Photo by Is Deshaun Watson’s Best Behind Him?
The Cleveland Browns thought they had struck gold when they acquired Deshaun Watson in a blockbuster trade with the Houston Texans in March 2022. However, after a season plagued by injuries and inconsistent performances, many are left wondering if Watson’s best days are behind him.
Former NFL wide receiver James Jones certainly thinks so. Speaking on FS1’s Speak, Jones stated that the Deshaun Watson of the Houston Texans is gone, and that version of Watson is not coming back. This is a bleak assessment, considering Watson’s impressive stats during his time with the Texans. In his last year playing for the Texans in 2020, Watson led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards to go along with 33 touchdowns and just seven interceptions.
Browns QB Deshaun Watson
Jones did qualify his statement by saying that Watson can still be a solid quarterback and win games for the Browns, noting how impressive Cleveland’s roster looks. However, it’s hard not to feel a sense of disappointment and unease when thinking about Watson’s potential in the 2024 season.
As someone who has followed Watson’s career closely, I have to admit that I was excited to see him join the Browns. I thought he would bring a level of excitement and unpredictability to the team that would translate to wins on the field. However, after watching him play in just six games last season, I began to lose faith. The stats don’t lie - 14 passing touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 12 games is not the kind of production you expect from a quarterback making $230 million.
Cleveland’s star-studded roster
Despite all this, I still believe that the Browns can win games with Watson under center. They have assembled a talented roster that should be able to compete with anyone in the league. Maybe Watson won’t be the MVP candidate he once was, but if he can stay healthy and consistent, the Browns should be in good shape.
Can the Real Deshaun Watson Please Stand Up?
As I watch Watson work on his footwork ahead of training camp, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia for the quarterback who once dominated the NFL. It’s clear that Watson is committed to getting back to his best, but the question remains - can he ever regain his former glory?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - Browns fans are in for a wild ride in 2024.
Will Deshaun Watson be a top QB in 2024?
