The Kevin Stefanski: Two-Time Coach of the Year Thread

[Binkster]

Last week sucked too, but I'm not about to blame him for losing a game where we lost our entire WR group a day before the game.

Something that’s also been understated that bears mentioning for that week: losing your LT the day of the game and also missing arguably your best lineman in Teller for a vastly inferior rookie who lacks reps. This all came during a week with limited practice and late flight/travel accommodations due to COVID.

That was an unprecedented situation especially for a first year coach.

 

[Amherstcavsfan]

I mean, two practices in two weeks, including one that took place in a parking garage before the game probably had to simplify the game a little bit.

If the Browns can get their practice back, I expect to see one hell of a game plan sunday.

 

[The Wizard of Moz]

I mean, two practices in two weeks, including one that took place in a parking garage before the game probably had to simplify the game a little bit.

If the Browns can get their practice back, I expect to see one hell of a game plan sunday.

Man, I agree that Kevin has had an insane amount to overcome and it’s insane that he has

But that just doesn’t explain the Hunt/Chubb equal split

 

[Kbiz]

Man, I agree that Kevin has had an insane amount to overcome and it’s insane that he has

But that just doesn’t explain the Hunt/Chubb equal split

It had worked in the past so I guess it felt safe or at least familiar, but Chubb was averaging 11 YPC at one point - it seemed obvious to me to ride the hot hand.

 

[Coyote]

It had worked in the past so I guess it felt safe or at least familiar, but Chubb was averaging 11 YPC at one point - it seemed obvious to me to ride the hot hand.

I would have liked to see more of Chubb, too, but I think this also falls under Stefanski taking a conservative approach and trying to protect them both as much as possible, so long as the game situation allowed for it. When things got close again, we saw Chubb.

 

[Kbiz]

Explanation from the man himself:

 

[The Wizard of Moz]

Yeah I really don’t like that at all

We nearly didn’t get a this week

That was a win and in situation and I’m not a fan of looking past it to the next week

 

[Surge]

He also acknowledged that he knew he'd likely play Pittsburgh again this week.

At least hinting towards holding some things back.

In the game thread we noticed the lack of playaction passes, roll outs, screens, etc.. Just didn't feel like a regular gameplan.

 

[WellYouNeednt]

Yeah I really don’t like that at all

We nearly didn’t get a this week

That was a win and in situation and I’m not a fan of looking past it to the next week

Just got a text back from Kevin — he said, he is ok with you not being ok with how he coached.

 

[The Wizard of Moz]

Just got a text back from Kevin — he said, he is ok with you not being ok with how he coached.

Just got a text back from Ben

He said he’s shutting RCF down as there is no longer a need for discussion

 

[Marcus]

Explanation from the man himself:

Glad that my hope turned out to be true - that he was trying not to give Pittsburgh tape and trying to keep Nick Chubb fresh - but damn that was... ballsy? Almost backfired?

ETA: Also kinda flies in the face of their whole “go 1-0 every week and then get on to the next one” mantra from the rest of the season.

 

[Douglar]

ETA: Also kinda flies in the face of their whole “go 1-0 every week and then get on to the next one” mantra from the rest of the season.

It is kind of an exceptional situation where a team has to play be the same opponent twice in a row and the team had not had a chance to practice very much in the previous two weeks.

Losing OV sucked. I wish we could have rested him.

Edit: After listening to the interview, he said he "wanted to keep him fresh", but I think he may have meant keeping him fresh for later in the game. There wasn't anything that clearly stated that he wanted to keep him fresh for next week.

 

[Amherstcavsfan]

I totally understand the strategy, and to be honest, I'm somewhat ok with it too. Not a huge fan of not using guys like Chubb and Garrett a ton, but saving play calls for the next game in the playoffs is smart. They knew that the Steelers couldn't stop them when Chubb was in the game. Watch the drives where it was Chubb's turn vs Hunt's turn. Totally different production.

I expect to see a lot of Nick Chubb Sunday. Like, maybe 30 touches amounts, which is fine by me. Not sure the Steelers, even at full strength, can stop him.

 

[tristan+kyrie=$]

So I respect many football opinions on here but had a couple things I think the Browns can really exploit on Sunday to win.

1. I think the outside zone runs are going to be there consistently. The defensive ends/ outside backers really set the edge well which leaves that gap between the tackle and guard. I really feel Chubb can have a monster game as it really puts pressure on the linebackers to tackle in space which is hard to do against Chubb.

2. I think Baker scrambling well on Sunday adds an element for the Steelers to look out for. If that means a linebacker has to be alert for Baker and a step slow on the tight ends, it could be our tight ends could have more room in the middle of the field.

 

[Douglar]

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski has COVID-19, Mike Priefer is acting head coach

The Browns are in the playoffs for the first time since 2002, but their head coach won't be there with them.

profootballtalk.nbcsports.com

Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski tested positive for COVID-19, the team announced. That will require him to go into isolation and miss the Browns’ playoff game on Sunday in Pittsburgh.