The Cleveland Browns suffered their 26th loss in 32 games, falling to the Buffalo Bills 23-20 on December 21, 2025, at Huntington Bank Field. This defeat has intensified scrutiny on head coach Kevin Stefanski, raising questions about his future with the team. The Browns’ struggles are compounded by a series of injuries that have plagued their roster, particularly among key offensive players.
Rookie running back Quinshon Judkins sustained a dislocated right ankle and a fractured fibula during the game, adding to the team’s injury woes. Fellow rookie Dylan Sampson was already sidelined due to a hand injury, and tight end David Njoku missed a second consecutive week with a knee issue. These setbacks have left Shedeur Sanders, who stepped in as quarterback earlier in the season, with limited options as he attempts to lead a struggling offense.
In a pivotal moment during the game, with the Browns trailing by three points and just over five minutes remaining, Stefanski opted to go for it on fourth-and-two from their own 44-yard line. The decision backfired when edge rusher Greg Rousseau sacked Sanders, effectively ending any chance of a comeback. Sanders completed 20 of 29 passes for 157 yards and a touchdown, but his performance also included two interceptions and three sacks, showcasing the pressure faced by him and the team in critical moments.
Sanders, who has been adjusting to the rigors of starting after replacing Joe Flacco—traded to the Bengals in early October—acknowledged the need to improve. “I just gotta probably just get the ball out a little quicker,” he remarked after the game. His comments reflected a mix of personal accountability and frustration with the performance of his offensive line, which has shown inconsistency throughout the season.
The challenges facing the Browns extend beyond individual player performance. With a record of 3-12 this season, the organization’s leadership structure is under scrutiny. Owner Jimmy Haslam has yet to announce plans regarding Stefanski’s future or that of general manager Andrew Berry. The likelihood of a coaching change remains high, particularly as the team prepares for the final two games of the season.
Despite the disappointing results, there were signs of effort from the Browns against the Bills, especially when compared to their performance in a prior matchup against the Bears. As the team looks ahead, Sanders aims to gain valuable experience, viewing these challenging moments as opportunities for growth: “If you’re going to give me grief, give me now, because I know in the future, all these are building blocks,” he stated.
The upcoming game against the Steelers on December 28 will be critical for the Browns. With only two matches left in the season, questions about the future of the coaching staff and the direction of the franchise loom large. Whether Stefanski will remain at the helm or resign in search of a fresh start remains to be seen, but it is clear that significant changes may be required to address the ongoing struggles of the Browns.
