Cleveland Browns HC Kevin Stefanski misplaced his franchise quarterback when Deshaun Watson tore his Achilles on Sunday. Or did he? Whereas the Browns paid Watson like a franchise quarterback, he by no means provided the standard nor availability of such. Talking to reporters yesterday, Stefanski turned down a possibility to decide to a future with Watson as his starter.
One reporter requested Stefanski level clean if he nonetheless believes Deshaun Watson is his beginning quarterback. As an alternative of claiming sure, he gave a roundabout reply, but it surely’s arduous to know precisely what to learn into it. You may resolve for your self what these feedback say about Watson’s future.
“Yeah, clearly I consider in Deshaun [Watson]”, Stefanski stated, through the Browns’ web site, “however I additionally assume it’s essential simply to acknowledge that he simply had a nasty harm and unhealthy break for him and we’re feeling unhealthy for him and know that he’ll bounce again. However [I’m] not entering into all these issues down the street. I’m wanting ahead to him getting the surgical procedure and clearly getting his physique again”.
Whereas Stefanski didn’t say that he believes Watson is his future starter, he did say he believes in him. He additionally stated that he’s “not entering into all these issues down the street”. However that factor down the street is a man you continue to owe near $100 million over the subsequent two years, which, even with bloated wage caps, ain’t nothin’.
Whereas the Browns have a colossal monetary dedication to Deshaun Watson, the query stays whether or not Kevin Stefanski has an compulsory dedication to play him. Many consider that proprietor Jimmy Haslam is behind it, and wouldn’t permit Stefanski the authority to bench Watson.
Whereas not an illogical assumption, there’s additionally no arduous proof to assist it. Positive, an proprietor doesn’t need such a large funding sitting on the bench, however that funding isn’t producing wins, anyway. Over three years, Deshaun Watson has began 19 video games, and produced a 9-10 report. That included going 5-1 final yr with a stellar protection. The one sport he misplaced, he misplaced, with two defensive touchdowns off his personal turnovers.
Generally groups have to make the very best all-around choices for themselves, although. This offseason, the Denver Broncos launched QB Russell Wilson regardless of having main monetary commitments to him. Whereas Wilson seemed good for the Steelers, they’re having success with rookie Bo Nix. The Browns owe Watson a ton of cash, however they don’t owe him a spot on the 53-man roster, nor enjoying time.
If the Browns had been good, which, I hasten so as to add, they don’t seem to be, they might very strongly think about leaving Deshaun Watson on the bench, or slicing him altogether. He has accomplished little or no up to now three years to justify—effectively, absolutely anything.
One may learn into Kevin Stefanski’s feedback that he would favor to go down that street with Watson. However even when he did, would he have the authority to take action?
