Browns Coach Stands Firm on QB Decision After Ravens Loss

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has confirmed that there will be no changes to the team’s quarterback position following a decisive 41-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on September 17, 2023. The defeat leaves the Browns at 0-2 for the season, raising questions about the team’s offensive struggles.

In the game, Joe Flacco made his first appearance in Baltimore since 2018, but his performance was marred by two turnovers. Flacco threw an interception that the Ravens converted into a touchdown, pushing the score to 20-3 early in the third quarter. He later fumbled the ball, allowing linebacker Roquan Smith to return it 64 yards for another touchdown.

Rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel stepped in during the final series and managed to throw his first NFL touchdown pass. Despite Flacco’s struggles, Stefanski remains committed to him as the starter. When asked about the possibility of a quarterback change, he simply stated, “No.”

Following the game, Flacco maintained that he was not concerned about his job security. “I can’t worry about that stuff anyway,” he said. “It’s honestly not on my mind. I got to go out there and just play my game, play the way I know how to.”

The Browns’ offense has faced significant challenges, failing to score more than 20 points in each of their first two games. In fact, they have not reached that mark in 16 of their last 19 matchups. Despite the offense’s shortcomings, the defense has shown promise. In Week 1, they limited the Cincinnati Bengals to just 7 net yards in the second half of a narrow 17-16 loss, and in Week 2, they restricted Derrick Henry to a mere 23 rushing yards.

Flacco expressed frustration over the team’s inability to capitalize on their defensive strengths. “We don’t have to go score 50 every night,” he noted. “But we can play good football and put up enough points and let those guys on defense pin their ears back and go do what they do.”

Looking ahead, the Browns will face an undefeated Green Bay Packers team in Week 3, presenting another challenge for an offense seeking to find its rhythm. The upcoming game will be crucial for Cleveland as they aim to turn around their early-season performance and secure their first win of the season.