The quarterback’s injury and uncertain status don’t stop the Browns from winning even in the absence of Watson.
On Sunday, October 22, 2023, in Indianapolis, during the first half of an NFL football game, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws a pass over Indianapolis Colts defensive end Kwity Paye (51), in Indianapolis. (Photo by Michael Conroy/AP)
CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Browns pulled off an exciting, unexpected victory in the fourth quarter for the second week in a row.
They demonstrated tenacity, fortitude, and resolve.
Deshaun Watson merely observed.
Watson, who had missed the previous two games due to a right shoulder injury, made his NFL debut on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. However, in just twelve plays, five pass attempts, one interception, and almost a full second, the quarterback from Cleveland either made his strained rotator cuff worse or was benched because head coach Kevin Stefanski believed backup quarterback P.J. Walker gave the Browns a better chance to win.
ADDITIONAL NEWS
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The Browns, who have experienced more than their fair share of drama in recent seasons, now have to deal with Watson’s injury on a daily basis. It occurred on September 24 when he was struck in the back of his shoulder during a running play against Tennessee.
This time, it’s not the same. The Browns (4-2) defeated the Colts 39-38 after overcoming mistakes.
Is it sustainable, though?
Stefanski refrained from giving any substantive updates on Watson on Monday. Watson is anticipated to have additional tests performed on his shoulder over the next two days. Watson appeared to be damaged goods before being shoved down by a Colts defender in the first quarter.
Although Watson was ruled out with a concussion following his head injury against the Bengals, Stefanski decided to start Walker, a former XFL quarterback who had started the previous week against San Francisco and had come off the bench to help Cleveland win, despite Watson’s short and off-target throws.
Stefanski emphasized that he made the choice to bench Watson in order to “protect our franchise quarterback.”
Although Stefanski’s actions are commendable, Watson has only ever led the team in touchdowns.
The 28-year-old had to serve an 11-game suspension for breaking the NFL’s personal conduct policy after being accused of sexual harassment and assault by two dozen women, so the Browns effectively wasted 2022 with him.
Out of 23 possible games, Watson has only participated in nine.
With the exception of a strong showing against the Titans, Watson hasn’t looked elite or like a former Pro Bowler this season. This has raised concerns about whether the Browns made a grave error in trading three first-round draft picks to Houston and signing him to a $230 million contract. Watson had promised to be better this season.
The topic of discussion has now shifted to when he’ll play again, whether the Browns should acquire a different experienced quarterback, or whether they should place him on injured reserve to allow him to fully recover.
When Watson arrived, Cleveland believed its long search for a quarterback was over.
The Browns have yet to receive him.
What is effective
Cleveland’s misfiring kicking game has at least corrected itself. All the credit goes to Dustin Hopkins.
On Sunday, Hopkins added four more field goals, making him the first kicker in league history to make a kick that was at least fifty yards in five straight games. On kicks made beyond midfield, he is 7 of 7.
When the Browns traded for Hopkins shortly before the season, they could never have imagined him to be this good.
Stefanski stated, “We don’t want to be kicking from 50 yards or more too frequently.” “However, the man just keeps performing well for his football team.”
WHAT REQUIRES ASSISTANCE
The best defense in Cleveland suffered some setbacks in terms of performance and standing.
The Browns allowed a season-high 456 yards, which is more than twice their average, and were beset by poor tackles and poor communication, which allowed the Colts to produce a number of big plays.
Nevertheless, the Browns did force four turnovers, more than doubling their 2023 total, which resulted in 17 points.
AVAILABLE STOCK
Myles Garrett is currently by himself in a class.
The All-Pro defensive end for Cleveland was a one-man wrecking crew. In addition to forcing two fumbles, forcing nine tackles, and knocking down a pass, he also made what may have been the best play in the league this season by leaping over the Indianapolis line in one motion to block a field goal.
Stefanski remarked, “He played as good as you can play in a football game.” “He’s playing at it; I don’t know if there’s a higher level.”
LOW STOCK
Even before he was injured, Watson was a divisive figure. His toughness is now being called into question, and some Cleveland supporters would be happy to see him cut loose by the team.
That won’t happen, but the criticism intensifies each week that Watson doesn’t play or perform to the expected level.
PERSONAL HARM
Stefanski said the team is still awaiting the results of multiple players’ additional medical exams in addition to Watson. … RB Jerome Ford gained 74 yards on the game’s third play, including 69 on a touchdown run, before sustaining an ankle injury in the second half. Despite having a concussion, Stefanski stated that Alex Wright is “trending the right way.”
ESSENTIAL NUMBER
Stefanski’s record versus the AFC South is 8-0.
