The Opening Drive 11/12: Things I Think I Know About The Browns: Week 11 Edition
Malachi Corley is demanding a real opportunity, plus more calculated moves to evaluate youth at key positions, and Stefanski's fate independent of Berry's.
Malachi Corley Is Forcing His Way Into More Playing Time
It’s becoming increasingly difficult for the Browns’ coaching staff to keep Malachi Corley off the field. Every time he gets the ball, he injects life into an otherwise stagnant offense. His acceleration and tough running style are turning his opportunities into significant gains, and his energy stands out on a team that has been searching for a spark.
Corley isn’t just a gadget player; he’s a true playmaker who demands attention. If the Browns are serious about developing this offense for the future, they should feature him heavily for the rest of the season. I would much rather see Corley get reps alongside Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, and Jamari Thrash than some other players on the depth chart. His toughness and physical play style have earned him the chance to carve out a role on this team. At just 23 years old, the Browns should give him the rest of the season to audition for a spot next year.
It’s Time to See What Luke Wypler and Zac Zinter Can Do
The current season presents an ideal opportunity to assess the young offensive linemen. Luke Wypler and Zac Zinter were drafted to be key components of the team’s future, and the only way to truly evaluate their potential is to give them playing time. The existing offensive line has faced inconsistency and injuries throughout the year. By inserting developmental players like Zinter and Wypler into the lineup, the team can determine if they are viable options for the offensive line next season while also providing them with crucial experience. If the organization seeks clarity for the upcoming 2026 season, these final games are the perfect time to gain that insight.
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Kevin Stefanski Can’t Come Back From This — But Andrew Berry Might
The situation for Kevin Stefanski is becoming increasingly dire. The team lacks inspiration, the offense is disorganized, and trust between the coaching staff and the players seems to be breaking down. This issue goes beyond just one game; it reflects a troubling pattern. Stefanski has reached a point where even small successes cannot alter the impending outcome.
On the other hand, Andrew Berry may be able to weather the storm. While he has made mistakes, his overall approach to roster construction and salary cap management provides ownership with a reason to retain him. If the Haslams prefer a controlled reset rather than a complete overhaul, Berry might get an opportunity to lead the next phase of the team’s transition—just not with Stefanski as head coach.
Dillon Gabriel’s Last Start Before the Shedeur Sanders Era
This Sunday marks what should be Dillon Gabriel’s final start before Shedeur Sanders takes over in Week 12 against the Raiders. Gabriel’s best performance came in his first game against the Vikings; however, he has struggled to show improvement over the last four games, consistently missing easy throws. The Browns’ offense is already a weak unit, and Gabriel’s play is holding them back even further.
While we are uncertain about Sanders’ readiness to step in, it’s hard to imagine he could perform worse than Gabriel has. It makes sense to wait an extra week before throwing Sanders into his first game, opting for his first to come against the Raiders instead of the Ravens. However, its’s past time that Stefanski give Sanders his chance. While there’s no guarantee that Sanders will perform better, it’s important to see what he can offer. There is nothing to be gained by continuing to run Gabriel out there every week.
The Browns are looking to take a big swing at quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, but they need to assess Sanders’ capabilities first. The ideal time for this change may have been during the bye week, but this is the next best opportunity to make the switch.
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