Former NFL QB Puts Full Blame on Browns Week 5 Loss on 1 Person
Robert Griffin III, a former NFL quarterback, has put the Cleveland Browns‘ Week 5 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on one person.
The Browns fell short on Sunday, losing 21-17 to the Vikings, as Minnesota scored a touchdown with 25 seconds left to take the lead. It was a heartbreaking loss for Cleveland, which hadn’t trailed in the game until that point.
Although some Browns players have taken blame for the loss, Griffin III believes the full blame goes on Kevin Stefanski.
The Cleveland Browns had a Rookie QB in Dillon Gabriel making his first career start and threw 2 TDs with no turnovers on foreign soil,” Griffin III wrote on X. “Had a rookie running back run for 110 yards. Had a defense force 2 turnovers and get 3 sacks. And still lost. That’s a coaching issue.”
It’s a fair point from Griffin III as he believes the Browns should have won the game against the Vikings. And, the former second overall pick doesn’t believe Stefanski did a good job coaching, and that ultimately led to the loss.
Stefanski has been the Browns‘ coach since 2020, going 41-48, but he has just two winning seasons.
Browns Fans Call for Stefanski to be Fired
Following Cleveland’s loss to the Vikings, Browns fans called for Stefanski to be fired.
Cleveland fans were disappointed with the loss and Stefanski’s clock management and how he called the game.
“Seriously, fire Kevin Stefanski before he boards the plane,” a fan wrote. “Leave him in England. He called TWO timeouts with 1:10 left in the game, Vikings ball, with Minnesota needing to go 27 yards with only 1 TO left. He literally helped them out by stopping the clock. Worst clock mgt ever.”
“The EXCUSES are DONE for Kevin Stefanski! Time to wake up people! The Browns haven’t scored 20 points in an NFL game in nearly a calendar year!! New QB, doesn’t matter! Judkins killing it on the ground, doesn’t matter! Same putrid offense. FIRE STEFANSKI!!!!,” a fan added.
The Browns are off to a 1-4 start, but Stefanski likely won’t be fired after the loss to the Vikings as fans want.
“First time I’ll say it since he got here: Fire Stefanski,” a fan wrote.
“KEVIN STEFANSKI IS AN INCOMPETENT HEAD COACH. I’m SO tired of this Bro,” a fan added.
The Browns signed Stefanski to a contract extension in 2024, but the term of the deal wasn’t announced.
Defensive Players Take Blame for Loss
Although Griffin III put the blame on Stefanski, some defensive players took the blame for the loss.
Star cornerback Denzel Ward said the blame goes on him for blowing his coverage against Jordan Addison for the game-winning touchdown.
“Yeah, we were in Cover 2 and I got to reroute the guy inside and not put it so wide for the safety,” Ward said to the media. “So I take full accountability for that. And yeah, just got to finish and execute better once it gets down to the last seconds.”
Greg Newsome II, meanwhile, says the blame goes on the full defense for not getting a stop when needed.
“Yeah, that’s on us as a defense,” Newsome II said in the locker room. “We got the lead, last drive, that’s what we asked for and we didn’t hold up our end of the bargain. So definitely sucks to play such a good game to not finish it at the end.”
The Browns take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6.
PETE CARROLL'S BOLD MOVE: RAIDERS' DEFENSIVE REVOLUTION BEGINS WITH UNEXPECTED STRATEGY
In a surprising twist, Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll has introduced a defensive strategy that has left fans and analysts alike questioning the team's direction. Known for his defensive prowess, Carroll's latest move involves a shift in defensive philosophy that emphasizes versatility and adaptability over traditional schemes. This bold decision comes after a series of underwhelming performances from the Raiders' defense, prompting a reevaluation of tactics. While some are skeptical, others believe this could be the catalyst for a much-needed turnaround.
Carroll's new approach focuses on dynamic play-calling, encouraging players to read and react to the offense in real-time, rather than relying solely on pre-determined plays. This method aims to exploit the weaknesses of opposing offenses more effectively and create opportunities for turnovers and big plays. By fostering a more fluid and responsive defense, Carroll hopes to instill a sense of unpredictability that will keep opponents on their toes.
The response from the team has been cautiously optimistic. Players have expressed enthusiasm about the new system, noting that it allows them to utilize their individual strengths more effectively. However, the true test will come during live game situations, where execution will be paramount.
Critics argue that such a significant shift in defensive strategy mid-season could lead to confusion and inconsistency. They caution that without proper implementation and understanding, the team may struggle to adapt. Nonetheless, Carroll's track record suggests that he is capable of orchestrating successful defensive units, and many are willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.
As the Raiders prepare for their upcoming games, all eyes will be on the defense to see if Carroll's gamble pays off. If successful, this innovative approach could redefine the team's defensive identity and set a new standard for adaptability in the NFL.
