The Cleveland Browns are facing a pivotal decision regarding their quarterback Deshaun Watson. When the team signed Watson to a five-year, $230 million deal, they expected him to return to the Pro Bowl form he displayed in Houston. However, saying Watson has struggled to live up to those expectations would be an understatement and his numbers reflect that.
So far in 2024, the Browns are just 1-3 and the offense has failed to score 20 points in any game this season. Watson has thrown for just 727 yards on 148 attempts, averaging a disappointing 4.9 yards per attempt. With solid weapons at his disposal, the Browns anticipated more downfield success from him, but he has been unable to generate the kind of explosive plays that could make their offense dangerous. As a result, wide receivers Amari Cooper and Jerry Jeudy have failed to produce the types of performances we’re used to seeing from them.
Cleveland’s offensive line has been dealing with quite a few injuries, which undoubtedly makes Watson’s job tougher and one of the leading arguments for those thinking Watson deserves more time as the team’s starting quarterback. Both starting tackles, Jedrick Wills and Jack Conklin have missed time along with David Njoku who is a good blocking tight end. Without a healthy offensive line, it’s tough for any quarterback to be at their best.
Still, for the price that Cleveland acquired Watson at, he has to be better. He has failed to top 200 passing yards in any game this season and has taken 19 sacks through four games. His inability to even be just a game manager has many thinking that Jameis Winston should get a crack at the starting spot.
The boost in morale that Winston could provide this team is one of the major arguments you could make for the backup taking over. We just saw it happen in Carolina with Andy Dalton taking over for Bryce Young. The Panthers won their first game with Dalton under center and, despite the loss in Week 5, the offense looked better than it did with Young leading the charge.
Winston hasn’t been a full-time starter since 2019 when he led the league in passing yards (5,109) and interceptions (33) while playing for Tampa Bay. He probably gives the Browns more of a downfield threat, but at most would be a solid game manager.
With how much the Browns have invested in Watson and with Winston being somewhat of a lateral move, not to mention all the offensive line injuries, they’ll likely give Watson a bit more time before making any drastic changes.
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