The Cleveland Browns are currently facing a significant turning point in their 2025 NFL season, marked by an intense quarterback controversy and growing internal tensions.

At the center of this storm is the team’s offensive coordinator Tommy Reese, who has recently taken over as acting head coach.

Reese’s bold approach and sharp criticism of former head coach Kevin Stefanski’s decisions, especially regarding quarterback play, have stirred conversations among fans, analysts, and players alike.

Tommy Reese stepped into the acting head coach role with a clear agenda: to shake up the Browns’ offense and build momentum around a more dynamic quarterback.

Unlike Stefanski, who has shown reluctance to move away from Dylan Gabriel as the starting quarterback, Reese has wasted no time in preparing Shedeur Sanders for a starting role.

Sanders, known for his aggressive and playmaking style, has been receiving first-team reps and dedicated coaching under Reese’s guidance.

During Reese’s first training session as head coach, he focused heavily on Sanders’ development, praising the young quarterback’s work ethic and potential.

Reese acknowledged that while Sanders hasn’t yet translated all his efforts into touchdowns, he is confident that once given the opportunity on the field, Sanders will deliver.

This confidence contrasts sharply with Stefanski’s previous public stance, which seemed to downplay Sanders’ readiness and potential.

Dylan Gabriel, the incumbent starter, has struggled notably this season, especially under pressure and against teams that have begun to decipher his playstyle.

His conservative approach and difficulty with both short and deep passes have limited the Browns’ offensive capabilities.

Despite these struggles, Stefanski has remained steadfast in his decision to keep Gabriel as the starter, a choice that has frustrated many within the organization and fanbase.

Reese’s comments and actions suggest a clear shift away from Stefanski’s philosophy.

By putting Sanders at the forefront, Reese is signaling a willingness to embrace a more aggressive, risk-taking offense that leverages Sanders’ dynamic skills.

This move is seen by many as necessary, given the Browns’ offensive struggles and the mounting pressure to win games.

The quarterback controversy has not only divided the coaching staff but also the locker room.

Star defensive end Miles Garrett has been vocal about his frustrations with the current offensive strategy and Stefanski’s leadership.

Garrett openly expressed his dissatisfaction during a recent press conference, emphasizing his desire to win regardless of the circumstances and criticizing the ongoing excuses for the team’s lackluster performance.

Garrett’s public remarks reflect a broader sense of unrest within the team, where key players are losing confidence in Stefanski’s approach.

The fact that a defensive leader is speaking out about offensive issues underscores the depth of the problem.

Garrett’s call for change is echoed by others, including Browns insider Garrett Bush, who harshly criticized Stefanski’s offensive strategy and suggested that the coach’s reluctance to give Sanders a chance is detrimental to the team’s success.

Kevin Stefanski has defended his decisions by citing injury concerns regarding Sanders.

He claimed that Sanders was not fit to play due to a back injury, which kept him sidelined despite warm-up sessions before games.

However, many within the Browns organization and the media view this explanation skeptically, interpreting it as a convenient excuse to avoid making a difficult but necessary change.

Reese’s observations and Sanders’ own commitment, demonstrated during practice and even on platforms like Twitch, contradict Stefanski’s narrative.

Sanders has shown remarkable accuracy, vision, and the ability to create plays under pressure, traits that have impressed both coaches and teammates.

Reese’s calm and strategic coaching style appears to be bringing out the best in Sanders, further fueling calls for the young quarterback to take the reins.

The Browns’ current situation is precarious.

With the team struggling offensively and internal divisions growing, the decision about who leads the offense is critical.

Reese’s appointment as acting head coach and his focus on Sanders signal a potential turning point.

If Sanders can translate his practice success into game-day performance, it could revitalize the Browns’ offense and restore confidence within the locker room.

However, it remains unclear whether this shift is temporary or the beginning of a permanent change in leadership and strategy.

Stefanski’s reluctance to embrace change and his continued support for Gabriel have raised serious doubts about his future with the team.

Many believe that for the Browns to turn their season around, they must fully commit to Sanders and the new offensive direction Reese is advocating.

The Cleveland Browns are at a crossroads.

The quarterback controversy between Dylan Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders has exposed deeper issues within the team’s coaching and leadership.

Tommy Reese’s rise as acting head coach and his outspoken criticism of Kevin Stefanski’s decisions mark a significant shift in the Browns’ approach.

Reese’s confidence in Sanders and his aggressive offensive philosophy offer hope for a breakthrough.

As the Browns prepare for upcoming games, all eyes will be on Sanders to see if he can seize the opportunity and lead the team to success.

Meanwhile, the pressure on Stefanski mounts, with calls for his replacement growing louder.

The Browns’ future this season may well hinge on how this quarterback saga unfolds and whether Reese’s vision can ignite a much-needed turnaround.