2 years ago

Browns’ holiday wish list: Best of Deshaun Watson, healthy OL, win vs. Steelers

Browns fans and subscribers get my wit, charm and unrelenting optimism 350 or so days a year. The Browns are closing the season focused on getting Watson up to speed with Stefanski’s offense and what it can eventually be, but this week they may have to run it 50 times. Here’s my standard Browns’ fan wish list for what’s reasonable and reasonably predictable when it comes to the 2023 Browns trying to get out of the middle and get back to the postseason … GO DEEPER How Browns' offense is remaining unpredictable while Deshaun Watson plays catchup The big stuff — all wrapped up in nice boxes with fancy bows The best version of Deshaun Watson This is the obvious one. There’s enough uncertainty regarding multiple aspects of the defense that it’s not the only one, but given the cost of Watson and the Browns’ willingness to go through unprecedented tumult in the 2022 season to get Watson and try to get him ready to play, the Browns need Watson at darn close to his best right away in 2023 and absolutely at his best by the middle of next season. Though most of the current focus is on whether the defensive coaching staff will return next season, various January coaching moves across the league could lead to a shakeup on the Browns’ offensive staff, too, and Stefanski getting the right people to help maximize Watson’s abilities will be crucial.

Defense Young Players Game Season Steelers Win Pittsburgh Going Need Best York Defensive Browns Watson Stefanski Deshaun Watson Next Season Clowney wish holiday watson ol defensive healthy vs week game defense win season steelers list going browns deshaun need best

History of this topic

1 month, 3 weeks ago

Browns' Decision on Watson: Eye-Opening Test for the Offense

Associated Press

Browns' decision on Watson is difficult due to circumstances but obvious to the eye test. The blockbuster trade for Watson in 2022 is among the worst in NFL history. Giving him an unprecedented, fully guaranteed $230 million, five-year contract was even worse. With Watson, the Browns are 9-10. Without him, coach Kevin Stefanski is 30-26 overall and twice has been …

Ravens vs. Browns: Jackson's Domination, Watson's Absence Highlight Battle in AFC North

Trending News

1 month, 4 weeks ago

Ravens vs. Browns: Jackson's Domination, Watson's Absence Highlight Battle in AFC North

Associated Press

The Ravens and Browns meet again in a clash of contrasting styles. Lamar Jackson shines for the Ravens, while Deshaun Watson's absence creates a significant challenge for the Browns. The game will be a test of offense against defense, with both teams vying for the division title. Jackson's dual-threat ability and Henry's explosive running will be a major factor in …

2 months ago

Browns to start QB Jameis Winston vs. Ravens after Deshaun Watson injury

New York Times

By Dianna Russini, Zac Jackson and Alex Andrejev The Cleveland Browns will start quarterback Jameis Winston for Sunday’s matchup against the AFC North-leading Baltimore Ravens, coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Wednesday Cleveland is 1-6 and dropped its last five straight games, including a 21-14 loss Sunday to the Cincinnati Bengals. The team suffered multiple quarterback injuries in that contest — starter …

2 months ago

Browns Sign Bailey Zappe to Replace Deshaun Watson on Practice Squad

Associated Press

The Cleveland Browns are signing QB Bailey Zappe from Kansas City's practice squad to provide some protection behind their starting quarterback, Deshaun Watson. Zappe has started eight games for the Chiefs over the past two seasons and gives the Browns some much-needed stability at the quarterback position.

2 months, 1 week ago

Deshaun Watson and a Browns escape plan (once they finally admit it’s over): Sando’s Pick Six

New York Times

Before we sort through end-of-season Deshaun Watson exit strategies for the Cleveland Browns, let’s make one thing clear: Watson remains the starting quarterback. Watson’s EPA per pass play ranks 590th out of 592 quarterbacks who started the first six games of a season since 2000, per TruMedia. GO DEEPER Chargers' Jim Harbaugh returns to sideline vs. Broncos after early exit …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns need a QB change to salvage what’s left of their season

New York Times

— It’s the first week of October and the Browns’ season has ended before the Guardians season. It feels like it’s already over, long before the leaves change, before the bye week, before a pumpkin is carved, before the NBA season begins and before the Guardians’ baseball fate has been determined. Rookie Zak Zinter might eventually be a very good …

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Deshaun Watson says he deserves blame after Browns drop to 1-3

Associated Press

LAS VEGAS — For the second straight week, the Cleveland Browns had multiple opportunities in the fourth quarter to rally for a win, but fell short. Quarterback Deshaun Watson said to put the blame on him after Cleveland blew an early 10-0 lead and lost 20-16 to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. “If I’m gonna be the quarterback of …

3 months ago

After improving on the road, Deshaun Watson and the Browns return home to face winless Giants

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson walked off the field following a dreadful home opener two weeks ago with a towel covering his head, looking as if he was trying to hide. A much better performance last week in a 18-13 win at Jacksonville boosted Watson’s confidence as the Browns prepare to host the New York Giants on Sunday. “All of us.” …

3 months, 1 week ago

Watson runs for a TD as the Browns shut down Lawrence and the Jaguars for an 18-13 win

Associated Press

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Cleveland Browns followed an ugly loss with an ugly win. Deshaun Watson ran for a touchdown, Dustin Hopkins kicked three field goals and the stingy Browns did just enough to hold off the clawless Jacksonville Jaguars 18-13 on Sunday. “I was thinking that all week, actually, but I didn’t want to jinx myself, so I didn’t …

3 months, 1 week ago

Browns and Jaguars looking to rebound from Week 1 debacles and offensive woes

Associated Press

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Cleveland and Jacksonville would love a Week 1 do-over. “You fix the mistakes,” said Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who didn’t play in the preseason. “We don’t like having this feeling of having to bounce back,” Jaguars tight end Evan Engram said. That’s kind of our motto: we’re going to respond to it and we’re going to attack …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

Deshaun Watson’s shaky performance in opener heightens concerns whether QB can deliver for Browns

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson didn’t flinch last week when asked if he still considers himself one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks. Watson didn’t even look average — never mind elite — on Sunday w ith a ragged performance in the season opener that has only heightened the belief that the Browns made a colossal mistake in signing him to a …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

Deshaun Watson has rough return in first game since surgery as Browns thumped 33-17 by Cowboys

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Lying face down in the grass, Deshaun Watson couldn’t see another of his passes sail out of bounds. Watson didn’t look comfortable from the start in his first game since breaking a bone in his right shoulder in November as the Cleveland Browns were blasted 33-17 in their season opener by the Dallas Cowboys. Watson spent much of …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

QB Deshaun Watson makes return from shoulder injury as Browns open season at home against Cowboys

Associated Press

Dallas at Cleveland Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EDT, Fox. The NFL’s reigning AP Defensive Player of the Year is hoping to build off his most dominant season as a pro — if possible — and get the Browns to their first Super Bowl. … WR Brandin Cooks has been limited by a knee injury in the preseason but figures to play.. …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns need the best version of Deshaun Watson if they want to reach their ceiling

New York Times

The Cleveland Browns chose to unveil their new stadium naming rights deal on Tuesday. But it’s fair to think if the Browns remain mostly healthy and get strong play from Watson, they can probably reach their high ceiling. No matter how many times the Browns restructure the cap numbers on Watson’s contract, every dollar remains fully guaranteed. Soon, we’ll see …

3 months, 3 weeks ago

Browns counting on Deshaun Watson’s return from shoulder surgery to build on playoff berth in 2023

Associated Press

CLEVELAND BROWNS EXPECTATIONS: Riding the NFL’s top-ranked defense, the Browns made the playoffs last season despite a rash of injuries at quarterback only to get blown out by Houston 45-14 in the wild-card round. Their chances to go further could hinge on QB Deshaun Watson’s health after he was limited to just six starts before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. NEW …

3 months, 4 weeks ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson sits out preseason finale after dealing with sore arm earlier in week

Associated Press

Deshaun Watson’s return to the field won’t happen until the games count. The Cleveland quarterback was held out of the Browns’ preseason finale Saturday night at Seattle. Coach Kevin Stefanski had planned to play Watson in the preseason finale but instead decided to take a cautious approach with the franchise QB. “I’ve seen a lot from him and really that …

4 months ago

Browns enter make-or-break 3rd season with QB Deshaun Watson following suspension, shoulder injury

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson was supposed to be the one, the missing piece to return Cleveland’s forlorn franchise to fame. On the eve of a make-or-break third season in Cleveland, there are lingering questions and even some doubts about whether Watson, who has only played 12 games in the past four years due to an NFL suspension in 2022 and …

4 months, 1 week ago

Deshaun Watson will play in Browns’ preseason finale at Seattle. QB on track to start season opener

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson’s next start has been penciled in. Cleveland’s quarterback, who hasn’t played in a game since breaking his shoulder in November at Baltimore, is scheduled to play in the Browns’ preseason finale on Aug. 24 in Seattle. Watson did not play in the Browns’ exhibition opener against Green Bay last weekend and will be held out of …

4 months, 1 week ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson cleared for contact, but will sit out 2nd straight preseason game

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Browns starting quarterback Deshaun Watson has been cleared for contact to his surgically repaired shoulder, but he’ll sit out his second straight preseason game when Cleveland hosts Minnesota this week. Watson spent Saturday night’s preseason opener against Green Bay on the sideline as the Browns were beaten 23-10 by the Packers. However, on a Zoom call Sunday, coach …

4 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns’ Deshaun Watson sitting out preseason opener as he continues recovery from shoulder surgery

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson might be ready to play. Watson will sit out Cleveland’s exhibition opener on Saturday against the Green Bay Packers as the team continues to take a cautious approach after the quarterback underwent right shoulder surgery in November. Earlier in camp, Watson said he’s feeling healthy and is aiming this season to “block out noise.” The Browns …

8 months ago

Browns’ draft still affected by Deshaun Watson trade. Team without first-round pick for 3rd year

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — The NFL draft used to be a major event in Cleveland, viewed as a springtime Super Bowl for a team that’s never been to one. The team’s franchise-shifting trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson two years ago has once again made the three-day draft almost an afterthought. The team’s massive investment into Watson affects every move the Browns make, …

11 months, 1 week ago

Browns’ surprise season crashes in playoffs, but team convinced future bright with healthy QB Watson

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — With a wild-card blowout win secured, Houston’s rowdy crowd let loose, serenading rookie quarterback C.J. On Saturday, the team’s inspiring run to the AFC playoffs despite losing Watson with a fractured shoulder in November, plugging holes all season because of numerous injuries to key players and rolling behind 38-year-old QB Joe Flacco over the final month, ended with …

11 months, 1 week ago

Browns coach confident Deshaun Watson will be ‘ready to roll’ after season-ending shoulder surgery

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson’s first two seasons with the Browns have been short, underwhelming and incomplete. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Sunday he’s still confident Watson will bounce back from a shoulder injury that limited him this season and become the elite quarterback Cleveland mortgaged its future to get. “We all know what he’s capable of and we’re excited …

11 months, 2 weeks ago

How the Browns plan to approach their season finale vs. Bengals

New York Times

There’s no immediate prize or short-term gain for the Cleveland Browns this week, which is why coach Kevin Stefanski plans to sit as many players as he can for Sunday’s regular-season finale in Cincinnati. Jeff Driskel, who wasn’t even on the team when the Browns practiced for the Week 17 playoff-clinching game, will start at quarterback. Stefanski talked this week …

11 months, 3 weeks ago

Joe Flacco’s revival in Cleveland has the Browns on the verge of clinching a playoff spot

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — When they signed Joe Flacco in near desperation last month, the Browns hoped the veteran quarterback could keep them in the playoff mix. He’s really steadied the ship and we’ve been thankful to have him.” Deshaun Watson returned to the Browns’ facility on Tuesday for the first time since undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. As fate would have …

1 year ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson says right shoulder rehab on track following season-ending surgery

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson’s season ended last month. “But I’m very supportive, and the guys got to keep rolling because they’re on fire right now.” Watson got hurt in the first half of a Nov. 12 game at Baltimore. Until then, I’m just going to follow every rules and every precaution they want me to follow.” After the surgery, Watson …

1 year, 1 month ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson has shoulder surgery. Team expects full recovery before start of ’24 season

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson had surgery Tuesday in Los Angeles to repair a fracture in his right shoulder, an injury that ended his second season in Cleveland after just nine games. The Browns said shoulder specialist Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed the surgery to fix the displaced fracture of Watson’s right glenoid. The 28-year-old will begin rehab later this …

1 year, 1 month ago

NFL Week 11 takeaways: Browns defense is ‘special’; 49ers appear to be back

New York Times

Cover 7 | Sunday A daily NFL destination that provides in-depth analysis of football’s biggest stories. GO DEEPER Dorian Thompson-Robinson 'came through' when Browns needed him most vs. Steelers Pompei: No matter the quarterback, the Browns’ formula for winning is to play good defense and run the ball. With the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Chargers and Carolina Panthers all losing, …

1 year, 1 month ago

Analysis: Giving Deshaun Watson $230 million guaranteed has become a disaster for the Browns

Associated Press

On Football analyzes the biggest topics in the NFL from week to week. ___ Giving Deshaun Watson a fully guaranteed $230 million contract has turned into another disaster for the Cleveland Browns. But I’m going to be working with some great doctors and great staff that dealt with this process before with a lot of professional baseball guys and make …

$Browns lose QB Deshaun Watson for rest of season with shoulder fracture; rookie starting vs Steelers$

1 year, 1 month ago

Browns lose QB Deshaun Watson for rest of season with shoulder fracture; rookie starting vs Steelers

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson felt blindsided by the injury — as did the Browns. “It’s tough to try to wrap everything around my head right now.” Browns general manage Andrew Berry said the fracture is not related to the strained rotator cuff that Watson sustained earlier this season and kept him off the field for almost four full games. …

1 year, 1 month ago

Jackson: Following Deshaun Watson injury, Browns’ season in danger of turning sour

New York Times

BEREA, Ohio — Cleveland Browns players said the right things Wednesday. But what Cleveland was starting to assemble with half a season left was built around Watson’s getting healthy, more comfortable and eventually being what this version of the Browns has never had. In Watson’s six games, the Browns were averaging 5.1 yards per play. Dobbs has gone on to …

1 year, 1 month ago

Browns again display grittiness in comeback win over Ravens: ‘They’re about that fight’

New York Times

The Athletic has live coverage of Browns vs Steelers in NFL Week 11 action. On Ford’s 12-yard run in the final 90 seconds, nearly the entire Browns offense ended up in a pile helping push Ford from the edge of Hopkins’ field goal range to the Ravens’ 27 to set up one kick to win it. After putting the ball …

1 year, 1 month ago

Watson rallies Browns from 14 down in 4th to 33-31 win over Ravens, tightening AFC North

Associated Press

BALTIMORE — The Cleveland Browns have received a lot of ridicule for the massive contract they gave Deshaun Watson last year. Watson completed every pass he threw after halftime, and Cleveland made all the important plays down the stretch, rallying from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Ravens 33-31 on Sunday. “That’s something that would have been very valuable …

1 year, 1 month ago

Deshaun Watson throws 2 TD passes in return from shoulder injury, Browns demolish Cardinals 27-0

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson reared back and in one motion signaled his return. After waiting weeks for Watson’s right shoulder to get stronger, Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper knew in an instant that Cleveland’s quarterback was back. “If he wasn’t feeling good, he wouldn’t have thrown the ball deep,” said Cooper, who hauled in Watson’s pass in the first quarter …

1 year, 2 months ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson practices after missing 2 games with a shoulder injury; could face Colts

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson was limited in practice Thursday. Simply his return to the field was welcomed by the Browns, who have spent the past few weeks in a sometimes awkward limbo as they waited for him to return from an injury Watson described as “tricky.” Watson explained he has some small tears in his rotator cuff and said …

1 year, 2 months ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson still out with right shoulder injury, can’t put timeline on return to field

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson’s return is either imminent, a day or two away or not happening for another few weeks. Dealing with a “tricky” injury he described as a strain — and not a bruise as previously reported by the team — to the rotator cuff in his right shoulder, Watson, who has already missed two games, said Wednesday …

1 year, 2 months ago

Browns rookie QB Thompson-Robinson has brutal NFL debut filling in for injured Deshaun Watson

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s strong training camp and preseason persuaded the Browns to install the rookie as Deshaun Watson’s backup. With Watson sidelined by a bruised right throwing shoulder, Thompson-Robinson made his NFL debut and looked overwhelmed and overmatched throughout Cleveland’s 28-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. But after a 10-minute pregame workout watched closely by head trainer Joe Sheehan, …

1 year, 2 months ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson is questionable to play against the Ravens amid shoulder soreness

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson watched most of practice from the sideline Friday. Coach Kevin Stefanski said he’s “hopeful” Watson will be healthy enough to go. “He knows his body, so that’s why I’m hopeful.” Fifth-round draft pick Dorian Thompson-Robinson would start if Watson doesn’t. “It’s just the life of a backup.” Watson threw just a couple of passes Friday before …

1 year, 2 months ago

Deshaun Watson questionable vs. Ravens, but Browns’ Stefanski ‘hopeful’ he’ll play

New York Times

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is questionable to play Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens because of an injury to his throwing shoulder, but coach Kevin Stefanski said he’s “hopeful” his starting QB will play. This week’s limited throwing for Watson is considered to be cautionary and the Browns are optimistic he plays, a team source said. The Browns finish this …

1 year, 2 months ago

Seven Browns thoughts: Amari Cooper delivering as Deshaun Watson’s go-to receiver

New York Times

Taking one last look at the Cleveland Browns’ 27-3 domination of the Tennessee Titans. Amari Cooper was Watson’s go-to guy in that game, as he is now — and certainly was versus the Titans. In that Washington game last season, Watson made two of his best throws in a Browns uniform: a bullet to David Njoku to set up a …

1 year, 3 months ago

Watt’s fumble return TD gives Steelers win over Browns, who lose Chubb to knee injury

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — T.J. Watt scooped up a fumble by DeShaun Watson and ran 17 yards for the go-ahead touchdown midway through the fourth quarter, and the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cleveland Browns 26-22 on Monday night in a game overshadowed by a serious knee injury to Cleveland star running back Nick Chubb. The Steelers beat the Browns for the 20th …

1 year, 3 months ago

T.J. Watt’s scoop-and-score lifts Steelers past Browns 26-22 as Cleveland loses Nick Chubb to injury

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith knew what was coming. The Steelers extended their regular-season home winning streak against their AFC North rivals to 20 and counting in a victory overshadowed by a serious left knee injury to Cleveland star running back Nick Chubb. The four-time Pro Bowler’s sixth NFL season ended two plays into the second quarter after …

1 year, 3 months ago

Jackson: Replacing Nick Chubb won’t be easy, but the Browns ‘have to keep pushing’

New York Times

PITTSBURGH — The Cleveland Browns lost their best offensive player Monday night to what’s expected to be a season-ending knee injury. In the first quarter Monday night, Chubb rushed nine times for 59 yards — and there weren’t anywhere near 59 yards available to the average running back on those plays. The Browns’ blueprint for this season was to score …

1 year, 3 months ago

AFC North Whiparound: Injuries abound as division foes prepare to square off

New York Times

Each week during the regular season, our crew of AFC North writers will tackle the division’s biggest storylines, most important games, top players and other headlines in a roundtable format. Center Tyler Linderbaum and left tackle Ronnie Stanley are considered week to week, which, in John Harbaugh’s parlance, usually means missing multiple games. GO DEEPER 'Kenny will be fine': Mike …

1 year, 3 months ago

Browns expecting big things with Deshaun Watson on field from start after suspension-altered season

Associated Press

CLEVELAND BROWNS EXPECTATIONS: Everything hinges on QB Deshaun Watson, who begins his first full on-field season with Cleveland after serving an 11-game NFL suspension in 2022 following accusations by more than two dozen women of sexual harassment when he played in Houston. NEW FACES: WR Elijah Moore, DE Za’Darius Smith, S Juan Thornhill, DT Dalvin Tomlinson, DT Shelby Harris, Defensive …

1 year, 3 months ago

Deshaun Watson leads the Browns to a pair of TDs in a 33-32 preseason loss to the Chiefs

Associated Press

— Deshaun Watson acknowledged there is plenty to fix with about two weeks left before the start of the season, but the Browns quarterback also has seen some progress and believes things are trending in the right direction. Kansas City marched the other way and Harrison Butker answered from 44 yards, and York’s last chance to play the hero with …

1 year, 3 months ago

Browns trade backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs to Cardinals for fifth-round pick in 2024

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Joshua Dobbs quickly went from backing up to packing up. Dobbs’ stunning departure means Browns rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who has had an impressive training camp and exhibition season, will back up starter Deshaun Watson. “I’ve been very blessed to be around some great backup quarterbacks, some young guys, some old guys, different styles of players,” Stefanski said when …

1 year, 4 months ago

Why Cade York’s kicking woes should concern Browns ahead of joint sessions with Eagles

New York Times

After Friday night’s preseason game, I heard Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski say he’s not worried about kicker Cade York, who for the second straight week missed wide right on a field goal try he should have made. For York, there’s a preseason game Thursday night — and he’s put himself and his team in a position where any kick …

1 year, 6 months ago

Why it’s OK to climb aboard the Browns’ offseason hype train — for at least a few days

New York Times

BEREA, Ohio — If you watched the competitive 7-on-7 periods during the Browns’ mandatory minicamp practice on Tuesday, you’d be more likely to shop for Super Bowl tickets than to think the Browns are still a developing pass offense that could be seriously pursuing free agent DeAndre Hopkins. The Browns broke the huddle for the first 7-on-7 drill with Cooper, …

1 year, 8 months ago

Browns update: Greg Newsome II’s future, Al Woods’ visit and final NFL draft preparations

New York Times

Diving into some Browns notes, hypotheticals and key dates for the rest of the spring… I’m back from vacation. Greg Newsome II and his Cleveland future There was apparently a bit of a Twitter kerfuffle Tuesday morning as Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II felt the need to clarify that he did not request a trade from the Browns and write …

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3 hours, 6 minutes ago