Kevin Stefanski is aware of the changes that the Cleveland Browns squad desperately needs to avoid another disastrous down-to-the-wire loss. Week 1 came with a 17-16 loss for the Browns against the Bengals. But more than a 0-1 start, it brought out the glaring issues that need work in Stefanski’s squad.
Instead of iconic plays, 53-yard penalties and two interceptions became the highlight of their season-opener. In his post-game conference, Stefanski emphasized that it was a lesson well learned for them.
Kevin Stefanski Reviews Loss to Bengals
“Frustrating” was Stefanski’s most-used word during his post-game press conference. It perfectly echoed what losing from a single point feels like. But being the head coach, Stefanski knew it was hardly about just one point; the Browns had several losing moments that added up to the ultimate defeat.
“But man, it’s just frustrating not to come out with a win. You know, very, very disappointing to come away with a loss in that game. Can’t be minus two (on turnovers) versus a good football team. That’s the story of this football game. Tip balls, and we gotta play cleaner,” the Browns head coach admitted.
One of the biggest letdowns for the Browns fans on their home turf was kicker Andre Szmyt missing a 36-yard field goal with 2:22 remaining, which could have been the winning play for their team.
“We obviously missed a field goal, missed an extra point. Those are points, and in these types of games, you have to come away with (points). So, it hurts when you feel like you’re doing some good things.”
To give credit where it’s due, Cincinnati’s defense did a laudable job in holding off its opponents and breaking their slow-start curse. Bengals D.J. Turner’s interception of Joe Flacco (31-for-45, 290 yards and one TD) was another pivotal moment that made the Bengals’ wins a reality. It was Flacco’s second interception of the night.
“There are a thousand things that we can do better from a coaching staff, from a player standpoint, but we have to do a better job securing that rock,” Stefanski added.
Where The Browns Can Improve, Per Stefanski
Holding onto the ball and avoiding another turnover disaster is something Stefanski’s squad will need to steer clear of to avoid another loss moving forward.
“So if this team understands that these hurt, but we’ll learn from it. We’ll watch the tape, recommit to those things, and understand that we have to do a better job in a bunch of different areas,” Stefanski said, mapping out his plan entering Week 2.
“We have a position where we have a division game next week, right back at it. But really proud of a lot of the performance from these guys. Proud of the effort from these guys,” he concluded, praising his players for their effort.
The offensive play-calling is something that will improve if Stefanski can execute everything he said. Another non-negotiable would be not letting the special teams be as big a liability as they were in Week 1.
The Browns hit the road to visit M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 14, to face the Baltimore Ravens next week.
Main Image: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images