4 Browns whose stock is down after Week 16 Jets disaster

1. Kevin Stefanski

Baker Mayfield threw 53 passes, far too many for a team that was down it’s top four receivers. Of course, the Browns had to amp up the passing game when trailing in the second half, however, Stefanski got a way from the Browns game plan way too early.

When the game was 13-3, Stefanski all but abounded the rushing attack, as Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt mustered just four yards on eight attempts. The running backs finished with net 45 rushing yards. Pounding the ball is the Cleveland’s way of life, and the lousy Jets–of all teams–are the ones that forced Stefanski to get away from their signature style.

Chubb finished with 11 attempts, good for 28 yards, while Hunt added 11 yards on four carries. Each had a touchdown.

When the film of this game is dug up from the catacombs of the Factory of Sadness, fans will wonder why Stefanski leaned so heavily on his passing attack when his troops were not at full strength.

Mayfield threw on 9 of the team’s first 11 plays, all to backs and tight ends. Chubb mustered 0 yards on his first five carries.

Stefanski’s call was the equivalent of going to the store and buying bread, without the butter. The Browns denied their identity and played to a weakness, a setback they could never overcome.

Stefanski will bounce back. He’s a bonafide coach of the year candidate and personally, I think he’s the right choice for the Browns. Think of all the teams who will be looking for a coach this winter who wish they had Stefanski.

The decision to sneak Mayfield, a third time, was also questionable on the final drive. It had already worked twice. I knew it was coming, so you bet the Jets knew it was coming. This team has Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Perhaps they would’ve been the better option.

There’s plenty to rant about, but onSunday, with the playoffs on the line, proved not to be the first year head coach’s day.