The Cleveland Browns are shaking things up on offense as they scramble to salvage what’s been a nightmare season so far. Head coach Kevin Stefanski dropped the news Monday that offensive coordinator Tommy Rees will take over play-calling duties when they face the New York Jets this Sunday.
Offensive Woes Force Stefanski’s Hand
Coming off their bye week, Stefanski didn’t mince words about why this change was necessary. The offense desperately needs more explosive plays and has been plagued by issues stemming from rotating through two starting quarterbacks and seven different offensive line combinations in just eight games. The numbers tell a grim story: Cleveland sits at 2-6 and dead last in the league with 4.1 yards per play and 263.5 total yards per game, while managing a pathetic 15.8 points per contest (30th in the NFL).
Rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel has leaned heavily on short, safe throws during his four starts, but the receiving corps hasn’t held up their end of the bargain with consistent production. Meanwhile, rookie running back Quinshon Judkins hasn’t found his groove either, leaving the offense toothless on multiple fronts. Their last outing against New England was particularly ugly—a 32-13 beatdown where Gabriel tossed two picks.
Déjà Vu for Stefanski’s Play-Calling Decisions
This isn’t Stefanski’s first rodeo with midseason play-calling changes. He pulled the same move last year, handing the reins to then-coordinator Ken Dorsey halfway through the campaign. The switch briefly sparked life when Jameis Winston put up solid numbers in a couple games, but the Browns collapsed spectacularly down the stretch, dropping their final six to finish 3-14. Dorsey got the pink slip after that debacle.
The offensive futility has been staggering—from Week 13 last season through Week 7 this year, an 11-game span, the Browns managed more than 17 points just once until their 31-6 demolition of Miami, a win built almost entirely on defensive dominance.
Betting on Rees to Turn Things Around
Stefanski elevated Rees from tight ends coach to offensive coordinator back in January, banking on his play-calling background from Notre Dame and Alabama. The coach sounds confident in his choice, saying, “He is more than capable. Bottom line is, we have to get better collectively.”
Musical Chairs at Quarterback Continues
Cleveland’s quarterback carousel keeps spinning. They benched veteran Joe Flacco after four games and shipped him to Cincinnati on October 7. Earlier, they dealt rookie Kenny Pickett to Las Vegas after he apparently lost what looked like a competitive battle to Flacco, who then promptly lost his job anyway.
Gabriel showed flashes in his London debut on October 5 with two touchdown passes, but consistency has been elusive since. The receiving group isn’t helping matters—lead receiver Jerry Jeudy was shut out completely against New England and has coughed up seven catches this season.
Health Issues Compound Offensive Problems
Judkins left the Patriots game with a shoulder problem but was back at practice Monday. Wide receiver Cedric Tillman, who’s been nursing a hamstring injury for four weeks on injured reserve, also practiced and should be ready for activation this week.
With this coaching change, the Browns are hoping to jump-start an offense that’s been stuck in neutral all season as they gear up for their showdown with the Jets.
