Kevin Stefanski's Offensive Rankings Reviewed for the Cleveland Browns

Kevin Stefanski’s tenure as the Cleveland Browns’ head coach has long been defined by his commitment to a physical, balanced offense—a philosophy that aims to control tempo, limit turnovers, and leverage the team’s strengths in the run game. As the 2024 season enters its final stretch, reviewing the Browns’ offensive rankings offers a clear picture of how his scheme is performing: the unit sits 12th in total yards per game (358.6), 15th in scoring (23.4 points per game), and 8th in rushing yards (132.1 per game)—numbers that reflect both progress and lingering inconsistencies. For a team fighting for a wild-card spot, these rankings aren’t just statistics; they’re a measure of whether Stefanski’s offense can carry the Browns through a tough AFC playoff field. Kevin Stefanski's Offensive Rankings Reviewed for the Cleveland Browns breaks down the key metrics, what’s driving success, where the offense falls short, and how it impacts the team’s postseason hopes.

Kevin Stefanski's Offensive Rankings Reviewed for the Cleveland Browns starts with the run game—Stefanski’s signature and the offense’s biggest strength. Ranking 8th in the NFL in rushing yards per game, the Browns have leaned heavily on Nick Chubb (923 yards, 4.5 per carry) and Kareem Hunt (387 yards, 3.9 per carry), using a mix of zone runs, power plays, and read options to exploit defensive gaps. Stefanski’s scheme prioritizes putting the offensive line in position to succeed: the Browns’ line ranks 6th in run-blocking efficiency per Pro Football Focus (PFF), with left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. and center Ethan Pocic grading in the top 15 at their positions. This run-heavy approach isn’t just about yards—it’s about controlling the clock: the Browns rank 10th in time of possession (31:42 per game), which eases pressure on their struggling defense. “Our run game is the foundation of everything we do,” Stefanski said in a recent press conference. “When we can establish the run, we open up the pass, limit turnovers, and keep our defense fresh. That’s how we win football games.” The run game’s consistency has been a bright spot, even when the passing game has faltered.

Kevin Stefanski's Offensive Rankings Reviewed for the Cleveland Browns shifts to the passing game—where the offense’s rankings tell a more mixed story. The Browns sit 18th in passing yards per game (226.5) and 20th in passing touchdowns (18), numbers that lag behind their rushing success. Quarterback Deshaun Watson has shown flashes—he’s completed 64.2% of his passes and has a 95.3 passer rating—but he’s also struggled with deep-ball accuracy (just 32% completion rate on passes 20+ yards downfield) and has been sacked 28 times (12th most in the NFL). Part of the issue is inconsistent wide receiver play: Amari Cooper has been reliable (72 catches, 914 yards), but Jerry Jeudy (signed in free agency to boost the deep threat) has just 45 catches and 3 touchdowns, hampered by drops and miscommunications with Watson. Stefanski’s passing scheme, which leans on short-to-intermediate routes (68% of Watson’s passes are to targets within 10 yards), has helped limit turnovers (just 8 interceptions), but it’s also made the offense predictable at times. “We need more from our passing game,” offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt admitted. “We’re too reliant on short passes, and we haven’t been able to hit the deep ball consistently. That makes it easier for defenses to game-plan against us.”

Kevin Stefanski's Offensive Rankings Reviewed for the Cleveland Browns delves into red-zone efficiency—a critical metric where the offense has underperformed relative to its talent. The Browns rank 21st in red-zone touchdown rate (52.1%), a drop from their 14th-place finish in 2023. Part of the issue is a lack of consistency in the red zone: while the run game often gets them inside the 20, they struggle to convert on third-and-short (58% success rate, 19th in the NFL) and have relied too heavily on field goals. Watson has been solid in the red zone (11 touchdowns, 0 interceptions), but the Browns have struggled to create mismatches: tight end David Njoku has just 2 red-zone touchdowns, and the wide receivers have been inconsistent in contested catches. For the Cleveland Browns, this inefficiency is costly: in their Week 13 loss to the Bengals, they scored just 1 touchdown on 3 red-zone trips, leaving 6 points on the board—points that could have changed the outcome. “Red-zone success is about execution, and we haven’t been executing,” Stefanski said. “We need to be more creative with our play-calling there—mix in more misdirection, more target variety—and finish drives with touchdowns, not field goals.”

Kevin Stefanski's Offensive Rankings Reviewed for the Cleveland Browns explores how turnovers (or lack thereof) have shaped the offense’s performance. One of Stefanski’s biggest strengths is limiting mistakes: the Browns rank 7th in the NFL in turnover differential (+4), with just 12 total turnovers (8 interceptions, 4 fumbles lost). This discipline stems from Stefanski’s conservative approach—he prioritizes safe passes, avoids risky runs in bad field position, and emphasizes ball security in practice. Watson has been a big part of this: he’s thrown just 8 interceptions in 482 attempts, a career-low rate of 1.7%. The running backs have also been reliable: Chubb and Hunt have combined for just 2 fumbles lost all season. For the Cleveland Browns, this turnover control has kept them in games even when the offense isn’t scoring at a high rate. In their Week 14 win over the Broncos, the Browns won 22-17 despite totaling just 320 yards—thanks in large part to no turnovers and a Broncos fumble that set up a touchdown. “Turnovers kill drives and give the other team momentum,” Stefanski said. “Our ability to limit them is one of our biggest strengths, and it’s something we’ll keep emphasizing down the stretch.”

Kevin Stefanski's Offensive Rankings Reviewed for the Cleveland Browns wraps up with what these rankings mean for the Browns’ playoff push—and Stefanski’s long-term job security. The offense’s strengths (run game, turnover control) have kept the Browns in the playoff hunt, but its weaknesses (passing game, red-zone efficiency) could limit their success against top AFC defenses. To make a deep run, the Browns need Stefanski to adjust: open up the passing game, fix red-zone issues, and find ways to keep defenses off-balance. If the offense can’t improve, the Browns risk being one-and-done in the playoffs—even if they make it. For Stefanski, who is in his fifth season with the Browns, these rankings are a test of his ability to adapt: after years of relying on the run, can he evolve his scheme to get more from Watson and the passing game? “We’re not where we want to be, but we’re moving in the right direction,” Stefanski said. “We have the talent to be a top-10 offense, and we’ll keep working until we get there.” For the Cleveland Browns, the answer to that question will likely determine whether their 2024 season is a success—or another missed opportunity.