Cleveland Browns rookie QB Brandon Weeden has been putting in extra hours at the team’s practice facility recently, working to improve his foot speed in order to better chase down opposing defensive backs as they return intercepted passes, it was reported early Thursday.
“That’s part of what makes Brandon such a special player,” said Browns coach Pat Shurmur. “He pays attention to details like that, and works hard to get better ever day. He doesn’t just want to be good at chasing down players who pick off his throws. He wants to be the BEST at it.”
Weeden, who is currently tied for the NFL lead with nine interceptions, has been studying film and working with a track coach to improve his reaction times, take longer strides, and follow better pursuit angles, all in the hopes of limiting opposing cornerbacks to lower return yardage totals.
“I tried watching film of Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, a few players like that, but it didn’t really help. Those guys never seem to throw picks,” said Weeden. “So instead, I’ve been studying a few of the greats,trying to pick up on some of their tricks. Quarterbacks like Romo. Vick. Grossman. The masters. Once a ball gets intercepted, those guys are great at chasing down a DB and making a tackle.”
Concluded Weeden, “That shows you what years of practice can do for you.”
