Browns’ Struggles Intensify as Stefanski Faces Scrutiny Over QB Decisions

The Cleveland Browns are enduring one of the most challenging stretches in recent franchise history. Sitting at 3-11 and at the bottom of the AFC North, the team has struggled to find consistency, leaving fans and media increasingly critical of head coach Kevin Stefanski. Despite Myles Garrett’s pursuit of the single-season sack record providing a bright spot, the overall narrative has been dominated by disappointment and dysfunction.

Much of the scrutiny is aimed at Stefanski’s handling of the quarterback position. The Browns began the season with veteran Joe Flacco under center, only to trade him and give 2025 third-round pick Dillon Gabriel a chance. When Gabriel failed to stabilize the offense, Shedeur Sanders was installed as the starter, but four weeks into his tenure, questions persist about Stefanski’s decision-making.

A particularly rough loss to the Chicago Bears amplified criticism. Fans and analysts have highlighted puzzling play-calling and a lack of offensive cohesion, raising concerns about the team’s direction. Despite the growing calls for change, Stefanski has maintained a composed front.

When asked about his job security, Stefanski deflected. “I’m not gonna get into those types of things,” he said, later adding, “My focus, our focus, is solely on the Buffalo Bills,” signaling a determination to concentrate on immediate performance rather than outside speculation.

1. Stefanski’s Tenure Under the Microscope

Stefanski’s tenure in Cleveland has been a mixed bag. Over 98 games, he has led the Browns to a 43-55 record, highlighting the team’s inconsistent performance. While he has overseen two 11-win seasons and guided the franchise to its first playoff victory in 25 years in 2020, these accomplishments are offset by multiple losing campaigns. Three seasons under Stefanski have ended with double-digit losses, contributing to a sense of stagnation and frustration among fans. The inability to sustain success has made the coach a frequent target for criticism, particularly during seasons marked by high-profile personnel changes. A major point of contention is the handling of quarterbacks. The transition from Flacco to Gabriel, and now Sanders, has failed to produce stability at the position, leaving the offense struggling to find rhythm. Each shift has intensified scrutiny over Stefanski’s strategic decisions. Even as Stefanski has experienced highs in Cleveland, the lows have overshadowed his accomplishments. His leadership is being tested not only by results on the field but also by perception off it, as fans and media question whether the Browns have a clear path forward.

2. Quarterback Quandary

The Browns’ quarterback situation has been emblematic of the team’s broader struggles. Flacco’s early-season tenure was viewed as a temporary solution, yet his trade and replacement with Dillon Gabriel failed to provide the spark the offense needed. Gabriel’s inconsistent performances forced another change, bringing Shedeur Sanders into the spotlight. Sanders’ early games have offered flashes of potential, but four weeks into his role as starter, the team remains far from a cohesive offensive unit. Ineffective play-calling and a lack of complementary weapons have compounded the challenges, leaving Stefanski’s decisions under a microscope. The uncertainty at quarterback has also affected morale and on-field execution. Without a clear leader under center, the Browns’ offense has struggled to sustain drives and capitalize on opportunities, placing additional pressure on a defense that has otherwise shown flashes of competence. How Stefanski manages the remainder of the season—and whether he can develop Sanders into a reliable starter—will likely shape perceptions of his tenure and influence discussions about the team’s future direction.

3. Salvaging a Lost Season

With only three games remaining against the Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cincinnati Bengals, the Browns face an uphill climb to reach even a fourth win. Each matchup will test the team’s resilience and ability to compete against playoff-bound opponents. Beyond wins and losses, Cleveland must contend with organizational issues stemming from past decisions, including the Deshaun Watson trade and extension, which have left lingering questions about roster construction and long-term planning. Stefanski and his staff will need to balance player development, especially at quarterback, with the desire to end the season on a more positive note. Establishing cohesion, limiting mistakes, and providing meaningful reps for younger players will be key priorities. Ultimately, the 2025 season has reinforced concerns about the Browns’ direction. While the franchise has shown potential at times, the combination of coaching decisions, quarterback instability, and roster challenges has left Cleveland struggling to find consistency.