Stefanski achieved something no Browns coach has since the 1980s
It feels improbable. The Cleveland Browns, after starting four different quarterbacks, clinched an NFL Playoff spot after a 37-20 win over the New York Jets Thursday night. The run of Joe Flacco continues to amaze. At 38, the veteran quarterback threw for his fourth straight 300-plus yard game (309) and had three touchdowns to match. […]
It feels improbable.
The Cleveland Browns, after starting four different quarterbacks, clinched an NFL Playoff spot after a 37-20 win over the New York Jets Thursday night.
The run of Joe Flacco continues to amaze. At 38, the veteran quarterback threw for his fourth straight 300-plus yard game (309) and had three touchdowns to match. His command of the offense helped Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski punch the team's ticket to the postseason.
By the Browns making the NFL's big dance, Stefanski became the first Cleveland head coach to lead the team to multiple playoff appearances since Marty Schottenheimer in 1985 through 1988.
Stefanski also led the first team in NFL history to make the playoffs after starting four different quarterbacks in the same season.
Cleveland started the season with Deshaun Watson, then, because of an injury, moved on to P.J. Walker and Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Finally, Flacco, from the practice squad, stepped in and helped usher the Browns to a 4-1 record in a critical stretch where the hope of a playoff appearance hung in the balance.
Much of the credit belongs to Flacco. He's played nearly as well as anyone can expect from a guy busy raising a family before the Browns called him in to play.
An additional sum of credit belongs to Stefanski, who has constantly adapted his game plan to fit the current situation and circumstance.
He is far from a perfect head coach. There are always ways things could be better. But given the circumstances, Stefanski was the perfect head coach for this iteration of the Browns.
And for his performance this season, he undoubtedly deserves the Coach of the Year award.
The Browns are in the NFL's marquee event. Now, it is time to see if Flacco, Stefanski, and that dreaded Browns defense can make some noise in the big dance.
