This is not hard to figure out. It really isn’t.
This is not rocket science. We’re not splitting the atom. We’re not discovering a cure for cancer.
This, merely, is football, and the Browns quarterback situation as they get ready for Sunday’s home opener against the Carolina Panthers.
Deshaun Watson played poorly in the opener against Jacksonville, and was only a little bit better in the first half last Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. At that point, it didn’t look good for him going forward. It just didn’t seem to be clicking with him.
But then he had an outstanding second half against the Bucs and led the Browns to a 23–19 win. In doing that, he solidified his standing as the starter. He bought himself some more time. Now, did he buy himself a chance to start the whole rest of the season? No. But he can keep the job if he continues playing at, or near, the level he did in the second half against Tampa.
It really is no more complicated than that. In that second half, Watson did all the right things and all the right times. He made plays with his arm, and with his legs. There wasn’t anything to dislike about his play.
But he has to continue to do that. Although the Browns offense came out of that win with some real momentum, it has to keep going forward. It has to keep going in a positive direction, and if it does, as mentioned, Watson will keep getting chances. And if it doesn’t, if it goes in a negative fashion, then he won’t continue to be the starter and the job will go to Shadeur Sanders, who is waiting in the wings.
The way any player on any team in any sport continues to hold down his job is to play well. It’s no different here. That has been the case all along.
Watson should keep getting better as he becomes more comfortable with the offense and with the players around him.
Things are looking up for Watson and the Browns. It’s a whole lot different — and better — than it was a week ago at this time, and even at halftime of the game against Tampa.
There is nothing confusing or hard to understand about any of that. I am amazed that there is so much confusion about it. It seems to be almost ignorant.
Again, this is football. Just relax and let common sense take over.
Steve King
