BEREA, OHIO– Browns center Ethan Pocic said he didn’t get a warning before being flagged for moving the ball before the snap for the second week in a row. Both penalties occurred on third-and-1 plays, resulting in a Browns drive stalling due to failed fourth-down conversions.
“There wasn’t (a warning),” Pocic explained on Wednesday, “but it’s one of those rules right now that there isn’t a warning.” It’s just not something I’m capable of.”
The penalty on Sunday, with the Browns trailing 27-19 with 2:37 remaining in the game, riled up the normally reserved Kevin Stefanski – or at least as riled up as he gets in press conferences.
“We don’t teach moving the ball, and what’s going on right now is the Eagles sneak,” Stefanski said, referring to the infamous “Brotherly Shove,” which Philadelphia employs in short-yardage situations. “I believe they are very aware and alert to teams moving the ball forward in short yardage situations.”
We weren’t sneaking the ball, so moving the ball was pointless. That is not something Ethan does. He addresses the ball in the same way he always does.
“I just feel like in that situation, you put the officials on high alert for something, you send out a tape during the week, and they’re hyper-vigilant, if you will.” We are not teaching that the four inches are unimportant. In those situations, we don’t use a quarterback sneak. As a result, it’s aggravating. It’s not something we teach. That’s part of the game you hope to play cleanly, and those are big moments, so I’ll try to get an answer on that, but it’s very frustrating.”
In the first quarter against Denver, the penalty negated a first down by tight end and designated sneaker Harrison Bryant. The Browns recovered and advanced to fourth-and-1, but Bryant fumbled the snap.
Sunday’s penalty was more significant, as the Browns were still within a score at their own 34. Kareem Hunt lined up behind center Nick Harris, who was playing fullback in their jumbo package. The play was blown dead after Hunt took the handoff.
Stefanski was visibly upset on the sideline after the call, arguing with an official.
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