Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski accepted responsibility for a critical failed 2-point conversion attempt during his team’s narrow 31-29 defeat against the Tennessee Titans on December 3, 2023. The decision came under scrutiny as rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who had shown promise during the game, was sidelined for the pivotal play.
Trailing 31-17 with just six minutes remaining, the Browns mounted a comeback led by Sanders, who orchestrated two touchdown drives. The first was a 7-yard rushing touchdown. However, the subsequent 2-point conversion attempt faltered when Sanders fumbled the snap. Later, after connecting with rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. for another touchdown, the Browns opted for a Wildcat formation instead of allowing Sanders to attempt the critical conversion.
In the Wildcat formation, rookie running back Quinshon Judkins mishandled the ball while attempting a reverse pass to rookie wide receiver Gage Larvadain. Judkins, running backward, threw a desperate pass, but it fell incomplete, ending the Browns’ hopes for a tie.
Stefanski chose not to delve into specifics post-game, stating, “Not going to get into all the specifics but obviously it did not go as we thought it would.” Despite handing over play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Tommy Rees after the team’s Week 9 bye, Stefanski took full accountability for the failed conversion. “I make every call. … I’m responsible for all of it,” he affirmed.
The decision to utilize the Wildcat formation has been a strategy for the Browns in short-yardage situations throughout the season. Judkins had scored four touchdowns using the formation previously, but earlier in the game, he was stopped short of the goal line.
Sanders, the 144th pick in this year’s draft, delivered his strongest performance yet, completing 23 of 42 passes for 364 yards, along with three touchdowns and an interception. He also rushed for 29 yards and a touchdown, making him the first Browns quarterback to achieve three passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown in a game since Derek Anderson in the 2007 season.
Despite his impressive efforts, the loss dropped the Browns to 3-10, eliminating them from playoff contention. According to ESPN Analytics, their chances of securing the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft increased from 6.6% to 14% following this defeat.
Stefanski praised Sanders’ performance, noting, “He fought throughout the game, which we knew he would. Obviously, with any young player, there’s going to be ups and downs, and I thought there were some really, really, really good moments.” As the Browns look ahead, the focus will be on rebuilding and refining strategies for the future.
