As the Cleveland Browns grapple with a disappointing start to the 2024 season, Deshaun Watson’s performance in the opener has raised serious concerns. The Browns’ 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys has intensified calls for a potential shakeup at quarterback, with ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky leading the charge for change.
Orlovsky, vocal throughout the game and on Monday’s “Get Up,” has argued that the Browns should seriously consider making a move to Jameis Winston. His critique centered on Watson’s struggles to execute head coach Kevin Stefanski’s offensive scheme effectively.
"Quarterback is a problem in Cleveland. … I would be thinking long and hard about Jameis Winston and moving him to be my starting quarterback."
—@danorlovsky7 on QB play in Cleveland 😳 pic.twitter.com/GVndmfYAVa
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) September 9, 2024
“Quarterback is a problem in Cleveland,” Orlovsky tweeted during the game. “I would be thinking long and hard about Jameis Winston and moving him to be my starting quarterback.”
Orlovsky’s stance is rooted in Watson’s underwhelming performance. Against a formidable Cowboys defense, Watson managed only 169 yards, threw two interceptions, and tossed one touchdown while completing a mere 53.3% of his passes. Orlovsky believes Watson’s difficulties are deeply ingrained, particularly when it comes to executing play-action passes, a staple of Stefanski’s offense.
“The beauty of this offense is the play-action pass,” Orlovsky said. “Can’t run it with Deshaun because Deshaun is not ready to operate the play-action pass. He doesn’t see the field well, he’s not throwing with rhythm and timing. He’s missing receivers by six or seven yards — not feet.”
Winston, who was the first overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, brings a track record of 22,104 passing yards, 141 touchdowns, and 99 interceptions to the table. Despite a career record of 34-46 as a starter, Winston’s Pro Bowl appearance in his rookie year indicates he still possesses a high ceiling.
Adding to the critique, The Athletic’s Jason Lloyd emphasized that the issues extend beyond offensive line protection. Lloyd argued that Watson’s performance was more than a result of pressure, noting significant rhythm and timing issues.
“This isn’t a protection issue. It’s a Watson issue,” Lloyd said. “It’s rhythm and timing issues. It’s ‘feel’ issues. It just doesn’t seem like he’s seeing the field well. Or he’s not processing what he’s seeing.”
The prospect of moving on from Watson, however, presents a formidable financial obstacle. The quarterback is under contract through the 2026 season, with a fully guaranteed deal that would make any separation a costly endeavor for the Browns.
Despite the mounting criticism, Watson has received support from his teammates. Running back Jerome Ford praised Watson’s resilience, noting his determination and effort during the game.
“He was a warrior,” Ford said. “Just seeing him work, seeing him fight for those extra yards… it just shows you what kind of guy he is.”
Watson himself remains resolute, insisting that his confidence remains intact despite the rough outing. He acknowledged the need for improvement but maintained a forward-looking perspective.
“I’ll always be Deshaun Watson, regardless of whoever else says otherwise,” Watson said. “We all have days like this when you’re playing this type of game and that’s just part of what comes with it. It comes with the territory.”
The Browns will now turn their attention to a critical matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, hoping to rebound and quiet the growing unrest surrounding their quarterback situation. For now, the future of the quarterback position remains uncertain, and Watson’s performance in the upcoming weeks will be pivotal in shaping the Browns’ plans moving forward.
