Mary Kay Cabot, a prominent sports journalist of the NFL, recently highlighted a moment that speaks volumes about the Cleveland Browns‘ ongoing quarterback strategy. When Cabot asked head coach Kevin Stefanski to clarify whether newly drafted rookie Shedeur Sanders would immediately slot in as the backup to fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. And when will Sanders take on the starting role? Stefanski dodged the question. She posted it on her X account, writing,

“Asked Kevin Stefanski if Shedeur Sanders would be the No. 2 if he goes to Dillon Gabriel. He said that’s not his focus right now. “

The quarterback controversy in Cleveland intensified following the Cleveland Browns’ devastating 34-10 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. The blowout defeat, fueled by a poor performance from veteran starter Joe Flacco, has fans and analysts questioning how long the team can stick with the status quo. However, Kevin has no intention of making the change now. Instead, he wants to give the QB more chances to deliver his best performance.

“My focus is on making sure this offense plays better,” Stefanski said.

Coach Kevin Stefanski chose Flacco to start the 2025 season, hoping the old pro could bring some calm and consistency to the team. That hope was being evaluated for a couple of weeks now, and that too has been crushed following Sunday’s humiliating 34-10 loss to the Detroit Lions, where Flacco threw a couple of truly awful interceptions that cost the team dearly. The team did bring in Dillon Gabriel for a short span of time after having Falcco benched at the very end of the game, but that wasn’t enough to yield any drastic results.

But if the team decides to go by what the fans have been asking, then they already have rookie draft picks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, who are fresh, exciting, and ready to go. 

Why is Kevin Stefanski not ready to make a change?

The most likely explanation for Coach Kevin Stefanski retaining veteran Joe Flacco is the coach’s deeply rooted preference for established quarterbacks, a pattern consistent throughout his career with players like Kirk Cousins, Baker Mayfield, and even Flacco himself. Transitioning to a rookie starter would represent a significant, uncomfortable deviation from his professional norm, especially since his job security isn’t immediately threatened.

But then Stefanski can’t even take week 5 lightly, as they face the Vikings in the logistical nightmare of a London game, an environment utterly ill-suited for a rookie quarterback’s professional debut. Should Stefanski stand by Flacco, and the team falters once more, that choice will mark the end of his ability to defend the veteran. A further loss will leave the coach with no choice but to accelerate the inevitable, ushering in the rookie era by handing the keys to one of the exciting young prospects, Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders.

What is your opinion on Stefanski’s current decision? Share your thoughts with us.