Dawg Pound Daily
FanSided

Cleveland Browns: Grading head coach Kevin Stefanski at the first quarter mark

By Casey Kinnamon

Sep 17, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) talks with head coach Kevin Stefanski during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) talks with head coach Kevin Stefanski during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Cleveland Browns
Sep 27, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) talks with head coach Kevin Stefanski during the second half against the Washington Football Team at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Play-Calling

Cleveland the players in place to be successful, but in the NFL that is not enough. Without a proper scheme that fits your personnel and an educated understanding of your opponents’ strengths and weaknesses, you can find yourself stuck in neutral.

Stefanski’s play calling is methodical. He calls everything with intentionality and purpose. The structure of his offense builds upon itself and gains momentum as the game unfolds. Through Stefanski’s play-calling, the Browns were able to establish an identity in the second game of the season, and that identity has only been solidified in the following two games.

Stefanski adheres to the players over plays adage. Following that philosophy frees him up and allows him to dial up things that can catch an opponent off guard.

Playcalling first quarter grade: A

In-game Operations

This is an area that has plagued the Browns for two decades. Competency is a prerequisite for successful in-game operations. At no time this season has an ill-timed timeout or an ill-advised challenge placed the Browns in a disadvantageous position.

The fact that Cleveland has had zero unintentional delays of game penalties is a direct result of successful in-game operations. For a first-time head coach to have command of this aspect of the game is truly impressive and is a direct indication that Stefanski was indeed ready for this opportunity.

In-game operations first quarter grade: A+

Home/Browns News