The Cleveland Browns need more from quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Point blank.
Through two seasons since making the blockbuster deal for the quarterback, a trade that included their next three first round picks and more, Watson has not lived up to the hype, predominantly because he has not been on the field.
First, he was suspended for 12 games in 2022, then he played just six games in 2023 after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury that had plagued him since Week 3. And while it seemed like Watson was turning a corner in back-to-back weeks against the Arizona Cardinals and Baltimore Ravens, there is little consistency for fans to hang their hats on.
And a new stat from Warren Sharp exemplifies the crux of his struggles: accuracy issues.
According to Sharp, Watson led all quarterbacks from a year ago with a minimum of 175 throws in rate of incompletions due to inaccurate passes.
highest rate of incompletions due to inaccurate passes:
43.9% – Deshaun Watson
40.6% – Tyrod Taylor
38.8% – Trevor Siemian
37.7% – Bryce Young
36.7% – Lamar Jackson
36.2% – Jordan Love
36.1% – Trevor Lawrence
35.6% – C.J. Stroud
35.4% – Aidan O'Connell
35.0% – Kenny Pickett…— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) June 30, 2024
Getting a guy like wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, who is constantly among the top of the league in open and separation metrics, will do no good if Watson cannot find him.
If the Browns want to get more explosive, and every offensive change they’ve made this season (predominantly overhauling their staff on that side of the ball) indicates they want to, then they will need Watson to hit his open men when they are there.
And if he can? The Browns have a chance to be one of the best football teams in the NFL in 2024.