As the Cleveland Browns head into the second half of their season, all eyes are on the big questions surrounding the team’s future.

The bye week offered the Browns some much-needed time to reflect and reset, but with key decisions looming, Kevin Stefanski and the front office are under intense scrutiny.

The franchise’s dreams of a Super Bowl run hang by a thread, and the pressure to make realistic changes couldn’t be higher.

With a critical match-up against the New York Jets just ahead, the clock is ticking for the Browns to make moves that could change the trajectory of their season.

NFL London: New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars to  play in 2025 UK games - BBC Sport

For fans and analysts alike, the biggest question is what kind of changes are realistic during the bye week.

Are they flipping schemes and tweaking playbooks, or is it time for more dramatic changes? The quarterback situation, in particular, is an ongoing headache.

Dylan Gabriel continues to struggle, leaving fans wondering if Shedeur Sanders, the promising rookie with a high-profile background, will ever get his shot.

Is Stefanski the right coach to navigate these growing issues, or is the franchise at a breaking point? With the trade deadline fast approaching and tensions building, the Browns are facing their most critical juncture yet.

 

Kevin Stefanski has found himself in a familiar position: a coach on the hot seat, grappling with mounting pressure from both fans and the front office.

While the bye week is meant to be a time for rest and recovery, it’s also a key opportunity for reflection and evaluation.

For any NFL team, it’s a time to self-scout, reassess player performances, and tweak schemes.

But for the Browns, it may be more than just a quick tune-up.

 

NFL insiders suggest that Stefanski’s play-calling has been under intense scrutiny, with many questioning his ability to adapt to his team’s changing needs.

It’s not just about technical adjustments; it’s about making crucial decisions that could impact the team’s future.

β€œThe scheme is the scheme at this point,” one former player said.

β€œYou can’t change who you are overnight, but you can definitely fine-tune things and evaluate what’s working.”

Kevin Stefanski announces major change with Cleveland Browns offense after bye  week

One of the most important aspects of a bye week is self-scouting.

For the Browns, this means taking a long, hard look at their roster and figuring out who’s delivering on their potential and who might need to be moved around.

β€œWe need to see what guys are doing well and where we can make improvements,” said an insider close to the team.

Players like Malachi Corey and Mike Hall Jr.

have shown flashes of brilliance, but there’s no time to waste when it comes to figuring out how to use their talents effectively.

 

A key area of focus is the quarterback position.

With Dylan Gabriel continuing to show inconsistencies, there’s mounting pressure to either make a change or stick with Gabriel and give him more support.

β€œThe offense needs a spark,” said one former NFL coach.

β€œIf Gabriel can’t get it together, you need to explore every option, including giving Sanders a real shot.

” The question now is whether the Browns are willing to take that leap with Sanders, or if they’ll ride with Gabriel until the season’s end.

 

The quarterback controversy has become the most talked-about issue in Cleveland, with Shedeur Sanders’ future in the air.

Despite his injury, Sanders remains a highly-touted prospect who was drafted by the Browns with big expectations.

However, his playing time has been limited, and Dylan Gabriel has largely been given the nod, even with his inconsistent play.

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β€œWe have to find a way to get our best players involved,” said a team source.

β€œThe run game needs to be stronger, and our receivers need better support.

But it all starts with the quarterback.

” With the trade deadline fast approaching, speculation about Sanders being moved or given more responsibility continues to swirl.

The Browns could be looking at trade offers or exploring options to get Sanders on the field if Gabriel continues to falter.

 

The team’s focus isn’t just on Sanders’ injury recovery, but on what he can contribute moving forward.

Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees has reportedly praised Sanders for his improvement, and there’s a possibility the young quarterback could see more reps soon.

The question remains, though: will the Browns make the bold move to shake things up before it’s too late?

As the clock ticks toward November’s trade deadline, Stefanski’s future with the team remains uncertain.

This is the second year in a row that Stefanski has had to relinquish play-calling duties due to poor performance, and insiders suggest that his job could be on the line.

 

Some analysts argue that Stefanski’s inability to adjust and his stubbornness in sticking with Gabriel may cost him his job.

β€œIt’s not about the scheme anymore; it’s about adaptability,” said a former NFL executive.

β€œCan Stefanski change with the times? Or is he stuck in his ways?” The lack of change on the offensive side of the ball, combined with his failure to adapt to Sanders’ talents, could be the final straw for the Browns’ coaching staff.

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The NFL trade deadline is approaching, and rumors are swirling that the Browns could make a major move to improve their roster.

With Myles Garrett’s name being floated in trade talks and Shedeur Sanders’ future uncertain, Cleveland could be preparing for drastic changes.

The Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly eyeing Garrett, offering a hefty price to acquire the defensive superstar.

β€œThe Eagles want him, and they’ll pay for him,” a source close to the team revealed.

β€œThis could be a huge shake-up for the Browns, but would they be crazy enough to let Garrett go?”

If the Browns decide to trade away their best defensive player, it could be a devastating blow to their playoff chances, leaving a hole in their defense that will be impossible to fill.

On the other hand, if they make the move to start Shedeur Sanders and develop him into the leader they need, it could provide the spark this team desperately needs.

 

With a crucial game against the New York Jets coming up after the bye week, the Browns’ fate may very well rest on how the team performs.

The Jets are a winnable opponent, but if the offense continues to struggle and the quarterback controversy is unresolved, it could lead to another disappointing loss that further jeopardizes the Browns’ playoff aspirations.

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For Kevin Stefanski, this is a make-or-break game.

β€œThis game will tell me a lot,” said one analyst.

β€œIf the Browns can’t beat a team like the Jets, then it’s clear that things aren’t just broken, they’re irreparable.

” The outcome of this game could determine whether Stefanski remains the head coach or if the Browns start their rebuild.

 

The Cleveland Browns are at a crossroads, with a quarterback controversy, coaching struggles, and trade rumors swirling around them.

The team has the potential to make a run for the playoffs, but without significant changes, it’s unclear whether they can overcome the current obstacles.

The next few weeks will be crucial for the future of the Browns, and everything hinges on how they address their quarterback situation, manage the internal friction, and make the most of the talent on their roster.

 

What do you think, Browns fans? Is it time to give Shedeur Sanders a shot, or should the team stick with Gabriel? Can Stefanski turn this season around, or is it already too late? Let us know your thoughts below.