Browns NFL Power Rankings: Cleveland falls a little due to uncertainty at QB heading into Week 12

Browns NFL Power Rankings: Cleveland drops slightly due to quarterback instability heading into Week 12.

Stefanski is far more likely to be named NFL Coach of the Year again than he is to be fired. Despite the season-ending injuries to All-Pro running back Nick Chubb (left knee) and $230 million quarterback Deshaun Watson (right shoulder), the Browns are still in the hunt for an AFC playoff spot. They also have four wins decided in the final two minutes of regulation, which is a franchise record, according to ESPN Stats & Information. The Browns have been excellent on defense and special teams, and they have been adequate offensively with Stefanski calling plays. Stefanski’s contract may be about to be extended.

Browns NFL Power Rankings: Cleveland drops slightly due to quarterback instability heading into Week 12.

The Browns passed their first A.D. (After Deshaun) test, albeit it wasn’t easy, as they failed to gain more than 19 yards on any play all game, eventually losing 13-10 to the Steelers. Dorian Thompson-Robinson was significantly more efficient in this game than he was in his first start in Week 4, guiding field goal drives at the end of both halves and hitting on 10 passes in total. The fifth-round rookie also gained two first downs and 9 yards on a third-and-10. Could he and the passing game provide more for Cleveland? Absolutely. However, with an effective running game and a defense capable of taking over games, the Browns have the appearance of a club that no one wants.

The Browns held off the Steelers with just enough offense, but the future looks bleak with Dorian Thompson-Robinson and without Deshaun Watson. The historic defense can only go so far.

The Browns passed their first A.D. (After Deshaun) test, albeit it wasn’t easy, as they failed to gain more than 19 yards on any play all game, eventually losing 13-10 to the Steelers. Dorian Thompson-Robinson was significantly more efficient in this game than he was in his first start in Week 4, guiding field goal drives at the end of both halves and hitting on 10 passes in total. The fifth-round rookie also gained two first downs and 9 yards on a third-and-10. Could Cleveland benefit from a bit more?

The Browns’ defense is excellent. The offense was adequate with rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, but averaging 3.8 yards per pass attempt isn’t going to get Cleveland very far. It’s difficult to imagine the Browns staying up with the Ravens unless their offense improves dramatically. And, no, Joe Flacco will not make things better.

The Browns held off the Steelers with just enough offense, but the future looks bleak with Dorian Thompson-Robinson and without Deshaun Watson. The historic defense can only go so far.

The Browns passed their first A.D. (After Deshaun) test, albeit it wasn’t easy, as they failed to gain more than 19 yards on any play all game, eventually losing 13-10 to the Steelers. Dorian Thompson-Robinson was significantly more hygienic.

The Cleveland Browns have faced their fair share of misfortune and will face even more in 2023. Running back Nick Chubb has missed much of the season due to a ruptured ACL. Deshaun Watson, the quarterback, joined him there last week after breaking a bone in his right shoulder. Losing their best offensive player and main quarterback would be devastating for most teams, but the Browns have so far withstood the storm. The Browns used rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson against the rival Steelers on Sunday after he struggled in his first start of the season against the Baltimore Ravens.

To be sure, Thompson-Robinson’s performance against the Steelers was far from flawless—24 completions in 43 attempts for 165 yards and an interception. However, at the conclusion of the game, when the