While the Browns know they did not start of the 2024 season off on the right foot, they are determined to fix their mistakes quickly.
On Monday, the Browns came into CrossCountry Mortgage Campus, reviewed the game tape from the season opener and talked through their mistakes. They operate on the 24-hour rule, putting a win or loss behind them to turn their attention to the next game. The Browns will face the Jaguars in Week 2 at Jacksonville.
"We need to be better in a bunch of different areas, and that's what today is about," Stefanski said. "Been looking at the tape, seeing the areas that we can be better. And there's a lot of them. So that's what we're doing. We're identifying those things. We're going to get them corrected, and then we're on to Jacksonville."
Here are the top pieces of news and notes from Stefanski's Monday availability.
Injury Updates
Stefanski provided updates on a handful of players who sustained injuries during the season opener against the Cowboys on Sept. 9.
Stefanski said DT Maurice Hurst II, TE David Njoku and LB Tony Fields II each are dealing with an ankle injury. LB Mohamoud Diabate sustained a hip injury. Stefanski said that all four players are considered week to week as they work their way back from injury.
Throughout training camp, the Browns dealt with injuries to their linebacker room, which created opportunities to practice more players and handle any shuffling around at linebacker. They've continued to prepare multiple players to be ready to step in at linebacker if needed.
The Browns only have one other tight end on the active roster but have two options in Cameron Latu and Blake Whiteheart on their practice squad.
"Working through all those types of things today and tomorrow, but we have options," Stefanski said. "Dave provides great value to this team in a bunch of different areas, but if we are without him, then we'll make sure that we have a plan."
Stefanski also did not have an update on LT Jedrick Wills Jr. or RT Jack Conklin, both of whom did not play in the first game of the season.
"(Conklin is) continuing to work very hard and get close," Stefanski said. "Sunday wasn't there yet, but he's working very hard."
Deshaun Watson in first game since shoulder surgery
Watson took the game field for the first time against the Cowboys since his shoulder surgery in November 2023. In his first game back, Watson completed 25 of 45 attempts for 169 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Yet, he also took a number of hits in the first game, with a total of 17 quarterback hits including six sacks for a loss of 32 yards.
Watson and the offense struggled to get into a rhythm over the course of the game. They struggled to convert on third downs, as they went 2-of-15 in third-down attempts.
"Specifically, to the quarterback, there's going to be games and there's going to be throws that you miss, but it's making those plays that are there when they present themselves," Stefanski said. "And then we just have to do a better job protecting him. Number one, we can't allow our quarterback to get hit that many times."
Even with the result of his first game back, Stefanski believes that Watson does not lack confidence in his ability to perform at a high level. Stefanski also said Watson came out of the game in good shape.
Check out photos of the Browns against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jaelon Darden (16) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle James Hudson III (66) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) and Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) and Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Juan Thornhill (1) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Ephraim Banda during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The defense during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (31) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) and Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety D'Anthony Bell (37) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) and Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Tony Fields II (42) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle James Hudson III (66) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) and Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Long snapper Charley Hughlett (47) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The defense during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) and Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) and Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The offense during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) and Wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) and Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The defense during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The Running back Jerome Ford (34) and Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Breakdown on special teams
One of the two touchdowns that the Cowboys scored came off of a 60-yard punt return by WR KaVontae Turpin in the third quarter.
After a three-and-out, P Corey Bojorquez punted the ball 49 yards, with Turpin on the reception. He broke through the special teams unit and ran down the field for the touchdown to give the Cowboys a 27-3 lead over the Browns.
"We can definitely play better," Stefanski said. "We have high standards for how we play. And I know that play in particular wasn't up to our standard. At really, every position, we can do better there."
