If he remains eligible to play, Deshaun Watson is the No. 1 storyline of the Browns' first preseason game in Jacksonville. (Cleveland Browns)
Here are five (or six) players to watch in Browns preseason game v. Jaguars
You must have an active subscription to read this story.
Click Here to subscribe Now!
Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
A glimmer of hope emerged that Deshaun Watson’s scheduled start Friday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars might not be the last time Browns fans see their new quarterback.
The Associated Press reported Watson would be willing to accept an eight-game suspension and $5 million fine in a settlement with the NFL.
Watson’s settlement terms are more than the six-game suspension recommended by disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson, who ruled that he violated three provisions of the league personal conduct policy against four female massage therapists.
Robinson termed Watson’s conduct “egregious” and “predatory.” She specified Watson committed “non-violent sexual assault.” Robinson wrote in her report that she limited the suspension to six games based on NFL precedent.
There’s a fat chance the NFL would accept Watson’s terms. Commissioner Roger Goodell wants Watson banished for at least a year.
But the report speaks to the possibility of reaching a settlement while NFL appeals officer Peter C. Harvey deliberately ponders a final, binding decision on Watson’s penalties.
Watson's leverage in a deal is the threat of all-out nuclear war through the federal courts waged by the players union.
The Browns’ season and Watson’s future hang in the balance.
It’s possible settlement talks could break down and Harvey could banish Watson before Friday’s 7 p.m. kickoff. How embarrassing that would be for the Browns.
If that doesn’t happen, Watson’s appearance becomes the No. 1 storyline of the Browns’ first preseason game.
Coach Kevin Stefanski elected to start Watson to knock off the rust from not playing a single game last season with the Houston Texans. Watson’s last game was in January of 2021. Shortly thereafter, he demanded a trade because he didn’t agree with Houston management’s direction of the team. And then the massage therapist scandal blew up.
Watson’s tall stature, consistent mechanics, effortless athleticism, strong arm and quick release, and accurate throwing have been evident since OTAs. They are a stark difference to the quarterback Watson succeeded.
Stefanski wants Watson to see some play time just in case he is eligible to play at some point in 2022. The Browns have said “a majority” of starters will play.
But there are five other players to watch in Stefanski’s first preseason game of his third year as Browns coach.
Running back Jerome Ford
Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are not expected to play, and the Browns know what they have in D’Ernest Johnson. The objective at the running back position in preseason is to determine if Ford can be a dependable third-down back as a rookie. It’s a tall task. Ford was a prolific rusher at Cincinnati with bona fide receiving ability, but the Browns want to see if he can pick up a blitz. If Ford impresses in preseason, it raises the possibility of the Browns honoring the wishes of Hunt and trading him for draft assets.
Defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey
Winfrey’s draft-day Zoom call went viral. He has toned down his act in his first training camp and uses meditation to balance two versions of himself – the boisterous fan favorite and the serious football player. The Browns drafted Winfrey because of his ability to penetrate the inside gaps and rush the passer. He started his first training camp on the second-team defense, but he definitely has a chance in the games to leapfrog free agent acquisition Taven Bryan for a starting role.
Cornerbacks A.J. Green and Martin Emerson
With Denzel Ward still nursing a foot injury and Greg Newsome not expected to play, 2020 undrafted free agent Green and third-round rookie Emerson will battle for the fourth and fifth cornerback spots. Green has taken reps behind Newsome at nickel cornerback and should be the starter in the 4-2-5 alignment. That would leave Emerson some key play time on the outside opposite Greedy Williams.
Kicker Cade York
York has been a rock star at camp, pummelling 22 of 24 kicks through the uprights in team field goal formation drills. Yes, he needs to do it in games. Word to the wise: Don’t judge him on what happens in his first NFL game. He will be the most impactful rookie of GM Andrew Berry’s 2022 draft class.
