Included below are select quotes from interviews with the following Browns players during today's media availability:
* *
- WR Josh Lenz
- QB Connor Shaw
WR Josh Lenz:
On if his time in Indianapolis helped him learn how to battle for a roster spot:
"I think it helps a lot. When I was out in Indy, we had a great group of receivers out there and you knew you had to make every catch that came your way, run those routes against the DBs and do everything right. That's what I try to focus on doing, working hard, knowing the playbook and doing the right things. Just trying to stay consistent."
On if it is hard to get noticed with so much depth at WR:
"You try not to look at it. You just try going out here every day and doing your job and that's all you can really do. A lot of it's out of your hands. The only thing you can do is do your job and do it right when you get the chance to go in there. That's what I'm trying to do right now."
On if that is easier said than done:
"Yeah, it definitely is. I think my first couple, probably my rookie year, you get caught up in that a little bit. I'm going into my third season now and kind of bounced around a little bit but you don't look at it. You know it's out of your hands. All you can do is make plays and do your job."
On how much his relationship with QB Duke Johnson Jr. has helped his performance:
"It helped a lot. I think it helped that I was out here towards the end of OTAs and minicamp and was able to get a little connection with him when I came out then. It wasn't much but just a few passes here and there in one-on-ones and seven-on-sevens and stuff like that, just earning the trust of the quarterback. Like I said, it goes back to knowing your job, doing it right and earning the trust of the quarterback. You can really earn chemistry with any quarterback."
On if his performance in the Orange & Brown Scrimmage boosted his confidence:
"Honestly, it's just another practice out there. We've been out here for a couple weeks now. It wasn't a whole lot different Friday night, just a lot more people there. Like I said, it just goes back to doing your job, doing it right, getting an opportunity and making the most of it."
On if he has doubts about if he can play at this level:
"No, not at all. Like I said, it comes down to getting an opportunity. Some places, you may not get the opportunity or it may not present itself, but you just have to always stay ready. Always stay ready for that opportunity, and when it comes, you have to take advantage of it."
QB Connor Shaw:
On his performance in the Orange & Brown Scrimmage:
"I thought as a whole, we did a good job. I thought I went in there and the first time competing. It was good to get out there and play fast and be sharp. There are definitely some things I can learn from. I thought I did a solid job."
On if he was surprised that he was not more involved in the backup quarterback role last season:
"No, I don't really pay attention too much to that. I just come here and do my job and hopefully that will reflect to the coaches."
On being patient while waiting for additional practice reps:
"I just look at it as a learning opportunity. You have (QB) Johnny (Manziel), (QB) Josh (McCown) and (QB) Thad (Lewis). I just take the mental reps when I am not in there. Whenever I am called on, hopefully I am ready."
On the biggest jump for him between Year 1 and Year 2:
"The level of being comfortable. You get a year under your belt and you feel like you have a much better grasp of what you are doing. It is amazing how much faster you play when you actually know what is going on."
On if he is proud of what the Browns accomplished during his start against the Ravens:
"I think we did some good things, especially in the first half and the first three quarters. We kind of fell apart a little bit in the fourth. It was definitely a learning experience and something I can build on. It was a good opportunity for me."
On if there was a heightened respect from his teammates after starting the season finale:
"I think so. Just coming in as an undrafted in my rookie year and having to earn everything I had, going in there and competing with guys like (OL) Joe (Thomas) and all the ones, and I think that the way that we played as a whole and the way I performed it opened eyes to some guys and earned a level of respect in the locker room. That was good for me."
