CLEVELAND, Ohio — Following the Cleveland Browns’ disappointing 26-8 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on October 15, 2023, head coach Kevin Stefanski addressed the media, discussing the team’s struggles with fourth-down attempts, the performance of rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and the impact of injuries on the roster. The defeat marked a challenging moment for the Browns as they grapple with maintaining momentum in their season.
Stefanski opened the press conference by addressing the team’s injury report. He confirmed that Maliek Collins suffered a quad injury, stating that imaging would be conducted to assess the severity. He emphasized the necessity of playing complementary football, highlighting how poor field position contributed to the loss. The 49ers capitalized on several short drives, scoring touchdowns after starting possessions on the 16-yard line, 18-yard line, and 25-yard line, largely due to errors from the Browns.
“We need to make them earn it,” Stefanski said. “It’s my responsibility to fix this. We can’t give a good team short fields.”
In discussing the decision to go for a fourth-and-one from their own 33-yard line, Stefanski expressed confidence in his team’s ability to convert. “If you feel good about the plays you have and your players, you feel good about converting on those distances,” he explained. The decision came with considerable risk, especially in a close game where the defense had been performing well.
When questioned about the execution of the quarterback sneak by Harold Fannin Jr., Stefanski acknowledged that the plan had not panned out. “We had a couple of guys in and out of the lineup due to injuries,” he stated, which may have contributed to the rushed execution.
Stefanski was also asked about Shedeur Sanders’ performance, particularly in comparison to his earlier start against the Las Vegas Raiders. “He is battling like all of our guys,” he noted. “There are plays he wants back, but we will look at it and correct it.” He confirmed that Sanders will retain his starting position for the upcoming game against the Tennessee Titans.
Addressing the injuries plaguing the offensive line, Stefanski remarked, “It’s just part of it. Don’t like it, but it’s just part of it.” The Browns faced difficulties in short-yardage situations, which he found disappointing. “They made a play. I felt good about the concepts we had, but they did a better job,” he said.
The coach also commented on the challenges faced by the special teams, particularly the mistakes made during crucial moments. He emphasized the importance of coaching young players through these growing pains and taking responsibility for the overall performance.
On a positive note, Stefanski praised the well-executed touchdown throw from Sanders to Fannin. “It was a good call and well executed. We’ve been waiting to get to it for a couple of weeks,” he said.
As the conversation shifted to the defense, Stefanski acknowledged their challenges, given the unfavorable field positions they were often placed in. “You can’t play that way,” he said. “Putting a good team on a short field that many times is unacceptable.”
In closing, Stefanski reflected on the overarching disappointment of the current season. “Losing is always disappointing. It’s frustrating for your players who work so hard,” he stated. “You want to be able to put them in positions to succeed.”
The Browns will look to regroup and address their shortcomings as they prepare for their next match-up against the Titans, seeking to turn their season around amidst ongoing challenges.
