Deshaun Watson is off to a historically bad start for Browns
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
The Cleveland Browns’ signing of Deshaun Watson has quickly become one of the worst deals in pro sports. But few people may realize just how bad Watson has become.
The Browns are 1-5 this season and 30th in the league in points scored per game. Much of those struggles are due to how bad Watson has been.
Watson has completed 61.3 percent of his passes for 1,020 yards, 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions in five games. He has taken a league-high 31 sacks while rushing for just 148 yards and a touchdown.
But those stats don’t tell the whole story. Some other stats shared by Bill Barnwell do.
Watson is off to one of the worst starts among all quarterbacks since 2007. Out of 566 passers through six weeks since 2007, Watson is nearly last in many stats.
Watson is:
558 out of 566 in QBR
565 out of 566 in yards per dropback
566 out of 566 in first down rate
The Browns offense, out of 798 teams through six games since 2000:
Red Zone trips: tied for 784th
Offensive Penalties: tied for 795th
Yards to go on third down: 795th
Third Down Conversion Rate: 797thhttps://t.co/2sRVcLHv8W pic.twitter.com/F9YldVdOEA— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) October 14, 2024
In other words, the Browns are not moving the ball under Watson.
Regardless, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters on Monday that he will not be making a quarterback switch from Watson to backup Jameis Winston.
#Browns coach Kevin Stefanski on why he isn't going to Jameis Winston for a spark: Deshaun Watson gives us the best chance to win.
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) October 14, 2024
Cleveland is on the hook to pay Watson $46 million this season and each of the next two years. They’ve boxed themselves into a corner with the horrific 5-year, $230 million deal they gave him in 2022. Now they are stuck.
