<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-stefanski">Kevin Stefanski</a> had been chosen as coach of the year last season and for a long time received nothing but praise for his work on the Cleveland Browns. In the 2024 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a> season the situation is different. His team has a 2-8 record and his role is mired in criticism, mostly before a crucial game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.



A two-game losing streak is not the best prelude to facing the best team in the division. Sitting in last place in the AFC North are Stefanski’s Browns with a 2-8 record, the complete opposite of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cleveland-browns">Steelers</a>‘ 8-2 mark.



Last year’s regular season reflected a different reality for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cleveland-browns">Browns</a>. Stefanski’s team finished second and made the playoffs with an 11-6 record, including a win over Pittsburgh. This year, Stefanski knows that those days are now behind him, and he must defend his position in the face of criticism.



<h2>Stefanski was clear about his future as Cleveland Browns coach</h2>



“I’m smart enough not to listen to outside noise about my work. I grew up listening to that, that’s life in the big city. My only goal is to prepare the Browns to get a win,” Stefanski clarified about his present and future as Cleveland’s head coach.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241120_BUS_276003_Kevin-Stefanski-1-1024x576_1e888866.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Kevin Stefanski HC" class="wp-image-236088" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Kevin-Stefanski-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Kevin-Stefanski-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Kevin-Stefanski-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Kevin-Stefanski-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Kevin-Stefanski-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski prior to a Wild Card playoff game between the Cleveland Browns and the Houston Texans in Houston, TX.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Stefanski’s contract extension</h2>



In June of this year, in the lead-up to a new NFL season, the Browns secured Stefanski’s continuity by signing a contract extension for him and general manager Andrew Berry, retaining the duo that began working in Cleveland in 2020. This campaign was not the best for the 42-year-old head coach, who has plenty of credit to show what a positive presence he can be for the franchise.


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<h2>Stefanski’s arrival: a before and after for the Browns</h2>



Stefanski has led the Browns tactically since the 2020 season, when he was named Head Coach of the Year. Since then, a franchise that had struggled to find its way in the league has gone 39-38 in the regular season (37-30 prior to the current campaign).



The duo of Berry and Stefanski know they can’t live in the past. Since 2020, and prior to the start of the current season, the Browns had the highest winning percentage (.552) for the club in a four-year period since the 1986-1989 stretch. There is no doubt that overall it is a positive cycle, but in 2024 the criticism is a wake-up call just hours before a Thursday Night Football matchup against the Steelers that does not look encouraging.

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NFL News: Browns HC Kevin Stefanski makes something clear on his future ahead of game vs Steelers - Bolavip US

miniaturas

Cleveland Browns quarterback <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/deshaun-watson">Deshaun Watson</a> is out for the rest of the year with a torn Achilles tendon. Since confirming the severity of his injury, head coach Kevin Stefanski has been working to find a replacement, with the pressure on to face Baltimore Ravens with Lamar Jackson on the field in the next divisional game of the 2024 NFL season.



Watson was injured in the second quarter of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cleveland-browns">Browns</a>‘ 14-21 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7 of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a> season. The play was certainly dramatic as the 29-year-old quarterback attempted to run but fell with no support in his right leg. Once on the ground, he grabbed his ankle and was taken off in an ambulance.



With that in mind, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lamar-jackson">Stefanski</a> confirmed during a press conference that the quarterback who will replace Watson is Jameis Winston. The former New Orleans Saints player’s name makes sense as he has appeared in five of the seven weeks of the season.



It will be a crucial test for Winston as he takes on <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lamar-jackson">Jackson</a> in the quarterback battle next Sunday. He will have his fans on his side, but the challenge will be complex as he faces an MVP candidate. In the current season, Watson’s future replacement completed half of his attempted passes (6 of 12).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241023_BUS_258210_Winston-1024x576_1910c374.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-258259" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Winston-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Winston-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Winston-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Winston-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Winston-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Winston-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Winston-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Winston.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jameis Winston of the Cleveland Browns</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Winston’s big chance in the midst of an injury crisis</h2>



Winston will be the starting quarterback thanks to the Browns’ injury crisis at the position. In addition to Watson’s serious injury, backup Dorian Thompson-Robinson is out with a finger injury to his throwing hand. The injury crisis opens the door for the 30-year-old quarterback to be the starter for the Browns, who are looking to turn things around after losing five straight and sitting in last place in the AFC North with a 1-6 record.


 

 

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<h2>Cleveland Browns sign backup quarterback to fill Watson’s absence</h2>



The Browns went to work signing a replacement for Watson. Although Stefanski has already decided that Winston will be the starting quarterback against the Ravens, the front office signed backup Bailey Zappe from the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad.



Zappe began his professional career in 2022 when he joined the New England Patriots. The 25-year-old quarterback appeared in 14 games with eight starts over the past two seasons before signing with the Chiefs after being released by the Patriots this summer. During that time, he recorded 192 pass completions on 304 pass attempts for 2,053 passing yards and 11 passing touchdowns.

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NFL News: Browns HC Kevin Stefanski reveals Deshaun Watson’s substitute vs Lamar Jackson's Ravens - Bolavip US

The Cleveland Browns have struggled to get off to a good start this 2024 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a> season, with a 1-4 record and three consecutive losses. Kevin Stefanski‘s side have conceded 20 points or more in each of their four defeats, so a pep talk from a key figure such as quarterback <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/deshaun-watson">Deshaun Watson</a> is needed to boost morale.



The 34-13 loss to the Washington Commanders set off alarm bells for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cleveland-browns">Browns</a>. In that performance, Watson completed 15 of 28 passes for 125 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. His throws failed to make a significant impact on the opposing defense, prompting the quarterback to speak out about the playbook.



“We believe in Kevin, he’s been doing play calls for multiple years in his league. There’s no faith or love lost in Kevin calling plays. We think he’s the best player-caller in the league”, Watson strongly clarified to Cleveland.com about <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-stefanski">Stefanski</a>.



“As the overall leader of this offense, I have to make sure that everybody is there so that we can execute the plays that he calls for, so that we can show that he’s the guy that we believe in and that the world and the NFL world knows that he’s one of the best in the game,” sentenced Watson.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241010_BUS_249256_Deshaun-Watson-quarterback-of-the-Cleveland-Browns-1024x576_091d12e8.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Deshaun Watson, quarterback of the Cleveland Browns" class="wp-image-247323" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Deshaun-Watson-quarterback-of-the-Cleveland-Browns-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Deshaun-Watson-quarterback-of-the-Cleveland-Browns-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Deshaun-Watson-quarterback-of-the-Cleveland-Browns-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Deshaun-Watson-quarterback-of-the-Cleveland-Browns-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Deshaun-Watson-quarterback-of-the-Cleveland-Browns.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Deshaun Watson, quarterback of the Cleveland Browns</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Deshaun Watson’s performance in the 2024 NFL</h2>



Watson remains focused on his time with the Browns, despite rumors of a possible trade that would be complicated by his significant salary. This season, the 29-year-old quarterback has completed 106 of 176 passes for 852 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions. 


 

 

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<h2>What’s next for the Cleveland Browns?</h2>



Quarterback Deshaun Watson’s Browns will look to snap a three-game losing streak when they visit the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6 of the 2024 NFL season on Sunday afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field.

NFL News: Deshaun Watson recovers key weapon on the Cleveland Browns

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NFL News: Browns QB Deshaun Watson makes something clear to HC Kevin Stefanski amid slow start - Bolavip US

The Cleveland Browns‘ victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2 of the NFL boosted the morale of a team that had been reeling from a season-opening loss. However, the foot injury to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/myles-garrett">Myles Garrett</a> remains a concern for both the player and the staff, and HC Kevin Stefanski made it clear regarding the situation.



After the game, in which<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/deshaun-watson"> DeShaun Watson</a> led the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cleveland-browns">Browns</a> to a decisive 18-13 victory over the home team Jaguars, Garrett experienced discomfort from the foot injury that will keep him sidelined during practice.



In his usual Monday press conference, it was none other than head coach Kevin Stefanski who addressed the situation of one of his star players: “I mean, we can obviously treat — all these guys, we can treat the injury, you can rest.



“And then there’s a lot of guys that are playing through a ton of things and Myles is no different. He’s done that in his career when I’ve been with him. He plays through things, and he’ll just continue to get better and treat the injury.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240917_BUS_236070_Kevin-Stefanski-1-1024x576_dc6a0361.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Kevin Stefanski HC" class="wp-image-236088" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Kevin-Stefanski-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Kevin-Stefanski-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Kevin-Stefanski-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Kevin-Stefanski-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Kevin-Stefanski-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski prior to a Wild Card playoff game between the Cleveland Browns and the Houston Texans in Houston, TX.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Myles Garrett sensations after Browns game against Jaguars</h2>



After the game in which the Browns decisively defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars, Myles Garrett addressed his health status and the conditions in which he finished the game. On several occasions, he was seen kneeling and also spending time on the sidelines without seeing any playing time.


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“Didn’t feel great,” said Garrett said of his foot after the game. “Been battling it and there were some ups, some downs with it. Sometimes it felt a little bit better, sometimes it felt a bit worse. But, it’s part of the game.”



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Myles Garrett says his foot "didn&apos;t feel great today" but was determined to play through it today in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Browns?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Browns</a> win <a href="https://t.co/ifsiI9XeZe">pic.twitter.com/ifsiI9XeZe</a>— 𝚂𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚛 𝙶𝚎𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚗 (@Spencito_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Spencito_/status/1835427157406781877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2024</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>What’s next for the Cleveland Browns?</h2>



After starting the NFL season with a 1-1 record, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-stefanski">Stefanski</a>‘s squad will face a series of tough matchups that will ultimately determine what the Browns are capable of this season.



<ul><li>vs New York Giants, Week 3</li><li>vs Las Vegas Raiders, Week 4</li><li>vs Washington Commanders, Week 5</li><li>vs Philadelphia Eagles, Week 6</li><li>vs Cincinnati Bengals, Week 7</li></ul>

NFL News: HC Kevin Stefanski makes something clear about Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett injury

NFL News: HC Kevin Stefanski makes something clear about Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett injury - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cleveland-browns" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Browns</a> lost way more than just their divisional clash vs. the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pittsburgh-steelers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pittsburgh Steelers. </a>The game also cost them one of the best running backs in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nfl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Football League</a>.



Superstar running back Nick Chubb is set to miss the remainder of the season, with HC Kevin Stefanski admitting that he’s currently suffering from a ‘very significant’ knee injury.



“<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nick-chubb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nick’s</a> got a very significant knee injury,” Stefanski said postgame. “You feel for the person. He’s a great football player as we know, but he’s an even better person. We will support him every step of the way.”



<h2>Nick Chubb’s Contract</h2>



Chubb is currently set to make $10,850,000 this season, and as a potential opt out next offseason. Should he decide to stay with the team, he’d be in for $11,775,000 next season before becoming a free agent.



He had signed a three-year deal worth a total of $36,000,000 with the Browns, including $20,000,000 fully guaranteed, being the fourth-highest earning running back in the league.


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The Browns will now try to ride with backup RB Jerome Ford, who had a very solid game filling in for Chubb. They could also dig deep into the free agency market to get more depth at the position.

Kevin Stefanski

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NFL News: Browns QB Deshaun Watson makes something clear to HC Kevin Stefanski amid slow start

NFL News: HC Kevin Stefanski makes something clear about Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett injury

Nick Chubb's injury is 'very significant,' Browns coach confirms