The Opening Drive 11/15:Tommy Rees Showed in One Week What Kevin Stefanski Hasn’t All Season
Although Rees may not be the long-term solution, it certainly suggests that Kevin Stefanski isn't either.
The Browns didn’t suddenly become an offensive powerhouse against the Jets, but one thing was clear: Tommy Rees brought more creativity in one game than Kevin Stefanski managed in the first nine weeks of the season.
Rees’ debut as play-caller wasn’t perfect, but it was intentional. He rolled Dillon Gabriel out of the pocket, utilized the quarterback’s athleticism, schemed opportunities for Jerry Jeudy, and injected motion and tempo that the Browns hadn’t demonstrated all year.
Even when Rees made a mistake—like the 4th-and-1 pass—he took immediate responsibility. This sense of accountability marked a significant shift from the deflection and stagnation that has characterized Stefanski’s most recent run as the architect of this offense.
In contrast, Stefanski’s game plans have become predictable and stifling. The Browns consistently lined up the same way, called the same concepts, and hoped that the same failing plays would somehow begin to work. They didn’t, and while some of that has to do with the players at his disposal, that is the job he is tasked with. After nine games, the Browns ranked near the bottom of the league in points, yards, and explosive plays. The best use of personnel is achieved when a coach applies their system in a way that adapts to their players; instead, it feels like we have seen players expected to fit into Stefanski’s system.
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Rees changed that in just one week. He didn’t overhaul the roster or fix the quarterback situation, but he tailored the offense to the strengths of the players he has. For the first time this season, the Browns appeared to be actively seeking solutions rather than passively waiting for them to emerge.
One game doesn’t make Rees the long-term solution, but it highlights a critical issue: under Stefanski, the Browns’ offense stopped evolving. It stopped attacking and stopped generating new ideas.
Rees didn’t light up the scoreboard, but he demonstrated imagination, flexibility, and intent. That alone made the offense appear more cohesive than anything we’ve seen all year under Stefanski.
If nothing else, Sunday made one thing clear: the Browns needed a new voice. For the first time in a long time, the offense actually sounded different, which should be a sign of even more significant change to come in the offseason.
Browns Film Breakdown will return later today with your Saturday Prospect Spotlight.
Season? How about years?