According to ESPN, the Cleveland Browns (2-2) entered their Week 6 match-up against the undefeated San Francisco 49ers (5-0) with a 27.3% chance to win.
Cleveland had seven members of their 53-man roster, including quarterback Deshaun Watson and left guard Joel Bitonio. However, this didn’t stop the Browns defense from holding the explosive 49ers offense to 215 total yards.
Hear from Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, defensive end Myles Garrett, quarterback PJ Walker, tight end David Njoku, and Safety Juan Thornhill on what this victory means for the team.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski - “The energy was off the charts and it was led by the defense”
Cleveland's head coach was thrilled with what he saw from his defense in this one.
#Browns Kevin Stefanski's opening statement following the 19-17 win over the #49ers pic.twitter.com/nLA54LGZKu
— Leah Doherty (@LeahDohertyTV) October 15, 2023
the energy from this defense is off the charts 📈 pic.twitter.com/IaibOcfljJ
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 15, 2023
He had praise for several players, including linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah who played a fantastic game.
.@j_owuu is a heat-seaking missile 🚀 pic.twitter.com/dXPSO6Fa6y
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 15, 2023
Still, he didn't want to get too in-depth on the pre-game fight.
Literally the greatest piece of journalism ever.
— Liam (@liamkeating7) October 15, 2023
Thanks @TonyGrossi 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/gVd3WrhtBg
Defensive End Myles Garrett - ‘We played the best we could with the cards we were dealt and made the most of it’
Myles Garrett wasn't making excuses but said the team made the most of what they had to deal with this weekend, and he's absolutely right.
made the most with the cards we're dealt@Flash_Garrett | #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/k3cWL5Rua5
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 16, 2023
big ol' bundle of energy@Flash_Garrett | @j_owuu pic.twitter.com/XyXLs7kVoI
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 16, 2023
He also had praise for Jim Schwartz, who has brought some swagger to the defense.
Coach Schwartz has brought that swagger@Flash_Garrett | #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/pA8cPWhRk4
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 16, 2023
Quarterback PJ Walker - “For us, it’s just go out and battle.”
P.J. Walker made his first start with the Browns and was happy to come out with the win.
not bowing down to anyone 💪@pjwalker_5 | #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/dOQ9TwS7Sl
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 15, 2023
continuing to build those bonds@pjwalker_5 | #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/IQpnFxxk8i
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 15, 2023
He was also thankful for the passion his teammates have.
so much passion in the building@pjwalker_5 | #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/BjtgaF0r8w
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 15, 2023
Tight End David Njoku - “If I have your back, you got mine, and that’s all we need”
David Njoku has toughed it out recently and is giving praise to his teammates for their support.
#Browns TE David Njoku said there was "no uncertainty" about him playing today.
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) October 16, 2023
Said the team has a saying: "If I have your back, then you have mine."
That's something they all take to heart. pic.twitter.com/HwIEzTqkRx
Safety Juan Thornhill - “ This defense is the best defense that I’ve ever been a part of, and I’ve been to three Super Bowls.”
Juan Thornhill has played on some great defenses, but thinks this is the best he's been a part of.
#Browns S Juan Thornhill says this is "the best defense I've ever been a part of, and I've been to three Super Bowls."
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) October 15, 2023
Said beating the 49ers might just help them take off and show the world what they're about. pic.twitter.com/wPk0yGOBx4
#Browns Juan Thornhill didn’t appreciate folks not giving them and chance to beat the #49ers pic.twitter.com/eSQac7Kmb3
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) October 15, 2023
Thornhill, who has two Super Bowl rings, has been a great addition to this defense and continues to serve as an emotional leader.