Cam Newton Calls Out Kevin Stefanski — And Cleveland Has a Serious Problem at QB

11/17/2025

Cam Newton didn't hold back this week. The former NFL MVP openly questioned whether Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski truly wants rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders to succeed. Newton's criticism centered on a major concern: Sanders reportedly isn't getting any first-team reps in Cleveland's offense.

Newton stated:

"I do not think Kevin Stefanski wants Shedeur Sanders to succeed in Cleveland… If I'm Shedeur or I'm a Shedeur Sanders fan, I would not want him to take the field… it doesn't matter who you put back there. You need help in Cleveland."

He went further, saying the lack of first-team reps is what "irks" him most — pointing to his time in Carolina, where Ron Rivera made sure backup Derek Anderson took first-team snaps to stay ready.

And right now, this is exactly what Cleveland is dealing with: a quarterback crisis, a coaching identity crisis, and a massive question about leadership.

Should Kevin Stefanski Be on the Hot Seat?

The pressure on Stefanski is real, and the facts don't help him:

Kevin Stefanski's Record (Year 6)

  • Only 2 winning seasons in six years

  • 10 different starting QBs during his tenure

  • Inconsistent offensive identity

  • Declining player confidence, highlighted by Newton's statements

Yes — QB injuries have made life difficult in Cleveland. But elite coaches find ways to stabilize their teams when adversity strikes. Instead, the Browns have been stuck in a cycle of confusion, inconsistency, and excuses.

If player development is part of the job, then the Shedeur Sanders situation looks even worse. For a rookie expected to possibly step in this Sunday, no first-team reps is coaching malpractice.

The Current QB Mess

Here's the reality:

  • Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion and is questionable this weekend.

  • Shedeur Sanders entered the game cold, with limited preparation.

  • He may be the only QB available unless the Browns sign someone immediately.

  • And according to Newton, Stefanski still isn't preparing him like a legit option.

That's not just a problem — that's a disaster waiting to happen.

With the season slipping and uncertainty at quarterback, Newton's comments highlight what many Browns fans have felt for years:

This organization still doesn't know how to handle the most important position in football.

Could Stefanski Be the Next Coach Fired?

It's a real possibility.

NFL owners don't just look at wins — they look at:

  • Player development

  • Locker room stability

  • Consistency

  • Accountability

  • Ability to adapt

Right now, Cleveland has:

  • A shaky offense

  • A revolving door of quarterbacks

  • A head coach who looks increasingly disconnected from his QBs

  • Rising public criticism from respected former players

If the Browns collapse down the stretch — especially with the mishandling of Shedeur Sanders — Stefanski might very well be the next coaching casualty.

Final Take

Cam Newton's criticism wasn't just a hot take — it was a spotlight on a deeper issue: Cleveland's inability to prepare and develop quarterbacks under Kevin Stefanski.

With injuries piling up and pressure mounting, the Browns are slipping toward another disappointing season. And unless something changes immediately, this might be Stefanski's final year in Cleveland.

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