The Cleveland Browns recently elevated Tommy Rees to OC. This unexpected but all-around fantastic decision has sent shockwaves through the fan and analyst communities. Rees, who previously acted as the team’s tight ends coach and pass game specialist, has emerged as the team’s offensive architect. He assumes playcalling reins over from Kevin Stefanski, who surrendered those responsibilities. This transition is a notable departure from the Browns’ previous approach as they try to bolster an inconsistent offensive showing.
Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees is earning plaudits for his creative game plans. He’s had a sterling track record as the offensive coordinator and playcaller for prestigious programs like Notre Dame and Alabama. His hiring further indicates that the Browns are serious about sweeping changes to their offensive identity. Yet, concurrently, they want to project some continuity with their playbook and schematics. Rees pointed out that he and Stefanski are two distinct people. It is through their shared philosophies that they will be able to combine their concepts seamlessly.
“We all think alike, [then] no one thinks very much.” – Tommy Rees
Ultimately, the Browns’ offense under Rees will be familiar yet innovative, high floor yet high ceiling. It will include changes to increase impact and reach in the most important areas. Rees articulated his vision for the offense, stating, “Every playcaller is going to have a different feel, a different spin on things,” suggesting that his unique approach will infuse the existing scheme with fresh ideas.
We’ve covered how important it is for Rees to get the best possible performance out of rookie QB Dillon Gabriel. Gabriel’s growth is very important for the Browns, as they need to do everything they can to ensure they find a franchise quarterback. The rookie’s first game working with Rees should be a sight to behold. He characterizes Rees as “eager” and “hungry,” stressing his deep well of knowledge that can truly help the entire team.
“He’s eager, he’s hungry, he’s got a lot of knowledge.” – Dillon Gabriel
In 2023 Rees is playing to Gabriel’s strengths. He’s focused on getting Jerry Jeudy back to playing a pretty featured role as a wide receiver in this offense. Jeudy’s skills are essential for creating opportunities in the passing game, which Rees believes requires collective effort from all players. He remarked, “In the passing game, like we’ve said from the jump, takes all 11,” highlighting the importance of teamwork in executing successful plays.
How Rees and Stefanski mesh together will be critical in finding success on the offensive side of the ball. Though both coaches are remarkably aligned with one another on the general vision for this team, play calls ultimately come down to Rees’ judgment. He acknowledged that stress on opposing defenses is a priority and hinted at potential strategies to leverage player strengths more effectively: “Certainly we want to stress defenses in probably some ways that we have not yet been able to or not able to connect on. Get the most out of them, feature the guys that we can lean on, and then put our quarterback in positions to feel comfortable.”
The transition in playcalling comes at a pivotal moment for the Browns, who are looking to establish themselves as competitive contenders in their division. Still, fans are enthusiastic about Rees’s promotion. They think that it can lead to a more unpredictable and therefore effective attack, one that is better able to maximize their strengths.
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