Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson slams back at critics ahead of the playoffs

admin | January 7, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Deshaun Watson defined his connection with the Cleveland Browns and addressed his critics directly with a stern message ahead of the season’s final week.

Watson has been out of action due to season-ending shoulder surgery. He’s spent some time away from the squad in Los Angeles for recovery. Watson, on the other hand, has maintained constant contact with the team.

“They appear to be in good condition. “I talk to Kevin [Stefanski] and Andrew Berry every week,” Watson stated on the QB Unplugged podcast with Quincy Avery. “I talk to Jimmy Haslam every week.”

After Sunday, the Browns will have used five different quarterbacks this season. This season, Watson, youngster Dorian Thompson-Robinson, PJ Walker, and Joe Flacco have all started games. Jeff Driskel, a newly signed veteran, will start against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

Flacco has thrived in Cleveland, going 4-1 and throwing for over 300 yards in four straight games. With the offense clicking on all cylinders under Flacco, Watson has faced criticism. However, he is overjoyed with the Browns’ triumph.

“They win and go to the Super Bowl; I’m going to the Super Bowl.” “They get a ring, I get a ring,” Watson, who is signed to a $230 million fully guaranteed contract, said. “I’m not tripping on any of that.” I’m hurt, so I can’t help you. People simply want something to say and discuss. It’s all very personal to them. This is a lot of fun for me.”

Deshaun Watson Says Browns ‘Setting the Tone’

Watson’s injury is one of many significant setbacks for the Browns this season. Cleveland presently has 14 injured players on its roster, accounting for an NFL-high 26.63% of their cap space. Watson applauded the Browns for their tenacity this season and for altering the perception of the franchise.

“It’s almost as if it’s a cultural thing.” “It just goes to show that this is the Cleveland Browns,” Watson explained. “Previously, when you looked at Cleveland, you might have thought, ‘Oh, they’ve got some talent.'” They should do it, but it’s the same old thing.’ We have roughly 18 players on injured reserve, and I believe 12 of them are starters. A lot of other men are hurt. This is the essence of Cleveland. And we’re setting the tone. The players who were not expected to play are doing so. This is why I came to Cleveland.”

This season, Watson was 5-1 as the Browns’ starting quarterback. He had 1,115 yards, seven touchdowns, and four interceptions on the season.

Deshaun Watson Will be Browns Starter After Return

The rebirth of Flacco’s career in Cleveland has raised some intriguing questions regarding Watson’s future with the Browns. In five starts, Flacco has thrown for 1,616 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Flacco has led the Browns to a 4-1 record.

Having said that, Flacco will turn 39 in January, and the Browns have made a financial commitment to Watson for the foreseeable future. Watson is anticipated to be ready for training camp, and Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot has informed her that he will be the starter once he is fit.

“As of right now,” Cabot said on December 31, “Watson is their starter when he returns healthy from his fractured shoulder.” “They guaranteed him $46 million per year for five years, and he still has three left.” They still feel he is the quarterback for whom they gave up three first-round picks and a net of five picks. But if Flacco leads the Browns to their first Super Bowl victory, it will be difficult to let him go.”

Depending on how the postseason unfolds, Flacco may decide to pursue a position where he can start games. Flacco has shown that he still has something left in the tank and deserves to play.