Kevin Stefanski makes firm statement on Browns’ quarterback position going forward after rough showing against Ravens
The Cleveland Browns were blown out in Week 2 by the Baltimore Ravens, 41-17, though the game wasn’t as lopsided as the final score suggests. Cleveland trailed just 10-3 at halftime and 20-10 entering the fourth quarter before things unraveled. The Browns imploded with two costly turnovers — an interception and a fumble — both […]
The Cleveland Browns were blown out in Week 2 by the Baltimore Ravens, 41-17, though the game wasn’t as lopsided as the final score suggests. Cleveland trailed just 10-3 at halftime and 20-10 entering the fourth quarter before things unraveled. The Browns imploded with two costly turnovers — an interception and a fumble — both by quarterback Joe Flacco. It was a rough day for the veteran, who now has four turnovers through two games.
Even if not all of the turnovers fall squarely on Flacco, they’re still having a major impact on this football team. Cleveland turned to rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel late in the game, and he threw his first career touchdown pass to fellow rookie Dylan Sampson. Kevin Stefanski made the switch once the game was out of reach, but a permanent quarterback change isn’t coming.
Browns sticking with Joe Flacco against the Green Bay Packers in Week 3
When asked if he was considering a quarterback change heading into Week 3, Stefanski’s response was a simple “no.” The Browns are not ready to hand the offense to Gabriel, who went three-for-three passing for 20 yards and a touchdown in limited action.
Gabriel is far more mobile than the 40-year-old Flacco, and that mobility could eventually benefit the offense. Still, Cleveland is not ready to make that move.
“We gave them 21 via a blocked punt, a fumble recovery, and an interception,” Stefanski said after the game. “It’s just hard to win — it’s hard to win period — but it’s hard to win when you do that.”
Flacco finished 25-of-45 for 199 yards, one touchdown, and the two turnovers. Once again, he attempted 45 passes — something that simply isn’t sustainable for this offense. Quinshon Judkins made his debut and ran 10 times for 61 yards, but he was on a strict pitch count. Without him fully available, Cleveland failed to generate a consistent run game between Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson. Despite outgaining the Ravens 322–242 in total yards, the Browns’ miscues gifted Baltimore three scores, which proved disastrous.
Looking ahead, Cleveland faces a daunting stretch with the Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Detroit Lions up next. Throwing a rookie quarterback into that mix, especially behind a struggling offensive line, likely isn’t the right move. At some point this season, the Browns will want to see what they have in Gabriel — but that time won’t come in Week 3.
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