Kevin Stefanski Explains Decision To Not Challenge Near Safety In Browns Win Over Steelers

Kevin Stefanski breaks down the non-safety call at the beginning of the Cleveland Browns-Pittsburgh Steelers game.

The most recent chapter of the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers rivalry started off with a bang on Sunday afternoon.

Pittsburgh quickly found themselves on their own 9-yard line after a tremendous Cleveland punt. Then the best defense in the NFL did what they do best!

Myles Garrett blew up the Steelers’ first play of the game and sacked Kenny Pickett for a significant loss. The play looked like a textbook safety when watching it live, but the referees chose not to call it and placed the ball back on the one-yard line.

Kevin Stefanski appeared to try and challenge the play, but he didn’t drop the red flag in time and the game moved on. Even CBS's rules expert Gene Steratore said on the broadcast that he believed the play would've been overturned if it was looked at again. 

So, why didn’t Cleveland’s head coach challenge the play earlier? This was the explanation he gave after the game.

“We did (want to challenge). Those are hard when you’re talking about forward momentum and where they called them down. So I wanted the safety, but just felt best not doing it there.”

Nov 19, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) sacks Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) during the first quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports / © Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Anytime there’s a play that could end in points and it doesn’t is going to be put under a microscope. These two points could've easily been the difference-maker and a Browns victory or loss. 

Thankfully, those two points didn't come back to bite the Browns. They finished off the Steelers with a 13-10 victory behind another game-winning field goal from Dustin Hopkins.