Browns Coach Stefanski Hands Play-Calling to OC Tommy Rees
The Cleveland Browns are facing significant challenges in their current season, leading to a crucial change in their offensive strategy. Head coach Kevin Stefanski announced that Tommy Rees, the first-year offensive coordinator, will assume play-calling duties starting with the upcoming game against the New York Jets.
Change in Play-Calling Duties
This decision comes after a dismal start to the season, where the Browns have managed a worrying record of 2-6. Stefanski emphasized the need to create explosive plays and address ongoing issues, which have affected the team’s performance with multiple quarterback changes and seven variations in the offensive line throughout their first eight games.
Current Team Statistics
- Yards per play: 4.1 (last in the league)
- Total yards per game: 263.5 (31st in the league)
- Points per game: 15.8 (30th in the league)
Offensive Struggles
Rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel has faced difficulties, primarily relying on short passes during his first four starts. The receiving corps has struggled, particularly with No. 1 receiver Jerry Jeudy having no catches in the recent loss against the New England Patriots.
Running back Quinshon Judkins has also compounded the offensive woes. After showing promise, he left the last game due to a shoulder injury but returned to practice. This lack of effective running has hindered the overall offensive performance.
Recent Performance and Changes
The Browns’ performance dipped significantly during a stretch of 11 games, failing to exceed 17 points from Week 13 of the previous season to a 31-6 victory over Miami in Week 7. Last season, Stefanski relinquished play-calling duties midseason, leading to the firing of then-offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey.
Rees, who has experience calling plays at prestigious programs like Notre Dame and Alabama, has his work cut out for him as the Browns seek to improve. They previously benched quarterback Joe Flacco after a promising start and traded him to the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite a rocky debut, Gabriel’s potential remains, but consistency is crucial for the Browns moving forward.
Upcoming Expectations
In preparation for the game against the Jets, improvements in the wide receiver performance and offensive execution will be vital. With the return of Cedric Tillman from injury, the Browns hope to enhance their offensive capabilities.
Stefanski expressed his confidence in Rees, stating, “He is more than capable. The bottom line is, we have to get better collectively.” As the Browns embark on this new chapter under Rees’ guidance, fans will be keen to see if this change can turn their season around.
