Coach Stefanski’s steadiness one of main reasons team has overcome obstacles, in playoff hunt
CLEVELAND (AP) — Kevin Stefanski took care of quarterbacks, pulled off drama, changed the look of an injury-riddled offense and even implemented a second rounder.
It’s been a season’s worth of issues in 10 games. Maybe two seasons’ worth.
So when Cleveland’s coach addressed his players in the locker room after Sunday’s 13-10 win over the rival Pittsburgh Steelers, Stefanski summed up his efforts and fight for the struggling Browns in one sentence. “No matter what happens.” Stefanski used profanity for emphasis.
The Browns (7-3) are enjoying their best record since 1999, and much of that credit goes to Stefanski. Stefanski’s steady and patient attitude focused on several concerns affecting the team.
Cleveland’s 6-4 win over the Steelers capped another incredible week for the Browns, this time highlighted by the news that quarterback Deshaun Watson suffered a torn right shoulder and will miss the rest of the season.
Stefanski began working with two other quarterbacks in October while Watson dealt with a shoulder injury. He felt relieved after weeks of uncertainty surrounding the franchise QB.
When he preached to his players that he was ready, Stefanski simply adjusted, made sure Dorian Thompson-Robinson was ready to face the Steelers and then devised a game plan that fit the rookie’s skill set. It wasn’t perfect and Stefanski made some mistakes in what was expected to be his fifth season.
But Stefanski and the Browns found a way to win despite losing former All-Pro right tackle Jack Conklin in Week 1 and All-Star Nick Chubb in Week 2, not to mention the of Watson’s injury.
It’s also worth noting that Stefanski’s decisions last season to change the defensive and special teams coordinators and hire Jim Schwartz and Bubba Ventron to lead those departments helped change direction for the Browns.
Back-to-back last minute wins over Baltimore and Pittsburgh put the Browns in the middle of a playoff run. Cleveland fans usually look forward to the Finals and the draft in late November.
This year, the Browns are aiming to win the AFC North, something they have never done before. Stefanski put them back together.
WHAT’S WORKING
At the moment, Cleveland’s defense has no equal.
Triggered by Myles Garrett’s sack of Kenny Pickett on Pittsburgh’s first play, the Browns had another dominant performance, holding the Steelers to 249 yards — 74 coming on one play. Granted, Pickett is shaky and the Steelers’ offense is predictable and plodding, but the Browns have been doing this all season.
The defense is legit, possibly Super Bowl-level legit, and Garrett is putting together a Defensive Player of the Year resume.
