The Cleveland Browns have been an electric defensive team and saw quarterback Deshaun Watson return to the lineup after missing the last few games with a shoulder injury. However, late in the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts, Watson threw an interception and had his head slammed into the turf.
Deshaun Watson cannot be serious pic.twitter.com/2w7B8tCt4l
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) October 22, 2023
Watson went to the blue medical tent after the throw and has since been replaced by backup quarterback P.J. Walker. So far, Watson is 1-for-5 for five yards and an interception and is questionable to return with a head injury. We will keep you updated as more news begins to come out.
Can the Cleveland Browns make the playoffs without Deshaun Watson?
Deshaun Watson is one of the most skilled quarterbacks in the NFL but has been anything but that since being traded to the Cleveland Browns before last season. On the season, he is 65-of-102 (63.7 completion percentage) for 678 yards with four passing touchdowns and two interceptions. His 46.7 QBR is 21st in the NFL as well and below the league average.
The Browns entered this week with a 3-2 record and are third in the AFC North behind the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, the defense has been one of the most feared in the NFL this season as they are fifth in the sport with 15.4 points per game allowed. This team cannot afford to have Deshaun Watson play as poorly as he has been.
The offense has a lot of skill and they are not doing well enough to really be a force. With the defense stepping up and performing at an elite level, Cleveland is going to need to figure out how to get going and move the ball. They are coming off an upset win over the San Francisco 49ers last week and could win games with the lack of quarterback dominance.
However, with such a significant number of the cap going towards Watson’s contract, they are going to need to get him playing to the level he was with the Houston Texans. With running back Nick Chubb already gone for the remainder of the season, the offense is dealing with significant losses but has talent throughout the wide receiver ranks.
Coach Kevin Stefanski should be able to win games with the talent throughout the 53-man roster and should be able to at least make the playoffs as a wild card team in a tough AFC.