The Cleveland Browns are limping into their bye week, not just because of their 32-13 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 8. After a second-half collapse where the offense completely stalled, the same question is on everyone’s mind: Is it time to make a change at quarterback?
Following a game where Cleveland was outscored 21-0 in the third quarter alone, the pressure is mounting on the coaching staff, especially with a promising rookie waiting for his chance.
What Did Kevin Stefanski Say About Starting Shedeur Sanders?
When asked directly if the team would consider giving rookie Shedeur Sanders a start, coach Kevin Stefanski responded bluntly during the post-game conference: “My focus is where we are right now. That’s not my focus.”
HC Stefanski on why he doesn’t start Shedeur Sanders with the offense struggling, via @MaryKayCabot:
“My focus is where we are right now. That’s not my focus.”pic.twitter.com/wwCZSSGbqq
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) October 27, 2025
While he sidestepped the question about Sanders, Stefanski did speak on the development of the current starter, Dillon Gabriel, and the team’s overall struggles. “When I say look at everything, when you lose like this, you have to look at everything. Every position, everything I’m doing. It’s frustrating for where we are as a team,” he said. “Every position you have to look at. But let me say that with a young quarterback, you understand there’s going to be ups and downs.”
Those ups and downs have been apparent in Gabriel’s performance. Against the Patriots, he recorded just 156 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. He has only surpassed 200 passing yards once through his four starts, a 221-yard effort on 52 attempts against the Pittsburgh Steelers. His PFSN QB Impact Score currently sits at 57.2.
However, Stefanski quickly pointed out that the team’s offensive issues are bigger than just the quarterback. Problems with pass protection, receiver production, and play-calling have all contributed to the lack of rhythm.
“I just want to make the point that we just have to be better in every area, and we’ll look at everything we do, including how we’re putting these guys in position to succeed,” Stefanski added. “Are we doing enough when I say looking at every position? Are we doing enough with the quarterback position? Do we need to do a better job? I think I know the answer is yes.”
The rookie at the center of the debate, Sanders, was inactive against the Patriots due to a minor back issue, with Bailey Zappe serving as the backup. The injury is not considered serious, and Sanders is expected to be available for the Browns’ next game in Week 10.
This whole quarterback dilemma follows an already eventful season under center for Cleveland. The team opened the year with Joe Flacco as quarterback before he was benched, and he was ultimately traded to the Cincinnati Bengals after Week 4. Since then, the Browns have leaned on Gabriel, hoping his development could stabilize an offense lagging far behind a strong defense led by Myles Garrett.
