This 'n' that

Kevin Stefanski, it would appear, is a very stubborn football coach. Shocking, I know. It is quite evident in his approach to the handling of enigmatic placekicker Cade York.

On the one hand, the Browns' head coach has become almost adamant that York, whose performance last season and early in the exhibition season has been disappointing, will be fine. I'm not worried, he maintains. Thus, you shouldn't be, either.

York has been the subject of numerous questions by the Cleveland media after badly missing, for him, too many easy field-goal attempts. Stefanski is pestered relentlessly, as he should be. Yes this is still the season of meaningless games, but c'mon, this cannot be dismissed.

It's now at the point with the beginning of the National Football League's regular season dead ahead that York's difficulties need to disappear. Stefanski won't publicly acknowledge it, but he knows York's success, or lack thereof, is attached to his job security.

In close games, placekickers become the most important player on the team. They all too often in the waning moments of a close game are the difference between winning and losing and face more pressure to succeed than any other position on the roster.  It's part of the job.

From all other standpoints, the Browns are a very talent-enriched team. The offense is potentially one of the most dangerous in the NFL. The equally-talented defense, which underperformed and underachieved the last three seasons, has a new coordinator who espouses belligerence and attitude.

Questioned once again in the wake of York missing back-to-back field goals in the final two minutes of Thursday night's 18-18 tie in Philadelphia, Stefanski held his ground even when the media suggested  bringing in someone to challenge his kicker.

"It's preseason, so everyone is working through their preseason,"Stefanski said. "He's like any other player on our roster. . . . He's got to work his way through it. . . . You're constantly trying to perfect your craft." 

The question then becomes how much longer will he be allowed to work his way through it? Sept. 10 will be here sooner than you think. Disdaining the possibility of bringing on another kicker lends fuel to the fire.

"That's our decision," Stefanski said in a case-closed sort of way. "Cade is our kicker. (Period. Me) We support him. We have a ton of confidence in him. It's really as simple as that." Thought, but not said: "Let's move on."

Guess here is Stefanski is smart enough to know he can't publicly acknowledge his concern with York, whose terrific kicking in practice is as meaningless as the results of exhibition games. He sees little or no pressure in training camp.

Subsequent negative results in games, where pressure is the great equalizer, suggest the problem with York might reside between his ears. He seems to be thinking (overthinking?) too much, guesses your humble amateur psychologist.

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Deshaun Watson wants to start the final exhibition game in Kansas City next week and play at least a quarter. He shared his thoughts with the media after the tie in Philly.

"I would love to be out there," said the quarterback, who has played only one series thus far (in the Washington loss) and looked good. "I know Kevin doesn't want to play us the whole game, but get a little rhythm going for maybe a quarter. . . . and just to have that test I think would be fun."

Stefanski declined to comment on the situation. "I'll let you guys know next week," he said coyly. "He's (Watson) not supposed to spill the beans."

It was a bit surprising he rested his starters in the so-called dress rehearsal game in Philadelphia and then come back in the final game with the crew that played in the Washington tie.

As a general rule, playing the regulars in the final exhibition has become a no-no for most teams, mainly because of the risk of possibly losing a starter or two to injury before the regular season begins.

Another guess: Stefanski will gamble and play the starters against the Chiefs for at least two possessions depending on how they fare.

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It's pretty safe to predict Dorian Thompson-Robinson will shy away from blocking anyone on opposing teams whenever (if?) he gets reps in a regular-season game. The rookie quarterback was rebuked by his head coach after throwing two blocks on the same play in the Philly game. The second one for a blind-side block drew the scolding.

"He knows the rule you can't block back," Stefanski said. "I love the kid's effort. I love the feistiness. I love that he wants to throw his body around. His teammates love that. But I don't love hurting the team with a (15-yard) penalty."