If the Cleveland Browns want to find any success this season, they will need starting quarterback Deshaun Watson to remain on the field. Watson was limited to just 12 games last season due to a shoulder injury he suffered.
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Despite inconsistent play from Watson as well, the Browns somehow managed to win 11 games and reach the postseason. They were bounced out in the wild-card round by the Houston Texans but will enter the 2024 season looking to build forward.
Watson is the key to the entire offense so his health is of major importance. While appearing on NFL Live for ESPN, insider Adam Schefter provided the latest on the health of Watson after his shoulder injury last season.
“He had the shoulder procedure back in November but it’s a situation here where he is fully tracking to be their opening day starting quarterback, to be ready, that’s the expectation. And the fact of the matter is this organization needs Deshaun Watson after he’s been cleared for full contact now, to start on opening day and to be the Deshaun Watson that they thought they were getting when they truly went all-in on this quarterback.”
In the games that Watson did play, he had some shaky performances. He finished the 2023 season by throwing for 1,115 yards with seven touchdowns and five interceptions.
Cleveland hasn’t been able to see what Watson can fully do out on the field since they acquired him but are hopeful for better health this year. Schefter continued to discuss the overall impact of having Watson healthy.
“Had the shoulder injury last year, we don’t know what he would have done last year, how effective he would or wouldn’t have been. There were positive signs but nobody got to see the full Deshaun Watson experience on the field last year.”
Playing in the AFC North will test the Browns, given that each team has the talent to be a playoff contender. But Cleveland boasts a strong defense and an offensive attack that when clicking, can be lethal.
If Watson can remain on the field and produce, Cleveland should be able to contend with the other top teams in the AFC. It’s a make-or-break year for the veteran quarterback as Cleveland may look elsewhere if he can’t produce once again.
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