BALTIMORE -- Observed and heard in the locker room after the Cleveland Browns' 20-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Fed up: A similar theme came from different voices, especially veterans: The Browns need every player to be accountable and distraction-free. Players wouldn't mention names, but the implications were clear after a weekend of headlines with Josh Gordon (suspended for missing walk-through), Johnny Manziel (fined for being late to treatment) and Justin Gilbert (inactive after showing up late to a meeting). "I've been assured we are going to bring guys in and get guys off this bus that don't really want to be here and do what they are supposed to do," safety Donte Whitner said. Corner Joe Haden added after a long pause: "Everybody’s got to be all-in. Everybody’s gotta try to fight for this one goal."
Shaw gets street cred: Quarterback Connor Shaw's numbers weren't outrageous (14-of-28, 177 yards, one interception), but he was steady all day and avoided big mistakes, which is all the Browns could have wanted from an undrafted rookie and former practice-squad player making his first start. His interception came when the Browns were down late. He also fumbled early in the game. "He's a warrior, and I think he showed that today," receiver Andrew Hawkins said. "We couldn't be more proud of the way Connor conducted himself." Added Shaw: "I felt comfortable out there. ... Winning would have made it so great today."
Rookie RB shows up: Terrance West had an erratic rookie season but capped it with a 94-yard rushing performance at Baltimore on 18 carries. He added his fourth touchdown of the season. West had four games of fewer than 15 rushing yards this year but countered with three games of at least 90. "It had ups and downs, a roller coaster, but hey, man, we keep moving forward," West said. "I’ve got to grow up. I’ve got to lead. Focus more. Next year, I’m going to be a vet. Everybody will step up to the plate.”
