By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
BigPaulSportsBigPaulSports
Notification Show More
Latest News
No. 11 Wisconsin stays red-hot with elusive win over Illinois, 95-74
No. 11 Wisconsin stays red-hot with elusive win over Illinois, 95-74
Game Analysis
LIV Golf explained | LIV on FOX
LIV Golf explained | LIV on FOX
Game Analysis
Shedeur Sanders might have revealed his preferred NFL team, all thanks to Madden
Shedeur Sanders might have revealed his preferred NFL team, all thanks to Madden
Game Analysis NFL
No. 14 Michigan St beats No. 13 Purdue 75-66, moves within half-game of 1st in Big Ten
No. 14 Michigan St beats No. 13 Purdue 75-66, moves within half-game of 1st in Big Ten
Game Analysis
Champions League: 10-man AC Milan eliminated, Club Brugge completes shocker
Champions League: 10-man AC Milan eliminated, Club Brugge completes shocker
Game Analysis
Aa
  • Big Paul Sports
  • Services
  • Game Analysis
  • Free Picks
  • Premium Content
  • Registration
  • Member Login
Reading: Watson drama overshadows Garrett heroics, Browns’ win
Share
Aa
BigPaulSportsBigPaulSports
  • Big Paul Sports
  • Services
  • Game Analysis
  • Free Picks
  • Premium Content
  • Registration
  • Member Login
Search
  • Big Paul Sports
  • Services
  • Game Analysis
  • Free Picks
  • Premium Content
  • Registration
  • Member Login
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
BigPaulSports > Blog > NFL > Watson drama overshadows Garrett heroics, Browns’ win
NFLSports News

Watson drama overshadows Garrett heroics, Browns’ win

BigP
Last updated: 2023/10/24 at 2:14 PM
BigP Published October 24, 2023
Share
Watson drama overshadows Garrett heroics, Browns' win
SHARE
  • Jake Trotter, ESPN Staff WriterOct 24, 2023, 06:00 AM ET

    Close

      Jake Trotter covers the Cleveland Browns for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2011 covering college football. Before that, he worked at The Oklahoman, Austin American-Statesman and Middletown (Ohio) Journal newspapers. You can follow him on Twitter @Jake_Trotter.

INDIANAPOLIS — Myles Garrett delivered one of the greatest individual performances in Cleveland Browns history. Dustin Hopkins nailed three field goals from 50-plus yards out. And PJ Walker orchestrated a game-winning drive for a second straight week.

The Cleveland Browns scraped together another stunning victory Sunday, this time taking out the Indianapolis Colts 39-38 on running back Kareem Hunt‘s fourth-and-goal touchdown plunge from the 1-yard line in the final seconds.

These Browns somehow are 4-2.

Best of NFL Nation

&#8226 Watson drama overshadows Garrett heroics
&#8226 Will Cowboys use Dak’s legs more?
&#8226 Did Packers find something on offense?
&#8226 Broncos’ D loses Jackson amid tough stretch
&#8226 Is Herbert’s finger holding him back?
&#8226 Seahawks’ rookie wide receivers step up

And yet, the murky-as-ever, seemingly never-ending Deshaun Watson saga overshadowed it all.

In his anticipated return from a three-week absence due to a rotator cuff strain in his throwing shoulder, Cleveland’s quarterback didn’t make it past the first quarter.

He completed 1 of 5 passes for 5 yards and nearly threw a second interception while being knocked to the ground with 3:03 remaining (replay overturned the pick).

Watson, who fell backwards and appeared to bang the back of his head on the turf, didn’t immediately get up. And coach Kevin Stefanski never put him back in the game, opting to go with backup quarterback Walker the rest of the way.

“I’m always going to be protective of our players, especially at the quarterback position,” Stefanski said Monday. “Just felt like the right thing in that moment was to hold him out of that game.”

Going into the game, the Browns said that Watson’s shoulder was healthy enough for him to play. However, the first time a Colts defender knocked Watson to the ground, Stefanski kept him out for good.

The Browns announced that Watson passed the concussion protocol, but the team never gave an injury designation for his absence during the game.

Deshaun Watson didn’t last past the first quarter in Cleveland’s thrilling 39-38 win in Indy. AP Photo/Michael Conroy

Afterward, Stefanski admitted he would’ve put Watson back in the game had Walker been injured.

“With Deshaun, with all of our players,” Stefanski said, “we’ll always make great decisions in the team’s best interest.”

Stefanski determined that Walker gave the Browns the best chance Sunday.

But is not playing a franchise quarterback — even one ailing — a sustainable winning strategy for a team talented enough to hold realistic Super Bowl aspirations this season?

Garrett is now the betting favorite to capture his first NFL Defensive Player of the Year award after his latest dominant performance.

According to ESPN Stats & Information, Garrett became the first player this millennium to finish a single game with two sacks, two forced fumbles and a blocked field goal — in which he hurdled the Colts’ offensive line to bat down the kick. Those three Herculean plays directly resulted in 17 points, aiding a Browns offense that has been a shell of what the franchise envisioned when it traded for Watson and signed him to a record $230 million fully guaranteed contract last year.

HE HOPPED RIGHT OVER HIM 🤯#CLEvsIND on CBS & NFL+ pic.twitter.com/Bz3YZgkdiH

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 22, 2023

Cleveland’s defense is still No. 1 in efficiency, despite giving up a few big plays in Indy. Thanks largely to Hopkins’ clutch kicking, the Browns are No. 2 in special teams efficiency. But Cleveland is just 31st in offensive efficiency.

The offense hasn’t been good in three-plus games without Watson. But it has also been bad with him.

After Sunday, the Browns are collectively dead last in the NFL in QBR (33.9), completion percentage over expected (minus-6.9%) and passer rating (61.0).

Walker is last in Total QBR (25.0). Watson is last in passing EPA (2.5). As a result, Cleveland possesses the league’s worst quarterback play. That’s not a model for playoff success, even with Garrett and his talented cohorts wrecking opposing offenses.

On Monday, Stefanski would not say whether the team is considering putting Watson on injured reserve, which would give him a minimum of four games to get right physically and mentally. But the fact that Stefanski wouldn’t shoot down the idea suggests it’s an option moving forward.

With average quarterback play, these Browns might be a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The defense has been that good. But the Browns haven’t had anything close to average quarterback play. And for now, Cleveland is left to barely scraping by.

Sponsored Content

Juega en grande con cryptomonedas

You Might Also Like

Shedeur Sanders might have revealed his preferred NFL team, all thanks to Madden

2025 NFL franchise tag tracker: Tee Higgins leads list of candidates (again)

Will the 49ers regret paying Brock Purdy? | First Things First

Panthers re-sign QB Andy Dalton on 2-year deal to keep mentoring Bryce Young

BigP October 24, 2023
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Email Print

Follow US

Find US on Social Medias
Facebook Like
Twitter Follow
Youtube Subscribe
Telegram Follow
newsletter featurednewsletter featured

Weekly Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

    Popular News
    Can Jimbo Fisher's bold hire of Bobby Petrino relieve the pressure at A&M?
    NCAASports News

    Can Jimbo Fisher’s bold hire of Bobby Petrino relieve the pressure at A&M?

    BigP BigP September 6, 2023
    McVay expects Kupp to play, barring setbacks
    K-State extends AD Taylor through 2029-30
    Can WR-needy Ravens land DeAndre Hopkins or OBJ?
    Broncos’ Nix on QB1: ‘Do my best’ to earn job
    - Advertisement -
    Ad imageAd image

    Categories

    • Sports

    About US

    We offer information and tips on US Sports and evernts all over the world.
    Top Categories
    • Game Analysis
    • Free Picks
    • Services
    • Premium Content

    Subscribe US

    Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

      © Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.

      Removed from reading list

      Undo
      Welcome Back!

      Sign in to your account

      Lost your password?