Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry admitted Wednesday his team’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday affected his philosophy ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline. 

“I would say that candidly (the victory) probably maybe had a little bit of a mild influence,” Berry explained when speaking with reporters, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “I wouldn’t say that it moved the needle significantly in one direction or another. I had probably a pretty good idea in terms of how we wanted to approach obviously yesterday with a couple of different opportunities, but to suggest it didn’t have some type of mild impact I think would be disingenuous.” 

It was previously reported that the Browns could shop to-be free agents such as running back Kareem Hunt if they lost to the Bengals and fell to 2-6. Instead, the 3-5 Browns retained Hunt’s services and presumably think they could do some damage coming off their bye week. 

Cleveland’s road gets quite difficult beginning with a Week 10 matchup at the Miami Dolphins (5-3) on Nov. 13. From there, the Browns play at the Buffalo Bills (6-1) on Nov. 20 and at home against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5) on Nov. 27 before they get starting quarterback Deshaun Watson back from an 11-game suspension related to allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions.

Berry said Wednesday the Browns were buyers before the deadline, a claim that indicates he believes his team can win at least two of three contests with backup Jacoby Brissett under center through Week 12. 

“We came close to one deal in terms of acquiring a player,” Berry said without naming the talent. “It didn’t come to fruition from a compensation package. We feel really good about the team we have and feel really good about the guys in the locker room.” 

Berry may regret this strategy if the Browns have seven or eight total losses by the time Watson is eligible to make his club regular-season debut.