Kevin Stefanski makes quarterback decision going forward after the Cleveland Browns were dropped by the New York Jets
The Browns weren’t good enough on offense once again in Week 10.
The Cleveland Browns emerged from the bye week hoping to spark some momentum, and they made a significant change in an effort to do so.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski handed offensive play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Tommy Rees during the break. However, the Browns lost a game they were favored to win on the road against the New York Jets 27-20.
A pair of special teams touchdowns allowed by the Browns proved to be the difference, but the offense still wasn’t good enough, finishing with just 278 total yards. Cleveland’s defense held strong until late, when it surrendered 10 points in the fourth quarter. It’s hard to place much blame on the defense, given the lack of complementary football. The Browns actually controlled the ball for nearly 10 more minutes than the Jets.
Kevin Stefanski makes initial QB decision after loss to Jets
Rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel made his fifth start of the season against the Jets, dropping his fourth game. Gabriel completed 17-of-32 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns. The positive takeaway is that he didn’t turn the ball over, and that is likely the main reason Stefanski said he plans to stick with the rookie from Oregon moving forward.
Gabriel’s day, however, went beyond the clean turnover column. He was sacked six times, including twice on fourth down — something that simply can’t happen. Cleveland’s offensive line continues to struggle, but Gabriel didn’t do himself many favors either. On a rainy day in New York, with a slick football, several passes went through the hands of his receivers, though Gabriel also missed multiple throws that you expect an NFL quarterback to make.
Some fans are calling for fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders to get his chance and see what he can do with this Browns offense. For now, it doesn’t appear Stefanski is ready to make that switch. That said, just because he’s sticking with Gabriel now doesn’t mean a change won’t come soon.
There are plenty of issues with this offense, and Gabriel isn’t the only one. At some point, Cleveland will need to evaluate Sanders in live game action to see what they have in him.
The Browns also hold two first-round picks in next April’s draft, and quarterback will likely be at the top of their list of considerations. Cleveland returns home next weekend to face the red-hot Baltimore Ravens, who have won three straight.
The Ravens handed the Browns an embarrassing 41–17 loss back in Week 2, and if Cleveland plays like it did against New York, history could repeat itself in Week 10.
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Another bad showing for the Browns coming out of the bye week and they’re now 2-7.
