The media in attendance in Berea today made third down an issue again. Here were Pat Shurmur’s responses from the official transcript.
(On his third down offense) – “I think you just try to find and do the things you do well. We converted a couple of fourth downs I think, which are important. I think you go back and you look at it. We look at all the situations all the time. We try to put together and do the things we do well, and the things that we do well, that attack the opponent we’re playing. We have to just keep going back to it.”
(On his reaction to Carl Banks statement that taking Richardson off of the field in the red zone does the defense a favor) – “That was Carl that said that? Maybe yes, maybe no. I don’t know. I don’t necessarily think that’s the case.”
(On why he does not necessarily think that is the case) – “Because I think whoever you put out on the field has a chance to be involved in a pass play or a run play. I think what you have to think about it what’s important for the defense is knowing if you are running or passing. It would make sense to keep Trent on the field the whole game, right? Would you agree? Keep him on the field the whole game if he can handle it and at some point he will be able to.”
(On if he is trying to say that Richardson is not ready to play every down) – “No, I’m not saying that, but I think it’s important that there are other guys that play. I don’t think you see any running back in the NFL play every single snap. If there is one out there I’d be curious to hear. Somebody know of a team that does that?”
(On Ray Rice playing every snap against them) – “Every snap? Maybe not. I don’t think so because their second back (Bernard Pierce) had about 50 yards rushing against us. That one I now you’re wrong on.”
(On if he has second guessed himself on the third and one play calling where Weeden threw an interception) – “I want us to execute the play we call better and then we’re always looking at better ways to do things. I’ll let you guys second guess it and we’ll work on getting everything better.”
Regardless of where you stand on this, there is little doubt that anyone in the league could use a win more than the Cleveland Browns and Pat Shurmur this week with the Cincinnati Bengals coming to town.
[Related: Cleveland Browns Film Room: Third Down Controversy]
