The Cleveland Browns once again find themselves in a cycle of instability as head coach Kevin Stefanski faces intensifying scrutiny after a 1-5 start, as his leadership now feels uncertain amid persistent quarterback turmoil.
The revolving door at quarterback has made it impossible for the Browns to establish rhythm. Dillon Gabriel has now taken over as starter, while the offense continues to search for identity under mounting criticism and dwindling patience.
Jason Lloyd traced Cleveland’s decline to Deshaun Watson, whose time with the franchise has been defined more by absence than contribution as his continued injury struggles have left the Browns without direction or offensive consistency.
Although Watson is still recovering, his unavailability has fractured the Browns’ attack, and the team’s current state feels disjointed, neither committed to youth nor built to win now. The instability has exposed both young quarterbacks in the process.
“The Browns don’t have a quarterback,” Lloyd wrote. “Don’t have tackles who can protect the quarterback, don’t have receivers who can get downfield or create separation, and don’t have receivers who can catch the ball.”
“They’re among the league leaders in drops. Good thing this season was never about winning. Check back in again next year or maybe 2027.
“At least they have a dome coming in four years. Maybe they’ll have a quarterback by then. Maybe.”
Those remarks captured the widespread frustration around the organization. Despite small flashes from Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, the team’s lack of cohesion has left the offense predictable, slow, and unable to build sustained drives this season.
Huntington Bank Field has felt the weight of these struggles as fans have grown weary as Cleveland’s offensive inefficiency continues. The grim mood matches Lloyd’s verdict, which paints a stark picture of a franchise still lost in transition.
Adam Schefter recently reported that Watson’s recovery from an Achilles injury remains uncertain – and if he returns next month, the Browns must weigh roster moves carefully or risk a staggering $131 million cap hit in 2026.
Beyond quarterback problems, the offensive line’s instability has further deepened the crisis.
Lloyd highlighted that all five starters could be released next year, an alarming prospect for a unit already failing to protect its young signal callers.
How Tom Brady’s advice could be key for Sanders in Cleveland
While the season’s rough beginning has hurt team morale, it may benefit Shedeur Sanders in the long run. The lowered expectations mean less pressure, giving the rookie valuable time to grow and adapt without shouldering the full offensive load.
That breathing space aligns with Tom Brady’s long-held view as the seven-time champion has repeatedly emphasized that patience, rather than instant exposure, is what allows quarterbacks to truly succeed in the NFL’s demanding environment.
“It’s one thing to draft them. Then you’ve got to develop,” Brady said. “More important to me is develop. We had I think the most overrated weekend of the NFL calendar, the NFL draft.
“Because 95 percent of these guys won’t make meaningful contributions in their first year. Most of these guys will make meaningful contributions in the 2026 season.”
His comments underscore how learning often outweighs immediate results and Brady’s own career proves the value of restraint.
Drafted 199th overall in 2000, he began as a backup to Drew Bledsoe, taking a full season to mature under Bill Belichick’s guidance. That patience shaped his readiness for the opportunity that followed.
When Brady stepped in during the 2001 season, his preparation was complete, allowing him to lead the New England Patriots to a Super Bowl victory.
His example demonstrates that the right timing can define a career more than early exposure.
For Sanders, the lesson is clear. Development requires both patience and protection-two things the Browns must prioritize. If the team can learn from Brady’s example, Sanders could one day stabilize the franchise that has long sought consistency.
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