Stefanski’s play calling deserves scrutiny

There is much discussion — as well there should be — about Baker Mayfield’s ability to be the franchise quarterback for the Browns.

But here’s another much-needed discussion: Should head coach Kevin Stefanski continue calling the offensive plays?

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I’m not sure about either one being worthy of staying in those jobs, but I will be honest in saying I am more certain — perhaps much more certain — about Mayfield than I am about Stefanski.

This is not something — about Stefanski, that is — that just cropped up. Hardly. It’s been an issue almost all season, but it reared its ugly head more than ever in the 24-22 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Christmas. Yes, Mayfield threw four interceptions, which is, of course, egregious, but why in the world was the coach calling for all those passes in the first place when the run was so incredibly successful?

It just doesn’t make sense. It’s inexcusable.

That game was there to be had for the Browns. They could have — and should have — won by two or three touchdowns really. The Packers had no answer for the Cleveland rushing attack, and that wasn’t going to change.

For whatever reason, the Browns — at the hand of Stefanski — have eschewed the run way too much this year. And that’s hard to believe for a variety of reasons, including the fact that he came to Cleveland with the reputation of being a run-friendly guy.

That’s not true — not true at all — this year.

Play-callers have to have a feel for the game, the situation, his players and the defense, and Stefanski doesn’t seem to have that. He is way too much like a robot, going strictly by the book, and that’s not the way to do it.

It’s tough to watch, but I don’t think it — or he — will change anytime soon, if at all, which is unfortunate.

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By Steve King