Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski didn’t wait long to share the team’s quarterback plans following another lackluster outing from Deshaun Watson in a humiliating 34-13 road loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday afternoon.
Deshaun Watson completed just 15 of 28 pass attempts for 125 yards and one touchdown while taking seven sacks in Sunday’s loss. Watson has been held to under 200 yards passing in all five games this season.
But despite another uninspiring effort from Cleveland’s $230 million signal-caller, coach Stefanski made it clear that he’s not eyeing a change behind center, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com:
#Browns Kevin Stefanski “we’re not changing quarterbacks” pic.twitter.com/mKOo6WvtDy
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) October 6, 2024
The Browns obviously feel stuck with Watson, given his record-setting contract and the draft capital they gave up to the Houston Texans two years ago. But in a results-oriented business, Stefanski has no excuse for continuing to play Watson.
The Browns are closer to the No. 1 overall draft pick than they are the playoffs.
The Deshaun Watson trade is the worst in NFL history. It’s set the organization back years.
— Nick Pedone (@NickPedone12) October 6, 2024
Cleveland has one of the league’s best backups behind Deshaun Watson on the depth chart in Jameis Winston, a former first-overall pick who led the NFL in passing yards during the 2019 season.
Watson may be in line to start for next Sunday’s Week 6 road game against the Philadelphia Eagles, but one can only assume that he’ll mercilessly get benched if there isn’t any improvement whatsoever.
Deshaun Watson & Browns Playoff Hopes Are Already Over
The Browns made the playoffs a year ago with an 11-6 record. Joe Flacco was their best quarterback last season, but the front office made the careless mistake in letting him walk to free agency.
While Flacco is providing quality play in relief of an Anthony Richardson in Indianapolis, the Browns just get worse and worse behind Watson under center. At 1-4, the Browns’ season already appears to be done for.
