Browns coach answers whether Deshaun Watson will be benched

Aug 5, 2024; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during practice at the Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Deshaun Watson played poorly again on Sunday in another Cleveland Browns loss, but it sounds like the quarterback’s job is still safe.

Watson finished 15/28 for just 125 yards and a touchdown in Cleveland’s 34-13 loss to the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. The Browns fell to 1-4 with the loss. Watson has not thrown for more than 196 yards in a game this season and has just 5 touchdown passes compared to 3 interceptions.

Though Watson is playing on a fully guaranteed, $230 million contract, many feel the veteran quarterback is trending toward being benched. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was asked after Sunday’s game if he has considered making a quarterback change. He shot the idea down.

“We’re not changing quarterbacks,” Stefanski said. “We need to play better. I need to coach better. That’s really what it is.”

#Browns HC Kevin Stefanski makes it clear there won't be a change at QB. pic.twitter.com/nqtmBWH8jy

— 𝚂𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚛 𝙶𝚎𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚗 (@Spencito_) October 6, 2024

Watson certainly has not been the only problem for the Browns. He is making nearly $50 million a year, however, so Cleveland needs him to be a solution.

There was one particularly embarrassing goal-line sequence on Sunday where Stefanski seemed like he was disgusted with Watson.

Watson missed much of last season with an injury. He then got off to a rough start this year, which led to questions about whether the Browns are in trouble with him under center. Those concerns have only become more magnified after five weeks, but Stefanski is not ready to give Jameis Winston a shot. You have to wonder if ownership has something to do with that.