If you’ve followed me on this blog and on podcasts, I’ve said many times I do not want Deshaun Watson taking another offensive snap for the Cleveland Browns. Game one versus the Jaguars kind of proved my point and the point of various other fans who feel the same way. During game two in the first half, he didn’t look too bad, and I understand the reasoning you could blame his average play on stupid penalties caused by the offensive line, I’m talking to you Tytus Howard. I have no idea what happened at half-time, but with better execution by the OL, the offense worked. It’s nice to see a coaching staff who recognizes they need to make adjustments. A few simple things got the ball rolling. First passing to Quinshon Judkins. Get him in space and see what he can do. Finding tight end Harold Fannin who works hard for every extra yard. In the first half Tampa knew the Browns were going to try and get the ball to K.C. Conception and were determined to stop him when he did. In the second half, the Browns starting using him as a decoy and that helped other wide receivers get open. For the first time in two years the Browns offense looked like an NFL offense.
The defense made a dramatic change from one week. More pressure, more man looks in the secondary and more letting the talent dictate the formations. There were two plays that saved this win. On offense, the third and one where Watson threw to Fannin as he was getting hit and Fannin getting the extra yards for the first down. On defense and probably for the game, LB Carson Schwesinger tackling Baker Mayfield on third down with 22 seconds left in the game. He slipped on the wet turf, got up, ran and grabbed Mayfield before he could get out of bounds, forcing Tampa to use a time out. This gave the Browns time to put in the right personnel for fourth down, which had to go to the endzone.
Now comes the hard part for some fans. Watson will start and deserves to start the week three home opener. I’m not a fan of this, but I’m smart enough to know he played well in week two. It was the first time the Browns have scored 20+ on offense in a game since week 10, 2023 when they beat the Ravens in Baltimore 33-31. The last time Watson had a good game. I know the “Baker Bros” are licking their wounds as are the “Sanderites” which I’m happy about. I’m a Browns fan and I’ll always want the Browns to win. Hoping they lose just to be right, or just so you think you can dictate what the team will do, or even hoping for a better draft pick, which will happen later in the year, is not my style. I said all year, I couldn’t see a situation where Watson would play any better than he did two years ago. Well, he and head coach Todd Monken have made me say I was wrong. I just wish more fans and media would admit when they’re wrong, but I know that’ll never happen. Hopefully the team can keep this momentum going, because I love it when the Browns win. Finally, I still have March 11, 2027, marked on my calendar as the day Watson is no longer a Brown. It doesn’t matter how he plays this year, he’s still going to be gone. Stay safe and Go Browns.