Browns analysis: Watson's absence reshapes passing attack effectiveness
- Deshaun Watson has struggled with performance, failing to throw for 300 yards in any of his 19 games with the Browns.
- Jameis Winston’s recent performance has highlighted Watson's inadequacies, as he achieved at least 300 yards passing in five of his six starts last season.
- With Watson's absences impacting the team's effectiveness, the Browns must now consider whether to maintain his contract or seek a change.
The Cleveland Browns are currently navigating a challenging predicament with quarterback Deshaun Watson. Despite being a highly touted player, Watson has yet to showcase his talents effectively, as evidenced by his inability to surpass 300 passing yards in any of his 19 starts with the franchise. This trend raises questions about his fit within the Browns' offensive scheme, especially when compared to previous quarterbacks like Jameis Winston, who enjoyed substantial success during his short time with the team last season. Watson's struggles are compounded by the financial implications of his fully guaranteed $230 million contract, which poses significant hurdles for the franchise moving forward. Given that Watson is owed $46 million for the next two seasons, the Browns are now faced with few options as no other team appears willing to trade for him. The prospect of benching or cutting him seems inevitable without a restructuring agreement, which his representatives have little incentive to pursue. The Browns' decision-making has become more urgent as they weigh Watson’s potential to regain his former Pro Bowl form, which has been absent since his time in Houston. With the NFL season ongoing, the Browns must assess their strategy in the short term while considering the long-term risk of retaining Watson under these conditions. Ultimately, the team's performance hinges on finding a viable solution to the quarterback situation, balancing immediate results with future financial stability and overall team success.