Troy Aikman blames Browns' struggles on delayed Jameis Winston transition
- The Cleveland Browns lost 41-32 to the Denver Broncos, dropping their season record to 3-9.
- Troy Aikman criticized the Browns for not transitioning to Jameis Winston earlier amid struggles with Deshaun Watson.
- The team's future at the quarterback position raises significant offseason questions given Watson's contract status.
In a recent NFL game on December 2, 2024, the Cleveland Browns faced the Denver Broncos, leading to discussions around their quarterback situation. The Browns, underperforming with a 3-9 record this season, showcased improved play with Jameis Winston at the helm, but ultimately lost 41-32 after a costly late interception. Former NFL quarterback Troy Aikman highlighted the difficulties faced by the Browns this season, particularly questioning why they did not shift to Winston sooner, especially given Deshaun Watson’s struggles prior to his injury. Watson, who was brought into the team with a significant fully guaranteed contract, ended his time as the starter with a disappointing 1-6 record, throwing only five touchdowns against three interceptions. Many fans and analysts speculated about the timing of Watson's removal as starter, considering the team's offense had significantly struggled under his direction. Aikman acknowledged that while head coach Kevin Stefanski is a talented coach, the team's lack of offensive productivity had repercussions on their defensive play as well. This raises concerns about how the team will address the quarterback position moving forward, particularly with Watson's contract remaining for two more seasons. With high hopes at the start of the season after a surprising playoff run, the Browns' management must carefully navigate their strategy for recovery during the upcoming offseason, as they still aspire to turn the season around despite their current low standing.