Cleveland Browns’ quarterback Deshaun Watson has made it clear that he is not interested in more designed runs despite the team’s struggling offense. Watson argued that his role is to be the quarterback, to make decisions and to throw the ball, not to run. He also highlighted the potential injury risk in running, citing the season-ending shoulder injury he suffered in November 2023. The quarterback claimed that an injury sustained on a run would be detrimental to both him and the team’s head coach, Kevin Stefanski.
The Cleveland Browns offense has been performing poorly in the league, averaging just 152.3 passing yards per game (ranking 30th in the NFL) and 95.7 rushing yards (ranking 24th). The team has been averaging a total of 248.0 yards per game, placing it 31st in the league, and scoring 16.7 points per game, ranking it 25th. So far, the Browns haven’t scored 20 points in a single game this season.
Watson himself has only completed 57.8% of his passes, acquiring a total of 551 passing yards, throwing three touchdown passes, and making two interceptions. His passer rating stands at 71.4. Watson currently also has the dubious distinction of being the most sacked player in the league, having been sacked 16 times this season. Additionally, two key members of the team’s offensive scene, right tackle Jack Conklin and guard Joel Bitonio, are also currently managing injuries, adding to the Browns’ challenging situation.
Browns’ head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged the group effort needed to protect Watson and emphasized that every player has a role in keeping the quarterback safe. This acknowledgment could be seen as a response to the increasing pressure on the team and Watson himself to perform better. Despite this, Watson has defended his performance by citing his credentials as a three-time Pro Bowler.
Watson’s tenure with the Browns, which is now in its third season, has been fraught with controversy and setbacks. The quarterback played just six games in the 2022 season due to an 11-game suspension stemming from over 20 lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct. Although these cases were later settled out of court, Watson spent most of the season on the sidelines. In 2023, the quarterback again only managed six games before a shoulder injury prematurely ended his season.
The Browns’ next encounter will be against the Las Vegas Raiders in an away match this Sunday. The team currently has a 1-2 win-loss record, the same standing as their upcoming opponents. The match will be pivotal for the Browns in their bid to improve their offensive performance and for Watson to cement his place as the team’s cornerstone despite the controversies surrounding him.
