The Cleveland Browns are making another shift in their offensive strategy as head coach Kevin Stefanski has decided to assign play-calling responsibilities to offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. This change comes ahead of their matchup against the New York Jets on Sunday. However, veteran sports columnist Terry Pluto expresses doubt that this adjustment will yield significant improvements.
During a recent episode of “Terry”s Talkin”” podcast, Pluto likened the situation to a car that is malfunctioning and suggested that merely changing the rear bumper will not rectify the underlying issues. “I guess it falls under the heading of, “Why not?”” he remarked. “I mean, it is kind of like your car isn”t running very well. But maybe we could change the rear bumper. I mean … I don”t see it changing (for the better).”
The Browns offense has shown signs of dysfunction across various aspects, as Pluto highlights. The problems extend beyond the play-calling and include a struggling offensive line and receivers who have not been meeting expectations. A concerning statistic shared by co-host David Campbell underscores the team”s challenges, noting that the Browns rank 31st in the league for true pass set grade, a measure that evaluates pass protection in specific scenarios.
Fans are likely feeling a sense of déjà vu, as this is not the first time the Browns have switched play-callers in an attempt to improve performance. Last season”s similar scenario yielded little in the way of positive results. Additionally, the podcast discussed the puzzling absence of effective concepts previously utilized by Stefanski, such as play-action passes and the “pin/pull” running plays, which featured offensive linemen pulling to create lanes for runners.
“That”s the most confounding thing with me is what happened to this,” Pluto stated, reflecting on the disappearance of successful strategies. With the Jets on the horizon, there may be a window for improvement against a team that has also struggled. However, Pluto emphasizes that the issues plaguing the Browns” offense run much deeper than simply changing the individual in charge of play-calling.
“This is a car with a lot of things. The tires are blown out and the radiator shot and everything else. So I guess you could bring in a new mechanic to look at it,” Pluto concluded, underscoring the need for a more comprehensive solution.
For those interested, this week”s podcast is available for listening. If you have questions or topics you”d like included in future episodes, you can email them to [email protected] with “Terry”s Talkin”” in the subject line. Pluto”s new weekly newsletter is also available exclusively for subscribers.
