The Cleveland Browns are utilizing their bye week to address significant issues within their offense as they prepare to face the New York Jets on November 9 at MetLife Stadium. Head coach Kevin Stefanski and his coaching staff are focused on revitalizing a unit that has struggled, scoring just 126 points this season, placing them 30th in the NFL. Currently sitting last in the AFC North with a record of 2-6, the Browns are in dire need of improvement.
A year ago, the Browns finished with a disappointing 3-14 record, where wide receiver Jerry Jeudy emerged as a key player, leading the team with 90 catches for 1,229 yards and four touchdowns. This season, his performance has significantly declined, with only 22 catches for 257 yards and no touchdowns after eight games. If this trend continues, he is projected to end the season with just 47 catches for 546 yards.
“Obviously, we’re not doing enough,” Stefanski stated during a Zoom call on October 27. He emphasized the need to explore various routes and concepts to maximize player efficiency and explosiveness. “It’s not lost on me that Jerry’s our best player at that position, and we have to get him the ball,” he added, underscoring the importance of placing players in optimal positions.
In a potential boost for the receiving corps, Cedric Tillman is expected to return from injured reserve after missing four games due to a hamstring injury. Despite the upcoming trade deadline on November 4, the Browns may not need to make external acquisitions to enhance their offense.
The team’s struggles were evident in their recent 32-13 loss to the New England Patriots, where Jeudy was targeted just twice without a catch. Following the game, he opted not to speak to reporters, highlighting the frustration felt within the locker room. Pro Bowl guard Joel Bitonio acknowledged this frustration, stating, “If you aren’t frustrated at this point as a member of the team, I think that’s a red flag.”
Stefanski has reiterated his commitment to rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who has a 1-3 record in four starts this season. Gabriel is averaging only 4.9 yards per attempt, with a longest completion of just 24 yards. In contrast, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye averaged nine yards per attempt in the same game, completing 18 of 24 passes for 282 yards and three touchdowns against the Browns.
“Playing well on offense is about 11 guys on the field, and us as coaches doing our job,” Stefanski remarked. He emphasized that improvement must be a collective effort. The bye week presents a critical opportunity for the coaching staff to reassess strategies and implement changes.
Additionally, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders did not play against the Patriots due to back stiffness, but Stefanski expressed optimism regarding his recovery. The bye week is expected to aid in his rehabilitation as the team looks to develop both Gabriel and Sanders for the remainder of the season.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has publicly expressed his desire for both quarterbacks to gain valuable experience in the regular season, indicating a commitment to their development as the team navigates this challenging phase of the season. As the Browns regroup, all eyes will be on how they emerge from the bye and what changes they implement to enhance their offensive performance.
