Kevin Stefanski Makes Firm Offensive Decision Despite Browns Struggles
The Cleveland Browns‘ offense has been an issue this season, but head coach Kevin Stefanski is standing firm on his decision.
Following the Browns’ 23-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers
“Yeah, I’m going to keep calling plays, but I want to stress that this is – we have to get better in so many areas and that includes coaching,” Stefanski
Despite the Browns‘ offensive struggles, Stefanski believes he’s the best option to call the offensive plays.
Stefanski is confident the offense will be able to turn around and get better, as he has full faith in rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel.
“I do know what you mean, but we have to do it,” Stefanski said about nothing coming easy for the Browns offense. “It’s a matter of coaches putting guys in position to make plays. Guys making plays when they’re put in position, doing their job. Don’t expect anything to come easy. That’s not the name of the game in this sport. But we’ll just keep grinding on it.”
Stefanski Believes Browns Have to Get Better
With Stefanski remaining the play caller, he knows the focus now turns to making the team better.
The Browns coach believes it’s not just the offense
“Obviously, watched the tape this morning and watching it now with the players and ton of areas that we just need to better and need to better in all aspects,” Stefanski said. “Offense, defense, special teams, players, coaches, you name it. We have to be better. That’ll be our focus. That’s what we’ll focus on moving forward so we can go play as a football team and find a way to win. And obviously got a big one this week with Miami coming to town. That’ll be our sole focus today.”
Stefanski believes that with Gabriel set for his third-straight start, he’s starting to get more comfortable in the offense, and Stefanski has full confidence in him.
“Yeah, I think just the big focus for us, is we have to better in all areas, players, coaches, you name it,” Stefanski added. “Obviously, Dillon (Gabriel) is in his second start. Some good things to build off of. He’s learning just like all young players are learning for us right now. And we’ll continue to try to get him to make those improvements that young players make, and also play better around him. That’s our focus.”
Browns Coach Explains Lack of Touches for Judkins
Not only did Cleveland fail to score a touchdown against the Steelers, but the offense turned pass-heavy against Pittsburgh.
Star rookie running back Quinshon Judkins finished the game with just 12 carries for 36 yards. Looking back on the game, Stefanski explained the lack of carries for Judkins.
“Yeah, obviously that game…if you look at the fourth quarter, the number of plays that we had in that game being down three scores precluded us from running, you know, our normal base down offense. But he’s obviously a key part of our offense.”
The hope is Judkins will be a bigger part of the Browns‘ offense in Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins.
49ers encouraged to replace injured Nick Bosa with former Giants' first round pick
The San Francisco 49ers have had a rough start to the 2025 NFL season as far as the injury bug is concerned. The 49ers have dealt with many of their top players missing time due to injuries, but have continued to find ways to win.
The 49ers enter Week 7 of the NFL season 4-2, and in a three-way tie atop the NFC West.
However, in addition to quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle, receiver Ricky Pearsall and linebacker Fred Warner being out with injuries, the 49ers are without All-Pro edge rusher Nick Bosa. But, this trade proposal would solve that part of the issue with a former first round pick.
49ers encouraged to trade for Kayvon Thibodeaux
Bosa tore his ACL in Week 3 of the NFL season against the Arizona Cardinals and will miss the remainder of the year. With Warner now out as well, and young pass rusher Yetur Gross-Matos dealing with an injury, San Francisco's defense could use some help.
That's where former Giants' first round pick Kayvon Thibodeaux comes into play.
The Oregon product would bring much-needed reinforcement to the 49ers defensive line, and could help keep their Super Bowl aspirations alive with the strong start they've had to the season.
"After an offseason chock with questions about his future in New York, Thibodeaux has showed signs of growth after the team’s commitment to him," PFF's Bradley Locker wrote. "Through six games, his 71.4 overall PFF grade is his highest since his rookie season, and his 78.9 PFF run-defense grade is his best yet.
"Thibodeaux has also contributed 22 pressures, albeit on a more mediocre 12.6% pass-rush win rate."
The Giants have a young core that has shown promise, but they're not in win-now mode. New York has a veteran in Brian Burns and a youngster in Abdul Carter that can anchor its defensive line for the future.
With Thibodeaux getting back to playing like he was coming out of college in his rookie year, he would bring instant strength to a weakness on the 49ers' defensive line without Bosa.
San Francisco has started the year strong, and has shown the offense will put up points regardless of who's on the field in coach Kyle Shanahan's system. The addition of a talented edge rusher in Thibodeaux could put the 49ers right back in the conversation of Super Bowl contenders.
