The Cleveland Browns refuse to make a change at quarterback, sticking with Deshaun Watson despite an abysmal start to his 2024 season and an underwhelming tenure with the team.
After their humiliating loss to the Washington Commanders, a game they were blown out in by a score of 34-14, head coach Kevin Stefanski was asked about the status of Watson as his starting quarterback. The head coach reiterated the team’s commitment to Watson, placing the blame back on himself to right the ship on the offensive side of the ball.
Against the Commanders, Watson went a measly 15-of-28 passing for 125 yards and one garbage-time touchdown to tight end Jordan Akins. He was sacked seven times in this game, creating much of the pressure on his own.
Only two quarterbacks in the NFL has a lower Expected Points Added (EPA) per play than Watson, and one is Bryce Young who was benched by the Carolina Panthers. The other is Will Levis, who is on the verge of being benched by the Tennessee Titans.
His completion percentage above expected is also in the bottom part of the league. That showed in this game as Watson could not connect down the field and even missed a wide-open Amari Cooper on a boundary throw in this loss to the Commanders.
Deshaun Watson is at the bottom of the NFL in ESPN QBR. Lower than Young. Lower than Levis. So why on earth are the Browns supporting such abysmal quarterback play after going out and getting perhaps the best backup quarterback on the market in free agency?
Former NFL players have seen enough of Watson. Ryan Fitzpatrick advocated for Jameis Winston on X (formerly known as Twitter). Future Hall of Famer Rob Gronkowski called for it on the halftime show on the FOX broadcast. Everyone is well aware of how Watson is playing.
Except for the Browns.
Maybe this is a call above the head coach’s head, but if Stefanski isn’t allowed to run his offense with a quarterback capable of it instead of catering to the NFL’s worst quarterback right now, then why would he even stay in his post?
The Browns need to figure it out fast as their season is already likely over. And the starting point seems like a pretty glaringly obvious one.