CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The Browns have been able to go through the bulk of the season relatively unnoticed, but that’s about to change the next two weeks.
Wednesday afternoon, the NFL announced the Week 15 game at the New York Giants has been flexed from a 1 p.m. kickoff to Sunday Night Football on NBC at 8:20 as head coach Kevin Stefanski and the team began preparations for the Baltimore Ravens Monday night.
Unsurprisingly, the Browns were unfazed when asked about getting the spotlight the next two weeks.
“My mind does not really go there,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said. “They tell me where we are playing, when we are playing and who we are playing.”
The Cowboys and 49ers originally scheduled for Sunday night in Week 15 were bumped in favor of the more attractive matchup between an NFC East contender and the upstart Browns.
The 9-3 record is the best for the franchise in the expansion era. The 1994 team also was 9-3 and no Browns team in the Super Bowl era has ever been 10-3.
“Just have to keep it going,” running back Nick Chubb said. “Have to do what we have been doing, which is working every day and every week. Keep that momentum rolling. Do not change anything. Stay who we are and keep working.”
Stefanski doesn’t plan on changing his message to his team despite the extra attention and added pressure each game will present as they close in on their first playoff berth in 18 years.
“I think messaging to the team varies every week – there is always something that I am trying to get across to the team,” Stefanski said, “but in terms of ‘this game is bigger than the last,’ they all feel big to me.”
Award Winner – Baker Mayfield’s big day in Tennessee won him the FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week.
Mayfield threw for 334 yards and four touchdowns in Cleveland’s 41-35 victory.
All four TDs came in the first half making Mayfield the first since Otto Graham in 1951 to accomplish the feat. Mayfield is also the only NFL QB to throw four TDs in a single half this season and he’s now done that twice.
Well Deserved – Nick Chubb was nominated as the Browns entrant for this year’s Art Rooney Sportsmanship award last week and Tuesday he was voted the winner of the Ed Block Courage Award.
“Those two distinctions are great for Nick. Well deserved,” Stefanski said. “The great thing about the Ed Block Courage Award is it is voted on by your teammates so that just tells you what kind of teammate Nick is and what his guys feel about him. I think you guys know how I feel about him.
He is the ultimate team player.”
Chubb, who has 799 yards and 7 rushing touchdowns this season, was appreciative of the recognition.
“It definitely meant a lot for me,” Chubb said. “The team sees the work I put in, and they see how I work every day. I am glad that they acknowledge it. I am glad that they appreciate me enough to allow me to win the award.”
Extra Day – With the Browns playing on Monday night, Wednesday was a bonus day of preparation for the Browns.
They didn’t spend much time on the practice field – about 20-30 minutes – and they also lifted in addition to their virtual video meetings.
Plan B – The Browns are hopeful that right guard Wyatt Teller will be cleared to return from the reserve/COVID-19 list in time to face the Ravens.
“We have contingency plans, and we have a depth chart so we will work some other guys in there and then make a determination later in the week if Wyatt is able to play in the game,” Stefanski said. “Until then, we will work some other guys in at that spot.”
Backup offensive lineman Chris Hubbard, who filled in at right guard for Teller when he was sidelined due to a calf injury would be asked to step in once again.
“[Teller] has given us some really valuable reps. A very physical player,” Stefanski said. “We have been without him at times this season, and Hub went in there and did a nice job. We will see how it plays out, but obviously, Wyatt is a good player and looking forward to getting him back out there when he is ready.”
On Hold – The Browns cannot clinch a playoff berth this week no matter the outcome of their game with the Ravens or outcome of other games this weekend.
According to the NFL, the only clinch scenario the Browns are part of this week is the Steelers can lock up the AFC North with a win over the Bills plus a Browns loss to Baltimore.
Injury Report – DNP: CB Denzel Ward (calf), WR KhaDarel Hodge (hamstring)
