The scoreboard told the brutal story: Cleveland Browns 17, Baltimore Ravens 41. But the real drama unfolded in the fourth quarter when Kevin Stefanski made the call everyone saw coming, yet nobody wanted to witness. Joe Flacco, the veteran brought in to steady the ship, got benched in garbage time. What happened next sparked a quarterback controversy that has Browns fans demanding answers and wondering if their season is already slipping away.
Why Is Kevin Stefanski Sticking With Joe Flacco After the Ravens Blowout?
The Browns suffered a 41-17 blowout loss in Week 2 against the Ravens. Though a loss was predicted, few expected such a thoroughly disappointing performance, ultimately prompting the Browns to bench Flacco in the final quarter.
Naturally, fans and experts took to social media, calling on the Browns to reconsider their QB1 decision. While the Browns might see some improvement down the line, it would be difficult to imagine Flacco leading the team to multiple victories this season.
When rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel entered the game, it was too late to change the outcome. Though the Ravens were leading 41-10 with under five minutes on the clock, Gabriel managed to score a touchdown and complete all of his passes for 19 yards.
Fans were quick to ask for a quarterback change, hoping that the rookie would perform better than Flacco did. In fact, some even requested fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders, confident that anything would be better than Flacco’s performance.
However, Browns head coach Stefanski might not be entirely on board with the idea.
“Stefanski said he won’t consider a quarterback change from Joe Flacco to Dillon Gabriel,” Browns writer Mary Kay Cabot reported.
In another clip, Stefanski dodged the question, highlighting that they lost the game as a team.
#Browns Kevin Stefanski not considering a quarterback change from Joe Flacco to rookie Dillon Gabriel. Here’s why: pic.twitter.com/9eG1avA1ur
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 14, 2025
“I don’t think it’s fair to talk about that,” Stefanski said. “We went as a team, we lose as a team.”
Along with wanting Flacco off the QB1 spot, many fans rallied for Stefanski to be fired. Many noted that Stefanski is unable to see the bigger picture, which is ultimately bringing down the entire team’s performance.
The numbers tell the story of Flacco’s struggles. He completed 25 of 45 passes for 199 yards with one touchdown and one interception, finishing with a passer rating of 65.0. Gabriel, in addition to his touchdown, posted a 132.6 passer rating in limited action.
What Did Flacco Say About Potentially Losing His QB1 Spot?
Following the game, Flacco spoke to the media about his performance and possibly losing his QB1 role.
“I can’t worry about that stuff anyway,” he said. “I have to play my game … lead this team the best I can. All that other stuff is out of my control.”
Flacco did admit to his lackluster performance. Speaking of his viral interception by Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins, Flacco added:
“I feel like I do take some pride in throwing the ball away and living for the next down,” Flacco said after the game. ” … I thought I had a chance there and if anything it would be incomplete. … Listen, you’ve got to consistently make those right decisions. … You can’t let that happen. … I definitely want that one back.”
While Flacco might be able to turn things around, the Browns might benefit from having their rookie quarterbacks take charge. Cleveland’s QB1 decision was widely discussed over the offseason, with many fans unhappy when the Browns initially announced their decision.
After two straight losses, the Browns will host the Green Bay Packers for their Week 3 matchup on Sunday, September 21.
