Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, 4, warms up before an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns are reportedly close to announcing plans to build a spectacular domed stadium.
It may be more realistic to build an offense. At least remodel the quarterback room.
Once again on Sunday, besieged QB Deshaun Watson and the offense spent the afternoon going through various pages of the playbook, committing costly penalties in futile searches for both identity and the end zone.
The Browns are the only NFL team to achieve either 20 points or 300 yards in a game.
Cleveland lost their fourth straight game to the Philadelphia Eagles, 20-16, but struggled to defeat the Browns (1-5), scoring only three field goals and one special teams touchdown, and fans were disappointed. He was booed.
The Browns reached the end zone on Rodney McLeod’s scoop-and-score after Myles Garrett jumped over two Eagles linemen to prevent a field goal.
McLeod is tied for the team lead with 2 TDs. he is safe. That’s a problem.
The same goes for quarterbacks. Watson has yet to throw for 200 yards in a game in 2024, and the only thing that indicates he’s a franchise QB is his $230 million contract, which seems like a bigger mistake for Cleveland. It looks like.
After the game, coach Kevin Stefanski quickly shot down speculation about whether he would bench Watson this week.
Stefanski further emphasized on Monday’s Zoom call that he still believes Watson is the right choice.
“I think Deshaun gives us the best chance to win and he continues to give us the best chance to win.” he said. “We’re going to have to play really good offensive football at his position, and really every position, to be successful on Sunday.”
Stefanski’s loyalty is admirable, but his fixation on Watson has eroded his credibility.
By every measurable statistic, Watson is at or near the bottom of the league rankings. He also doesn’t pass the eye test because he obviously can’t see the field except when he’s scrambling or getting sacked.
To be fair, he went 11 of 12 for 122 yards in the second half against Philadelphia, but couldn’t produce a game-changing play or score.
Stefanski’s resistance to sitting Watson as Jameis Winston’s backup led to speculation that owner Jimmy Haslam was pushing the QB.
The two-time Associated Press Coach of the Year has vowed to call the shots.
“We talk a lot with myself, owner Andrew (Berry) and the owners about everything that has to do with this team.” he said. “They just supported me. Any decision I make when it comes to football is my decision.”
A year ago, Stefanski was forced to start with five quarterbacks due to injuries and entered the playoffs without Watson.
Looks like it’s time to try it again.
Before it’s too late.
what is working
Although the passing game remains suspended, the Browns found a little traction on the ground and finished with 100 yards rushing.
It’s nothing special, but with injuries throughout Cleveland’s offensive line, even the slightest improvement is notable.
things that need help
Sacks and pre-snap penalties remain Cleveland’s biggest problem.
Watson was picked off five times, increasing his team’s league-leading total to 31.
The Browns keep making mistakes at the worst possible times. Trailing 20-14, they suffered two false starts inside Philadelphia’s own 10-yard line late in the fourth quarter. The infractions backed them up, forcing Stefanski to eject his field goal unit in the 13th minute with less than four minutes left, rather than going for it on goal for fourth.
stock up
Nick Chubb, everyone.
All signs point to the star running back returning this week after suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 2 last year. It remains to be seen how effective Chubb will be, but just seeing No. 24 on the field should get the Browns and fans excited.
Out of stock
Struggling rookie guard Zach Ginter replaced Michael Dunn on the bench, but center Nick Harris was forced to sit out after breaking his foot. Dunn moved to center and played with Watson for the first time.
Ginter, a second-round pick from Michigan State, played better than he did a week ago while filling in for injured Wyatt Teller. However, he was flagged for one of the following:
Two false starts when the Browns were driving for a potential tying TD.
injury
The injury is a double blow for Harris, as starting pitcher Ethan Pocic was sidelined with a knee injury. … Stefanski said RB Jerome Ford (hamstring) said: “Every week.” … S. Grant Delpit remains in concussion protocol.
key number
1 — Touchdowns on Cleveland’s stalwart offense on its final 29 possessions.
what’s next
Returning from a three-week road trip, the Browns host Cincinnati (2-4) on Sunday, potentially playing in a half-full stadium. there is a possibility “I want James!” The chants could begin before the opening kickoff.
