BEREA, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Kevin Stefanski and the Browns have to be punking all of us at this point because it’s becoming a joke, except the punchline just isn’t funny. No material changes are coming – play calling, coordinator, syatem or quarterback. They just have to play better.
So if you have enjoyed the first five weeks of the season, boy does Stefanski and the Browns have a treat for you.
Here’s Monday’s Zoom edition of Brownie Bites.
Status quo – Despite the worst ranked offense and passing game in the NFL, Stefanski is leaning on faith to solve the mountain of problems they are faced with entering Week 6. “I think we have to look at everything, how we put it together,” Stefanski said when asked what changes he is considering, “Really just take a long hard look at what we're doing. And again, I think it goes back to any success on offense comes from giving the guys a plan that they can go execute at a high level. I believe in the coaches we have; I believe in the players we have and we will get it fixed together.” Going back to last year’s offense also isn’t a consideration. “I don't know that it's fair just to say, well, this is new or that's old,” Stefanski said. “We don't necessarily look at it through that lens other than to say we want to have a productive offense. We want to score points, we want to help this football team. So we look at everything when it comes to putting our guys in position to succeed.” As of Monday morning, the Browns offense ranked dead last in total offense, yards per play, pass net per play, sacks per pass play and third down efficiency. They are 29th in first downs per game, 27th running the ball and 30th in pass yardage, so they have that going for them, which is nice.
QB 1 – Following yet another upchuck worthy performance in Washington from Deshaun Watson that saw him light it up for 125 yards through the air, he gets to keep his job. The perk of making $46 million a year is that his performance does not matter. “Deshaun can play better, he will play better,” Stefanski said. “He's had some obviously good moments and then there's times that we have to play better around him, but he's committed to getting better. We're committed as an offense to putting our guys in position to succeed.” So why is it that Watson gives them the best chance to win now? “I've been pretty clear guys all along: this is not a one person type of deal,” Stefanski said. “When we're playing how we're playing on offense, we need everybody to do their job and do their job better. And I look at myself and how I can do that, but I believe in Deshaun and I believe in what he brings to this offense and I believe he will play better.”
Collaborative effort – The decision of whether to bench Watson doesn’t sound like it is Stefanski’s to make considering the six draft picks and $230 million invested. “I wouldn't get into all the specifics,” Stefanski said. “I think you guys know that we make great decisions together. I obviously talked to Andrew about everything we do. We talked to ownership about everything we do. That's just how we operate.” When pressed further on if the call to play Watson was his alone to make Stefanski said, “I understand the question. As you guys know, I make decisions for our football team, but I obviously consult with Andrew. We talk about everything that goes on with our football team, but ultimately it's my decision. Yes.”
Hall reinstated – Rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. was reinstated by the commissioner Monday after serving a five-game ban for a personal conduct violation stemming from a domestic incident at his home in August. Hall pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge after originally being charged with one count of domestic violence. Hall received a suspended 30-day jail sentence, a $250 fine and two years of monitored time. The Browns were also granted a one-week roster exemption by the commissioner for Hall.
Injury report – Stefanski did not have any medical updates on any of the players that suffered injuries Sunday: S Rodney McLeod (face laceration), CB Denzel Ward (hamstring), LS Charley Hughlett (ribs), Ogbo Okoronkwo (illness), S Grant Delpit (gameday concussion evaluation), TE David Njoku (knee), LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (cramps)
