2024 season.
After ending the league’s longest playoff drought of 18 years, the bar has now been raised and sights set higher with new standards for accountability and winning.
“I think about Joel Bitonio, he’s been here forever, and he’s had a lot of losses and now things have turned around,” Chubb said. “I feel good for guys like him who’ve been through the worst of times here and finally started to win some games. Even guys who were rookies last year, those guys are spoiled. They won 10 games their first year. So, I think we’re headed in the right direction for everybody.”
What’s gotten the Browns in such a good place?
Chubb’s answer was simple.
“Because we’re winning, that’s why,” Chubb said.
“I think altogether, the players, the coaches, the organization, everybody’s doing their part. We’re getting guys in here who want to be in Cleveland. Coach is doing an amazing job, too, just the culture change, winning some games and what it feels like to win. I think it’s contagious. We’ve been just winning games and that’s all we want to keep doing.”
Consistency is key – Rookie cornerback Greg Newsome has impressed fellow corner Denzel Ward. What stands out?
“I would definitely say consistency,” Ward said. “He has been making plays out here and doing what he is supposed to do. He has been doing his job, but he has just been consistent every day with his technique, execution and making plays out here.”
While head coach Kevin Stefanski has yet to name Newsome a starter, Ward feels the No. 26 overall pick is ready for an every down role – outside or the slot.
“He definitely has that versatility,” Ward said. “He can play on the inside in the slot and he can play outside corner. I know the coaches and the team are very excited about that and being able to use him in multiple places. He is definitely ready for all of that.”
Practice squad adds – The Browns were able to sign receivers Ja’Marcus Bradley and JoJo Natson, tight end Jordan Franks, running back John Kelly, fullback Johnny Stanton, defensive ends Curtis Weaver and Porter Gustin, defensive tackle Sheldon Day, linebacker Elijah Lee and safety Jovante Moffatt to the practice squad after releasing them earlier this week.
“If guys land on another 53, you are happy for them,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said. “When they do not, you want them to be here because we know them. We feel like we are a big part of their development. I feel like they can get better here. It is great to see a bunch of faces back out here.”
They also signed quarterback Nick Mullens, who spent camp with the Philadelphia Eagles.
“The thinking is get a quarterback in here and take a look at him,” Stefanski said. “He has some prior experience in this system. [Offensive assistant] T.C. McCartney was with him in San Francisco so had some intel on him as a person and a player.”
The Browns have five spots open and those are expected to be filled soon.
“It is in flux,” Stefanski said. “It is also you are putting some guys on your practice squad that do not live in Ohio so we have to wait for them to travel into town potentially. Those are the type of things that we will work through that the next couple of days.”
Phillips to IR – The Browns waited the mandated 24 hours after establishing the initial 53 before placing linebacker Jacob Phillips on injured reserve Wednesday afternoon.
Phillips underwent successful surgery to repair a torn biceps tendon and the hope is that he’ll be able to return late in the season.
“He is rehabbing here,” Stefanski said. “Hopefully, he attacks this rehab like I know he will and then see where we are as he gets healthy.”
Taking Phillips’ spot on the roster is defensive end Joe Jackson. He was waived Tuesday and re-signed Wednesday.
Injury report – CB Troy Hill, CB Greedy Williams, LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB Sione Takitaki, LB Jacob Phillips, C JC Tretter, G Michael Dunn and WR Rashard Higgins did not practice.
Up next – Practice Thursday
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