Dec 8, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Browns staying with Jameis Winston as QB1 despite no playoffs

The Cleveland Browns have no mathematical chance to make the playoffs, but their focus remains on winning games rather than evaluating talent on the bench, according to coach Kevin Stefanski.

The Browns will keep Jameis Winston as the starting quarterback this week when they host the Kansas City Chiefs, Stefanski said Monday.

With Deshaun Watson lost for the season due to a ruptured right Achilles tendon, the alternative to Winston would be to start 2023 fifth-round draft pick Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who made three starts during his rookie campaign.

“Our focus right now is just trying to find ways to get a win,” Stefanski said, throwing cold water on the idea that the Browns might give Thompson-Robinson late-season game reps.

The Browns (3-10) were 1-6 in Watson’s seven starts and have beaten the division rival Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers since Winston took over. But they were eliminated from playoff contention Sunday when the Steelers got revenge in a 27-14 win over visiting Cleveland.

Winston, 30, has thrown for 1,975 yards with 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions across 11 games (six starts) this season. Thompson-Robinson got into three games earlier this year and went 11-for-25 passing for 82 yards and two interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Kevin Stefanski denies owner override as Browns stick with Deshaun Watson

No quarterback controversy exists in Cleveland, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. He’s sticking with Deshaun Watson as QB1 of the Browns.

Cleveland is 1-5 after a 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, and Watson insisted postgame the Browns “have to do something” after he was sacked five times and held below 200 passing yards for the sixth consecutive game.

“I think Deshaun gives us the best chance to win, continues to give us the best chance to win,” Stefanski said Monday as calls for Watson to be benched for backup Jameis Winston grew louder.

Stefanski said Browns owner Jimmy Haslam remains supportive and didn’t meddle in any football decisions, including the call to keep Watson atop the quarterback depth chart to face the Cincinnati Bengals (2-4) this week.

Watson was 16 of 29 for 154 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the 2023 opener against the Bengals, won by Cleveland 24-3.

“We have a good dialogue with myself, (general manager) Andrew (Berry), ownership. Any decision when it comes to football is my decision,” Stefanski said.

Between injuries on the offensive line and lagging production, Watson isn’t solely to blame for the Browns’ poor start.

The Browns are 30th in scoring (15.8 points per game), 32nd in sacks allowed (31) and tied for a league-low two rushing touchdowns.

Watson is 28th in the NFL in completion percentage (61.3) and tied for 25th with five touchdown passes.

–Field Level Media

Oct 13, 2024; London, United Kingdom; Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Pederson reacts during the first half against the Chicago Bears during an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Next NFL coach fired? Trio of favorites emerges

The proverbial first shoe dropped in the NFL head coaching carousel when the New York Jets fired Robert Saleh last week.

After Week 6 brought several more lackluster — and some blowout — losses by other highly disappointing teams, the seats have become increasingly hot under several other coaches.

The leading “candidate” to be the next coach fired is Jacksonville’s Doug Pederson, who is the odds-on favorite at -140 by SportsBetting.ag. The Jaguars, a preseason pick by many analysts to be a contender in the AFC, fell to 1-5 following a 19-point loss to the Bears at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Sunday.

The book is offering odds on 17 candidates, although it’s a small group that is reasonably facing potential pink slips in the near future.

NEXT NFL COACH FIRED ODDS*
Doug Pederson, Jaguars (-140)
Mike McCarthy, Cowboys (+400)
Kevin Stefanski, Browns (+550)
Antonio Pierce, Raiders (+600)
Zac Taylor, Bengals (+900)
Dennis Allen, Saints (+1600)
Nick Sirianni, Eagles (+1800)
Brian Daboll, Giants (+2000)
Brian Callahan, Titans (+3300)
Jerod Mayo, Patriots (+4500)
Matt Eberflus, Bears (+5000)
Shane Steichen, Colts (+5000)
Sean McVay, Rams (+5000)
Mike McDaniel, Dolphins (+5000)
Todd Bowles, Buccaneers (+6600)
Sean Payton, Broncos (+7500)
Dave Canales, Cardinals (+10000)
*SportsBetting.ag odds provided for entertainment purposes only.

Pederson said Monday that he doesn’t believe a coaching change is what’s needed for Jacksonville to turn its season around. He likely has another week to prove as much to owner Shad Khan with the Jaguars staying in London ahead of next weekend’s game against the New England Patriots (1-5). Khan gave Pederson a vote of confidence last week — before the 35-16 loss to the Bears.

The Jaguars are already on the brink of being out of the AFC playoff picture, and the road doesn’t get any easier when they return to the United States. They’ll play the Green Bay Packers (4-2) on Oct. 27, at Philadelphia (currently 3-2) in a primetime game on Nov. 3, undefeated Minnesota (5-0) on Nov. 10 and at the Detroit Lions (4-1) on Nov. 17 before Jacksonville’s bye in Week 12. On the other side is AFC South-leading Houston (5-1) on Dec. 1.

JERRY STAYING THE COURSE?
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones insisted he isn’t considering a coach change after Dallas was embarrassed 47-9 at home by Detroit on Sunday — his 82nd birthday.

“I’m not considering that. Just so you’re clear, I’m not considering that,” Jones said Sunday night.

At 3-3 entering the bye week, the Cowboys are winless at home and 3-0 on the road to sit in third place in the NFC East behind the Washington Commanders (4-2) and Philadelphia Eagles (3-2). Eleven NFC teams have three or more wins but Dallas has allowed 168 points for a score differential of minus-42. In the conference, that’s 15th out of 16 teams and better than only the 1-5 Carolina Panthers (203 points allowed).

The Cowboys expect to get injured All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons (ankle) and Pro Bowl cornerback DaRon Bland (foot) back after their bye, with defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) recovering on injured reserve.

CLEVELAND CONUNDRUM
Like Jacksonville, Cleveland was a popular preseason pick to give Kansas City and Buffalo a serious run in the AFC. Powered by last season’s stout defense and offseason additions that included wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, expectations were sky high.

However, the Browns are now also 1-5 after dropping their fourth consecutive game on Sunday. Cleveland has a minus-46 point differential, and there are calls for quarterback Deshaun Watson and his $230 million guaranteed contract to be benched.

Stefanski also finds himself on the hot seat just four months after signing a contract extension, and eight months after winning his second NFL Coach of the Year honor.

Cleveland does have an opportunity to right its ship, with three consecutive home games coming up. It begins Sunday with the Browns opening their AFC North slate against Cincinnati (2-4), and with the expectation of running back Nick Chubb returning to the lineup.

“The chance is there, the opportunity is there,” Watson said Sunday. “We’ve just got to take it one week at a time and just try to find a different way.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 6, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) and quarterback Jameis Winston (5) stand on the sideline during the fourth quarter of the game against the Washington Commanders at NorthWest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Browns’ Kevin Stefanski: ‘We’re not changing QBs’

The Cleveland Browns endured another dreadful offensive performance on Sunday in losing their third straight game, a 34-13 bludgeoning at the hands of the Washington Commanders.

But head coach Kevin Stefanski isn’t yet entertaining the notion of a quarterback switch.

“We’re not changing quarterbacks,” Stefanski said following the loss. “We need to play better. I need to coach better.”

The Browns (1-4) gained just 212 yards in failing to break 20 points for the fifth time in as many games.

Starting quarterback Deshaun Watson was sacked seven times, lost a fumble and managed just 125 yards through the air, throwing one garbage-time touchdown with his team trailing 34-6. Backup Jameis Winston came in briefly and completed his only pass for 16 yards.

Watson’s 74.8 passer rating this season is among the worst marks in the league, while the Browns as a team have failed to reach 300 total yards in any game this season.

“The offense is going to go as far as I go,” Watson said. “So, at the end of the day, we’re not doing enough offensively.”

During Watson’s time with the Houston Texas, he faced 24 claims of sexual misconduct from women, stemming from massage sessions. All but one of the cases were settled out of court, with the last one still pending. The NFL suspended him for the first 11 games of the 2022 season and fined him $5 million.

Watson was the recipient of new allegations last month, but hasn’t faced any disciplinary action as a result.

In 2022, he signed an NFL-record $230 million fully guaranteed deal with the Browns after the franchise traded for the troubled quarterback, with Cleveland restructuring that deal this offseason. Watson, 29, now has cap hits of $72.9 million in the 2025 and 2026 seasons, with $172 million and $99 million in dead cap hits in those years.

Next week, the Browns have a road trip to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles.

–Field Level Media

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson talks with head coach Kevin Stefanski after minicamp on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 in Canton.

Browns Hof 4

QB Deshaun Watson remains Cleveland’s centerpiece

Quarterback Deshaun Watson wraps up rehab on his surgically repaired shoulder before springtime and is on schedule to join the team at full strength for organized team activities.

“I’m confident he’ll be ready to roll this spring. He’s champing at the bit, but he’s doing everything he’s supposed to do when it comes to what the doctors are telling him and as he rehabs through this, but he’ll be ready to roll,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said.

Watson missed the late-season surge and wild-card playoff loss to the Houston Texans with the offense piloted by Joe Flacco. Flacco is unsigned for next season but Stefanski supports bringing the veteran back to the roster as Watson’s backup.

“I’d leave all those things up to obviously (GM) Andrew (Berry) in this offseason,” Stefanski said. “I will say this about Joe: Joe was awesome for this football team. He did a great job. Battled like crazy. I know he enjoyed it. We obviously wish (the playoff) outcome was different, but I have a ton of respect for Joe and what he was able to do.”

Flacco turns 39 on Tuesday and had five 300-yard games, including at Houston on Saturday, after signing as a free agent to join the practice squad on Nov. 20.

Watson had ankle and two separate shoulder injuries that kept him out of the lineup most of the 2023 season. He had surgery on his throwing shoulder in December. Watson served an 11-game suspension in his first season with the Browns.

But Stefanski said there’s not a doubt the organization still views him as a franchise quarterback. Cleveland’s first-round pick is again owed to the team that eliminated the Browns from the playoffs as part of the massive payment for the trade for Watson. Watson also signed a $230 million fully guaranteed contract.

“We feel really confident in the roster Andrew’s put together. And Deshaun’s a huge part of that,” Stefanski said.

“I mean 4-1 as a starter, some really great moments, that second half versus Baltimore is something that I don’t know how many people on Earth can do what he did with the injuries that he had in that second half. So very excited for him. He’s excited. I know he wants to get back healthy and he is well on his way to doing that.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 26, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) scrambles in the backfield in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Browns hold QB cards close to vest

Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski wants to sleep on his decision at quarterback before making the choice for Week 14 public.

The TBD atop the depth chart was needed after rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson was able to practice on Friday, his first in two weeks since suffering a concussion at Denver last month. Veteran Joe Flacco, who started last Sunday’s game, also is in contention to start.

“Both guys practiced this week,” Stefanski said Friday. “Both guys practiced well, and I have faith in both guys, but not going to name a starter.”

The Browns host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

The Jaguars are in a similar — yet different — spot with their own starting quarterback, unnamed as of Friday afternoon. Trevor Lawrence is recovering from a high-ankle sprain suffered in Monday’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He was limited in practice Thursday and Friday and wants to play in the game for Jacksonville (8-4), one of three AFC South teams currently in the seven-team playoff picture in the conference.

But head coach Doug Pederson said Lawrence is “probably” a game-time decision, one that will include medical personnel and could go down to the hours before kickoff in Ohio.

Stefanski said the quarterback he doesn’t start on Sunday would be the backup, with PJ Walker acting as the No. 3.

Flacco didn’t look uncomfortable last week in a loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Pressed into the starting role 14 days after signing with the team as a street free agent, Flacco had the Browns driving for the go-ahead score, trailing 20-19 in the fourth quarter, when he threw an interception.

His most recent start at Cleveland came last season, when he led the New York Jets to a 31-30 victory over the Browns in Week 2.

Thompson-Robinson lost two of his three starts this season, guiding the Browns to a Week 11 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers but losing to the Baltimore Ravens and Broncos.

–Field Level Media

Oct 22, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) drops back to pass the ball in the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Coach stands by QB Deshaun Watson as Browns’ leader

Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski asserted Monday that quarterback Deshaun Watson remains “the leader” of the Browns.

Watson did not return to Sunday’s 39-38 win over the Indianapolis Colts despite being cleared after a concussion check in the first quarter.

Stefanski insisted after the game that he was protecting Watson, who had missed the two previous games with a shoulder injury.

Stefanski repeated that sentiment on Monday.

“I’m always going to be protective of my players, especially at the quarterback position,” Stefanski said. “Just felt like the right thing in that moment was to hold him out of that game.”

Watson completed just 1 of 5 passes for 5 yards with an interception before leaving. He was replaced by P.J. Walker, who guided the Browns (4-2) to a victory for the second straight week.

Stefanski declared after the game that Watson would be back for Sunday’s road game against the Seattle Seahawks (4-2).

“He’s our starter moving forward,” Stefanski said. “He’s our starter in Seattle. I just — it’s always going to be my decision to protect our players.”

Watson said after the game that he accepted Stefanski’s decision to keep him on the bench.

“I want to compete. I’m a competitor,” Watson said. “I want to go out there and try to help the team as much as possible, and go out there and play and perform and compete. But the decision was best for the team and they felt that was the best, and P.J. did a great job of finishing the game.”

Walker was 15-of-32 passing for 178 yards and one interception against the Colts.

Watson, 28, has completed 61.7 percent of his passes for 683 yards, four touchdowns and three picks in four starts this season.

–Field Level Media

Sep 12, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (27) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Browns coach: RB Kareem Hunt will play Sunday

Newly re-signed running back Kareem Hunt will see action Sunday for the Cleveland Browns against the Tennessee Titans.

“Kareem’s going to play. He’s ready to play,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said Friday.

How much he plays remains to be determined as the Browns adjust to the loss of four-time 1,000-yard rusher Nick Chubb to a season-ending knee injury.

Hunt, 28, signed a reported one-year deal worth up to $4 million on Wednesday to rejoin Cleveland, where he played the previous four seasons.

Hunt has rushed for 4,025 yards and 31 touchdowns and caught 211 passes for 1,806 yards and 17 TDs in 76 games (36 starts) with the Kansas City Chiefs (2017-18) and Browns.

Hunt led the NFL with 1,327 rushing yards as a Chiefs rookie in 2017, earning a Pro Bowl selection and Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Kansas City drafted the Ohio native in the third round out of Toledo.

While Hunt’s role is unclear, Stefanski said multiple times this week that Jerome Ford will be the featured back for the Browns (1-1) on Sunday against the visiting Titans (1-1).

–Field Level Media

Cleveland Browns quarterback Jacoby Brissett watches from the sideline during the NFL football team's training camp in Berea on Tuesday.

Brissett Camp 2

Browns shift attention to readying Jacoby Brissett

Jacoby Brissett is sliding up from the second chair in the quarterback room again as the Cleveland Browns shift from bracing for Deshaun Watson’s ban to preparing to play into October without him.

Brissett, 29, said his preparation won’t change a great deal other than the expectation that more of the first-team reps are coming his way with Watson expected to be suspended six games for violating the NFL’s off-field conduct policy.

“Since I’ve been in this league it’s been the next man up,” Brissett said of getting ready for Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers. “That was the case my rookie year, so that experience helps with not only the playing but with the mindset of understanding that you’ve got to be ready whenever your number is called.”

Brissett brings a wealth of starting experience from his stints with the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins. Behind him is former first-round pick Josh Rosen, and the Browns still could add an arm during Watson’s suspension.

But head coach Kevin Stefanski said he plans to allow his preparation to remain day-to-day.

“I’ve just tried to be where my feet are,” Stefanski said of the mindset not to get ahead of himself with hypothetical challenges.

But having Brissett makes that possible. He started five games last year as Tua Tagovailoa’s backup in Miami and made 30 total starts with the Colts from 2017-20.

“He has a very good way about him,” Stefanski said. “Very, very intelligent. Very good leader. Has the ability to make plays on the practice field, help in the meeting room. Be accountable throughout the weight room. He just does all the right things.”

–Field Level Media

Dec 12, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski talks on his headset during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Browns’ outbreak claims QB Baker Mayfield, coach Kevin Stefanski

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield and head coach Kevin Stefanski tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, joining a growing list of players and coaches at risk of missing Saturday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Mayfield has been a frequent name on the team’s injury report with shoulder and leg ailments and tested positive Wednesday. The Browns confirmed Stefanski and Mayfield were positive and six total players were added to the reserve/COVID-19 list: cornerback Troy Hill, safety John Johnson III, defensive tackle Malik McDowell, defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo and Mayfield.

The 39-year-old Stefanski also tested positive before Cleveland’s Jan. 10 playoff win over the Steelers, and as of Wednesday was one of at least 10 in the organization unable to participate in-person. Per the Browns, that number of breakthrough cases is expected to grow after more testing at the team facility.

Mayfield is vaccinated, he said in September. Vaccinated players and staff would need to produce two negative COVID-19 tests to be cleared for Saturday’s home game.

Running backs coach Ryan Cordell and eight players are positive, the team confirmed, and special teams coordinator Mike Priefer will serve as head coach. Priefer filled the same role when Stefanski missed the team’s wild-card victory.

“This morning’s testing round has produced additional positive COVID-19 results. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski, who has been vaccinated and received a booster, has tested positive and has immediately self-isolated. He is feeling fine and will continue his head coaching duties virtually as we prepare for the Las Vegas Raiders game on Saturday. Should Coach Stefanski not produce two negative tests by Saturday, special teams coordinator Mike Priefer will serve as acting head coach and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt will serve as the play caller in Saturday’s game. Additionally, acting running backs coach Ryan Cordell has tested positive. Our player round of testing is still being conducted and any player transactions related to COVID-19 reserve will be updated and announced once finalized.”

Monday and Tuesday were record days across the NFL for reserve/COVID transactions.

The NHL and NBA were also hit hard and began postponing games due to the spreading virus.

To date, the NFL hasn’t missed a regular-season game in 2021 because of the coronavirus.

–Field Level Media