The Browns got exactly what they wanted with quarterback Deshaun Watson being suspended just six games for his sexual misconduct.

QB1 seems happy today! #Browns @deshaunwatson pic.twitter.com/wAgzXTnolp

— Faithful Dawgs Podcast (@FDPodcastCLE) August 1, 2022

Now the Browns must win games.

It must start with the first six games with mediocre Jacoby Brissett at quarterback, and then continue with Watson for the rest of the season.

There can be no excuses – absolutely none.

So, then, there is a lot of pressure on the Browns, who didn’t even make the playoffs last season but have a ready-made team around Brissett and Watson that is good enough to contend for a Super Bowl trip out of the ultra-tough AFC.

And with that, then, the most pressure is on head coach Kevin Stefanski. He’s the quarterback whisperer and the unwavering leader, so he is capable of getting the job done.

Getting the job done, though, is not finishing 9-8 and banking on a number of tie-breakers all going just the right way to get into the postseason. Rather, it is finishing 13-4 or 12-5 or 11-6 and marching into the playoffs with a purpose, and then taking full advantage of the opportunity.

The Gamble has worked so far in early returns, but this is just the start. Stefanski can really enhance his head-coaching resume following 2020’s stellar rookie season and 2021’s dysfunctional mess.

The Browns got rid of that quarterback, Baker Mayfield, and replaced him with Watson, the guy they really wanted and paid dearly to acquire and then lock up long-term.

But it has obviously come with tons of controversy, another opponent that must be overcome. It is indelibly linked to the team.

Kevin Stefanski certainly knows all this. He’s knows the expectations, and what he’s up against.

More importantly, he knows it’s his time to shine.

Ditto for Deshaun Watson, on the field and even more so off it as he tries to rebuild his life and reputation.

Steve King