Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson gestures before the NFL football game vs. the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Not so long ago, before Jaden Daniels came along and became the talk of the NFL, a matchup against the Cleveland Browns would have been seen as a measuring stick for Washington.
This weekend it’s the opposite.
While Daniels and the Commanders are on a three-game winning streak, Deshaun Watson and the Browns are on a two-game losing streak and head into Washington on Sunday looking to get their season back on track.
“A road win, especially against a hot team like the Commanders, could mean a lot.” Watson said. “If you go out there and just play for free and try to get a ‘W’ and get a ‘W’ on the road with a really good coaching team, something can really start from there. , you can build that confidence and momentum.”
There was nothing but confidence and momentum around Daniels, a rookie quarterback who completed 82.1% of his passes (his highest rate through the first four games of the season) for 218 yards and four touchdowns. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 pick out of LSU is currently the leading candidate for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, and his uniforms are the best-selling in the league.
Daniels brushed off the attention, acknowledging that he was aware, but added: “That doesn’t matter.”
“You’re as good as the last game you played.” Daniels said he had a rocky start to his professional career and has room for growth. “Keep improving. Find small ways to continue to grow. I wouldn’t say (my game) is a finished product, but this is just the beginning.”
Watson has thrown for less than 200 yards in each of his first four games this season, the longest stretch of his career without reaching that goal. While he and coach Kevin Stefanski downplayed the significance of that statistic, the truth is that Cleveland, which is 1-3, needs to put more effort into an offense that is scoring the fifth-fewest points in the league. That means there is.
“Of course we want to win games and we want to score points, and a lot of times that comes with yards on the run and in the passing game.” Stefanski said. “Certainly we want to be more efficient and explosive.”
positive sign
Watson sees progress. He still has his doubts.
The veteran QB played better and his numbers improved in last week’s loss to Las Vegas, but the Browns still lost and Watson took some heat for getting sacked on Cleveland’s final play. .
It was just Watson’s fourth game since undergoing shoulder surgery in November. He has appeared in only 16 games since the end of the 2020 season. Additionally, he’s adjusting to a new offensive scheme and playing behind a patchwork offensive line due to injuries.
“Every week is progress, so the more you go out, the better you get, the more confident you become.” Watson said. “Just being able to see things, just being able to operate, just being able to play football, that’s the biggest thing. Just playing football, being active, the speed of the game and how people protect us and protect me. I’m just going to get used to trying to defend. I’m just going to keep pointing the arrow up and moving in the right direction that I want to go in every week.”
Commander D questions
Holding Kyler Murray and the Cardinals to 14 points and 296 yards in last week’s rout at Arizona was a big step forward for a Washington defense that was among the worst in the NFL earlier this season.
The potential return of Watson and the Browns’ offense, especially tight end David Njoku, will be another big test for a unit that has been almost completely rebuilt by new general manager Adam Peters.
“I think we all know Deshaun’s ability to get out of the pocket like that and convert and create.” Coach Dan Quinn said: “Anytime you have a guy with a dual threat of running and passing who can convert with his pitches or his legs, that’s a big problem. They have a lot of weapons offensively, so it’s just him. Each game plan is a little different.”
ground game
The Browns addressed their tackling issues this week.
A week ago, Cleveland’s inability to beat ball carriers helped the Las Vegas Raiders rush for 152 yards, 101 yards more than average. They averaged 5.2 yards.
There were opportunities to get off the field, but the Browns ran away without stopping runners and receivers on offense.
“We have to make sure we finish the tackle.” said Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward. “I know for myself, I have to finish the job and get everyone down to the ground. Finish the play.”
Ward will have his hands full on another front, as he will likely match up with the Commanders’ top receiver and Ohio State teammate Terry McLaurin. Stefanski called McLaughlin. “Quarterback friendly” — Ward’s explanation was spot on.
“He’s always going to be where he’s supposed to be.” Ward said. “Great receiver, great route, fast guy, and he’s just a responsible, reliable guy.”
