Quarterback Deshaun Watson Needs to Take Charge and Lead Browns Back to Postseason

Since 1999, the Cleveland Browns have had 35 different starting quarterbacks including quarterback Deshaun Watson, with only three seasons in which the quarterback played in every game. Deshaun Watson is arguably the most talented, and his time with the Houston Texans shows he has been the closest thing to an MVP quarterback the team has had out of the 35. Watson was the 12th pick by the Houston Texans in the 2017 NFL Draft, coming off an impressive career with the Clemson Tigers.

He featured in just seven games his rookie year, but managed to score 21 touchdowns and account for nearly 2,000 total yards. This was a sign of success to come for Watson statistically, as he accounted for over 4,700 yards and 31 touchdowns in his sophomore season. In his third year, he showed more of the same impact, ahead of his 2020 campaign where he put the league on notice.

In the fourth and final year, he was in Houston, quarterback Deshaun Watson threw with a 70.2 completion percentage, for 4,823 passing yards, 33 passing touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He added 44 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns in the 16-game 2020 season. After his suspension and a new start with the Browns, he played in six games in 2022. Playing just one less game last season than he did in his rookie year, his numbers were vastly different across the board.

He was less accurate, threw for nearly 600 fewer yards, 12 fewer touchdowns, and did not run the ball as well either. Playing in three of the four games thus far, his numbers are a little better. Quarterback Deshaun Watson led the Browns to a 2-1 start, before missing week four against the Baltimore Ravens with a bruised rotator cuff. The exciting rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson took over but did not show any threat to Watson in his first professional start. Watson had a needed bye week to address his injury and will hope to play against the high-powered San Francisco 49ers defense.

With the offensive line having injuries and struggles early on, and the running back room taking a blow with Nick Chubb out, Watson will need to use his legs and throw the ball away when pressured. His legs are an underrated aspect of his game, but the weapons out wide also make it essential for him to get the ball out quickly. Weapons like Amari Cooper, David Njoku, and Kareem Hunt are all proven and should be trusted to have the ball in their hands.

Younger playmakers like Jerome Ford, Elijah Moore, and Donovan Peoples-Jones can make highlight plays and will have opportunities to do so. Not only does Watson need to heal, he needs to play better, and show that MVP-caliber. The Browns gave up a lot of money and their future to have a situation-proof quarterback. If the Browns have hopes to return to the postseason like in 2020, and avoid another drought, quarterback Deshaun Watson will be a big reason for them getting there or missing out on the fun.

Main Photo: [Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean] – USA Today Sports