Let’s have an honest discussion about Deshaun Watson. Not the trade. Not what the Browns should have done with Watson in 2022 or 2023.
Let’s talk about Deshaun Watson … now … projecting into the 2024 season.
He played only six games due to shoulder problems in 2023.
He had surgery on Nov. 21, 2023. The Browns released this statement:
(Watson) underwent surgery to repair a displaced fracture to the glenoid in his right shoulder.
The surgery was performed by Neal ElAttrache, MD, in Los Angeles and was deemed successful.
Deshaun is progressing well,” said GM Andrew Berry. “He’s doing everything in his power in terms of rehab .
We anticipate him being on a normal or potentially ahead-of-scheduled timeline .
It’s still early, but we’re really pleased with his progress … and looking forward to getting him back when he comes in the spring.
So the early news appears to be promising.
“We feel really good about the recovery,” added Berry.
“There’s nothing that would suggest that there should be some type of limitation or anything like that moving forward.
In the 2023 season, he had “micro tears” in his right rotator cuff that led to him missing four games.
Then came the season-ending fracture in the Baltimore game, which the Browns say had nothing to do with the early-season rotator cuff injury.
Watson will hopefully learn what long-term veteran QBs have figured out when running the ball: Slide before being tackled. Step out of bounds before being hit.
In the pocket, it’s OK to throw an incomplete pass out of bounds rather than taking a painful sack.
No doubt, Watson has been told this … a lot.
Here’s the truth: Quarterbacks get hurt.
Here’s another truth: Watson’s style of play of not consistently avoiding contact makes him more susceptible to injuries.
Here’s a worrisome truth: He is a quarterback coming off surgery on his right throwing shoulder. He had two different injuries on that shoulder.
What does all this mean?
The Browns should be concerned about Watson’s ability to stay healthy, and they positively, absolutely must sign a reliable veteran QB.
