I could get used to this. The Browns are 5-3 and have their starting quarterback playing again. He was a little rusty in the first half but found his timing in the second half. He’s still holding on to the ball too long and isn’t going through all his progressions, but all in all it was a great warmup game for Baltimore. He also answered two media driven questions, arm strength and desire to play. Watson’s arm looked pretty good to me and by the time the fourth quarter rolled around, he looked like he was having fun. He needs to continue to play loose and not overthink everything. Over his last two full games (Tenn. & Ari.), Watson is completing 73% of his passes averaging 8.1 yards per attempt, has a 6.4% touchdown percentage and zero interceptions.
Speaking of turnovers, the Browns didn’t give the ball away once and they forced three turnovers. Great work by the offense and the defense. First shutout since November 2005 against the Dolphins. The defense started strong and ended strong. The Cardinals didn’t get into the redzone once. Very nice. They allowed the fewest net yards this season (58), 1.2 yards per play, seven first downs and had seven sacks. Now they need to do the same thing against a good quarterback and will get their chance this week against Baltimore. On offense, I was a little concerned about the running game, but the good news is head coach Kevin Stefanski kept running the ball. The Browns ran 40 running plays and 30 passing plays. Stefanski is growing as a head coach. This might be his best season as a head coach.
Pro Football Focus ratings. Offense, RG Wyatt Teller, 78.8, QB Deshaun Watson, 78.5, WR Amari Cooper 78.5, LG Joel Bitonio, 74.5 and TE David Njoku 66.8. Defense, CB Cameron Mitchell, 91.3, DE Myles Garrett, 89.6, DE Za’Darius Smith 87.9, CB Denzel Ward 86.1 and DT Dalvin Tomlinson 85.4.
Moving forward, there are still some areas that need improving. On Offense, Watson needs to get through his progressions quicker and start throwing the ball to someone besides Cooper and Njoku. Those two caught nine of eleven passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns. Find another wide receiver to throw to, they’re there and they’re open. Also, more Pierre Strong please. The Browns defense is this team’s floor, how Watson continues to play is the ceiling. Finally, I think the team has a punt returner. It’s amazing what can happen when a team can return a punt, punt and pin your opponent deep and have a field goal kicker. I love it when the Browns have great special teams. Stay safe and Go Browns.