The Browns offense has yet to score over 20 points in a game this season. Only the Dolphins and Patriots have scored fewer points per game than the Browns as the team's offensive woes have led it to a 1-4 record entering Week 6.
"We just haven't been good enough," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "It's very disappointing. We'll look at what we can do to score points, to stay on the field, those types of things. But the truth is, I have to coach better. We have to play better. And it's something that we'll fix together."
Throughout his 12-minute virtual press conference on Oct. 7, Stefanski emphasized that the problems on offense are indicative of the entire offensive coaching staff and players needing to prepare more effectively ahead of each game.
"It's not one player. It's not one scheme. We just got to go execute and we have to give the guys something they can execute at a high level," Stefanski said. "I'm going to work hard at that this week so those guys can play fast on Sunday."
Leading the Cleveland offense this season has been QB Deshaun Watson, who has six total touchdowns paired with four total turnovers. Watson has been sacked and pressured 26 and 89 times, respectively – both more than any quarterback in the NFL. His 60.2 completion percentage and 74.8 passer rating both rank 28th among NFL quarterbacks.
Stefanski was asked following the game on Oct. 6 and again the next afternoon if Watson would remain the team's starting quarterback, giving the head coach an opportunity to express his belief in the seven-year veteran.
"This is not a one-person type of deal," Stefanski said. "When we're playing how we're playing on offense, we need everybody to do their job and do their job better. And I look at myself and how I can do that. But I believe in Deshaun, I believe in what he brings to this offense, and I believe he will play better."
Check out photos of the Browns against the Washington Commanders in Week 5
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
The offense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (31) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Offensive guard Zak Zinter (70) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) and Offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (71) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) andCornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
The defense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) and Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Linebacker Winston Reid (59) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) and Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Tony Brown II (38) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Tony Brown II (38) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) and Cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (31) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (71) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
The offense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (71) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Linebacker Winston Reid (59) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (71) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Wide receiver James Proche II (11) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Offensive guard Zak Zinter (70) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Safety D'Anthony Bell (37) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
The defense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Tight end Jordan Akins (88) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium.
In the loss to the Commanders, Watson had just eight completions for 66 yards and was sacked three times in the first half, ending a period in which the Browns punted on six of their eight drives. Their lone score in the first half came on a drive that started on the Washington 43-yard line and ended with a 51-yard field goal from K Dustin Hopkins.
The offensive inefficiencies continued in the second half, as the Browns couldn't capitalize on great field position on their first drive of the third quarter. After LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah forced a fumble, the Browns took over at the Washington 30-yard line. Watson connected twice with WR Amari Cooper to bring the Browns two yards shy of the goal line with a fresh set of downs.
On first down, rookie G Zak Zinter was flagged for a false start. On the following three plays, Watson was sacked, WR Jerry Jeudy dropped a pass in the end zone and Watson threw the ball out the back of the end zone to avoid another sack. When the Browns lined up in the huddle to go for it on fourth down, there was one too many players on the field and they had to take a delay of game penalty and settle for a field goal.
"Obviously, we had penalties and some miscommunications, which are completely on me. I will take responsibility for all of that. That looks like losing football to me and I'll get it fixed," Stefanski said Sunday after the game.
The offense finally connected on a touchdown with just over seven minutes left in the fourth quarter when TE Jordan Akins found the end zone on a fourth down pass from Watson.
Akins echoed Stefanski's message on Monday, saying that the team's offensive issues stem from more than just one player.
"We're just not executing," Akins said. "We got to protect our quarterback. We have to run the ball. We have to catch the ball. We just have to play football, good football, complementary football. The defense is doing well. Special teams is doing pretty good and we just got to complement that. We got to come in and do our job as well."
For the third straight week, the Browns will be on the road this Sunday, traveling to Philadelphia to play the Eagles at 1 p.m. For Stefanski and the Browns, this week is an opportunity to work hard to correct the mistakes that have affected the offense through the first five weeks of the season.
"Nobody's feeling sorry for us," Stefanski said. "We got to do our work here during this week, put a plan together and go find a way to win on Sunday. It's really as simple as that."
