The spotlight is shining bright on the Cleveland Browns HC Kevin Stefanski. Experts have already addressed the “elephant in the room” after the disastrous 23-9 loss to the Steelers on Sunday about Stefanski’s playcalling or need for a change. But despite all the speculations and criticisms by fans and analysts alike, Stefanski seems firm in not ruling out one thing.

The Browns HC is keen to take back control of his offense this season and promised to revive the 2023 version. Daniel Oyefusi, the Browns’ reporter for ESPN, quoted Stefanski, “We have to get better in so many areas, and that includes coaching. That includes how we teach our guys, how we put them in different formations. The ways you run the ball, ways you pass the ball. All the above.” His take clearly signals that he is not willing to give up the play-calling duties.

Tight ends coach Tommy Rees was promoted to offensive coordinator this offseason after the team waived Ken Dorsey. Ress has called plays at Alabama and Notre Dame before joining Stefanski. His Hire was meant to bring “alignment” and a fresh approach to Cleveland’s offense.

To build some momentum for the offense, Stefanski and the front desk took the keys of the offense from Joe Flacco and handed them over to rookie Dillon Gabriel. But Gabriel hasn’t provided much spark either. This is the repeat of last year’s story when Deshaun Watson was unable to keep the scoreboard running. Stefanski handed the play calling to offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, where the offense briefly found some spark with Jameis Winston under centre.

Now, as the losses pile up and pressure grows, Stefanski may be forced into another tough decision. If Dillon Gabriel could not put numbers on the board, would Stefanski call Shedeur Sanders to run the offense?

Will Kevin Stefanski give Shedeur Sanders his moment?

It feels almost inevitable that Dillon Gabriel’s time as the starter might come to an end soon. But Stefanski seems determined not to give up on him this soon and let him settle and adjust to the NFL stage. “I think just the big focus for us is we have to do better in all areas,” Stefanski said. “Dillon is in his 2nd start, some good things, he’s learning, and we’ll get him to continue to make those improvements and people around him. That’s our focus.”

Gabriel’s start to the NFL hasn’t been a cake walk. He opened against Brian Flores’ blitz in London, becoming the first quarterback to ever debut overseas. The Browns fell 21-17 in that game. But things got worse in a 23-9 loss to Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers. Gabriel’s next appearance will be against the Miami Dolphins, a team that looks vulnerable on paper.

But many Browns fans think that it is time for Sanders to take over. “Dillon Gabriel has done nothing to lock in his temporary status as the Browns’ latest starting QB,” talkSPORT’s Brian T. Smith said. “He threw an absurd 52 passes against the Steelers, but Cleveland only scored nine points. Why is Gabriel guaranteed a third straight start by Kevin Stefanski?

“Shedeur was always going to get a shot as a starter, because the Browns are the Browns. Throw him in vs Miami and let a young rookie with more upside try and feast vs one of the worst defenses in the NFL.”

Stefanski is also facing pressure from the fans who want to see Shedeur under the centre, starting against the Dolphins.