Not even Shedeur Sanders being named Cleveland’s starting quarterback the rest of the season on Monday could quiet the second-guessing about Kevin Stefanski’s failed 2-point conversion decisions in the 31-29 loss to Tennessee.
The two conversions on Sunday were poorly executed, and brought up the debate of when does playing it safe with a young roster, especially at the offensive skill positions, win out over analytics?
“I think every decision you make is based on, I mean, you can say analytics, but you know how good the defense is on short yardage, what their percentage is of stopping the other team - the statistics, and use that to make your decisions,” Stefanski said Monday. “And then you look at the matchups and your players versus their players. So I think it’s certainly a tool, and it’s information to take in, but I think there’s so much that goes into decisions when you’re making them. The decision to go for two when you’re down, you know, to start the series at 14, that’s also based on the plays you have available to you, the matchups, those type of things. So I don’t think it’s ever just a black and white picture, if you will.”
Sanders’ 5-yard scramble up the middle brought the Browns within 39-31 when Stefanski decided to go for 2 the first time. A successful conversion would have made it a six-point game and meant a touchdown and extra point on an ensuing possession would give them the win.
A missed conversion, though, means a team is chasing points.
Sanders bobbled the snap from backup center Luke Wypler, who was in the game after starter Ethan Pocic was carted off with a season-ending Achilles injury. Titans linebacker Cedric Gray recovered the ball and had a chance to return it for two points, but ran out of gas.
Even though he was working with a new center, Sanders took the blame for the fumble.
With 1:03 remaining, Sanders found Harold Fannin Jr. in the left corner of the end zone for a 7-yard TD to get them within two.
Sanders came off the field for the next 2-point play as running back Quinshon Judkins lined up for a direct snap, something they have done at points throughout the season. Judkins ran right and looked like he might pitch the ball to wide receiver Gage Larvadain on an end around, only for it to end being a busted play. Judkins tried to throw the ball across the field to no avail.
The Browns practiced that play during preseason joint workouts against the Philadelphia Eagles, but Judkins was not on the roster. Cleveland also practices 2-point plays every Friday, including both run on Sunday.
“I think I have to go into every game understanding our team, their team, the matchups, the plays that we have available to us. Ultimately you’re making decisions based on the game that you’re playing and what’s in front of you,” Stefanski said.
The failed 2-point plays put Stefanski even more under the microscope, especially losing to a team that had only one win coming into the game.
With the next three games against playoff contenders, the Browns are looking at their second straight 3-14 campaign.
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