The Browns beat the Bengals, but the bigger picture hasn't changed. Dee and Jimmy Haslam must decide on Kevin Stefanski's future with an eye toward the bigger picture.
gave up a touchdown drive, and this means coach Kevin Stefanski must go. No, wait, now linebacker Devin Bush is returning an interception 97 yards for a touchdown two drives later. Bring Stefanski back.
No, wait now the Bengals — stop.during Sunday’s season finale, but the result shouldn’t matter. Co-owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam will have six years of evidence to decipher when deciding Stefanski’s future, none of which will be altered by one more win .True: The Browns played with more passion this week than your typical four-win franchise, which could signal faith in the coach.Over the last two seasons, Stefanski’s offense has stalled, and his other flaws have popped in the process. Fans always interpreted his even demeanor as a lack of locker-room rah-rah. Star rusher Myles Garrett’s decision not to endorse the coach when reporters asked him Friday didn’t help Stefanski’s case. And neither does Cleveland’s lack of on-field discipline during his tenure. The Browns rank 18th in penalties per game and 16th in average penalty yardage this season, and they’ve ranked 20th or worse during every other season under Stefanski.Myles Garrett sets NFL sack record as Browns win 20-18 over Bengals in what might be Kevin Stefanski’s last gameBut in the spirit of truth, we all know the main reason why Stefanski’s record has plummeted over the last two seasons, and we all know Stefanski couldn’t plan for it. Yes, the coach boarded a plane to pitch quarterback Deshaun Watson on the Browns in 2022. No, Stefanski did not cause the former Pro Bowler’s regression. Watson lost his playmaking ability and his confidence after arriving in Cleveland, and the Browns lost alongside him after paying three first-round picks and $230 million to acquire him. If you’re wondering how the Browns let their offensive line get so old, look at the Watson trade. If their receiving corps looks like it’s missing a first-round talent, that’s because it is. And if ownership is looking for a reason to retain this head coach, they can find it here:Yes, it could actually be that simple. Ownership wears the Watson trade and acknowledges its wide-ranging detriments. Stefanski earns one do-over for each Coach of the Year award in his trophy room. Ownership can sell that to a fan base. It can also decide to stop tolerating presnap penalties and take Garrett’s neutral stance on continuity — “I want to be successful,” Garrett replied when asked if he preferred the status quo — as a not-so-subtle hint to shake the organizational snow globe. Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow throws a go-ahead touchdown pass with 1:34 to play, and Stefanski must go. Wait a minute, Stefanski’s offense just gained a first down. Maybe they’re playing for their co -- stop. The Browns had six years to assess their coach. Grades are due Monday morning, and they are based on a body of work.Jimmy Watkins is a columnist for Cleveland.com. He provides unique perspectives and intricate reporting on our local teams and their rivals. He joined us in November 2022 as the rivalry beat writer, and his...
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