Cleveland Browns Navigate Playoffs With Unique Dilemma: To Rest or Not to Rest?
The Cleveland Browns find themselves in a unique situation as they head into their final regular-season game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Having already secured a wild-card berth, head coach Kevin Stefanski is considering resting some key players, including quarterback Joe Flacco, to avoid unnecessary injuries before the playoffs.
Stefanski acknowledged the unusual scenario, stating, “We’re working through all those things. We’ll have a plan. Obviously, we want to finish strong, so we’ll have a plan moving forward.” The Browns clinched their playoff spot with an 11-5 record, marking their third postseason appearance since 1999. Despite a slim chance to win the AFC North, the Baltimore Ravens’ victory over Miami dashed those hopes, rendering the upcoming game against the Bengals inconsequential in terms of playoff seeding.
The Browns’ focus now shifts to preserving their players and maintaining momentum as they prepare for a wild-card-round game against the AFC South champion—potentially facing Jacksonville, Indianapolis, or Houston on January 13, 14, or 15. Stefanski emphasized that no decisions have been finalized and that he is considering various options, mindful of the importance of keeping the team in good form.
A win against the Bengals would give the Browns 12 regular-season victories, a feat achieved only once in franchise history in 1986, when they finished with a 12-4 record. Stefanski, in consultation with general manager Andrew Berry and chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta, will make the ultimate call on which players will rest and who will take the field.
“Every decision you make, you’re just trying to do what is in the best interest of your football team, whether you play your guys or rest,” Stefanski said. “You can’t rest everybody. There are roster limitations to that, so we took care of business last week, but we have to finish strong. That’s our mentality. That’s what we’re trying to do.”
While Stefanski guided the Browns to their second playoff appearance since 2002, the addition of quarterback Joe Flacco has been a game-changer. Flacco, who joined the team in November, has led the Browns to four consecutive wins, accumulating 1,616 passing yards in five starts. However, Stefanski remains open to the possibility of resting Flacco against the Bengals, considering alternatives like P.J. Walker or Jeff Driskel.
Stefanski emphasized the importance of listening to the players when making such decisions, particularly acknowledging the valuable input of a veteran like Flacco. Despite the potential benefits of resting key players, there is a delicate balance between preserving freshness and keeping the team sharp and prepared.
The Browns, echoing Stefanski’s season-long mantra of “go 1-0,” remain focused on the immediate task at hand. Linebacker Sione Takitaki expressed the team’s eagerness to face the Bengals and emphasized the importance of finishing the regular season on a high note.
In injury updates, Stefanski mentioned that wide receiver Elijah Moore, who suffered a concussion in the win over the Jets, is progressing well, and Amari Cooper is “feeling better” after missing the playoff-clinching game with a heel injury. As the Browns navigate the delicate decision-making process regarding player rest, the team remains determined to approach each game with a winning mentality.
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