Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland.Takeaways from the Browns’ second OTA practice and interviews …Deshaun Watson is abiding by the adage that you only get one chance to make a first impression.
Last weekend, the new Browns’ quarterback chartered a private plane and treated about 30 teammates to a bonding session in the Bahamas. Then, in the first week of team OTA practices, Watson gifted linebacker Anthony Walker a Rolex watch for giving up his No. 4 jersey number, visited and took selfies with about 25 visiting members of the military, dapped up owner Jimmy Haslam on the way to an offensive drill, and celebrated a deep completion thrown by backup Jacoby Brissett.
On the field, Watson demonstrated the elite physical abilities that inspired the Browns to risk so much to acquire him amid the controversy of 22 civil lawsuits of massage therapists alleging sexual misconduct.
Watson surveyed the field from the pocket, commanding the position like the captain of a ship, and delivered the ball on the money with the snap of his right wrist.
Watson was fluid in his drop-backs and looked natural and comfortable misdirecting the defense with play-action and more QB movement that will be a staple of Kevin Stefanski’s revamped offense.
“The throws he makes are incredible,” said normally-reticent running back Nick Chubb. “He’s definitely a special player. I can’t wait to get on the field with him.
“I think you saw he can create big plays. He’s a playmaker. He’s able to do anything and everything on the field and just be more electric.”
Walker, who played Watson six times in three years with the Indianapolis Colts, called Watson, “A competitor. A guy that loves the game of football. Elite playmaker. Elite quarterback.”
Stefanski said, “Deshaun had another good day. I thought he was really sharp yesterday, as well. I think all of that work matters. I think the work that they do in this building together and the work they do outside the building, it all adds up. You have heard me say it before, it is added reps. So he is doing a nice job.”
About those controversies Prior to departing for the Bahamas, Watson spent three days in Houston answering questions from NFL investigators seeking to determine whether Watson violated the league’s personal conduct policy amid unseemly allegations contained in the civil lawsuits.
Two of Watson’s accusers aired unsavory allegations of misconduct on HBO’s
Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, which aired on Tuesday night.
“I did not [watch the program],” Stefanski said. “I read about it. I would tell you, we did a lot of work on that. As we talked about, we have done a lot of work on Deshaun the person, and there [are] legal proceedings ongoing and there is an investigation ongoing so I will not comment much further than that. We understand with respect to that, it is something that we are going to be dealing with as these proceedings go on.”
If you think Watson is weighed down by the gravity of the allegations and the possibility of an NFL suspension to start the season, you would be wrong. He looks footloose and fancy-free on the field.
Watson’s legal issues seem a subject much more discussed outside the Browns’ locker room than inside it.
“He does a good job of coming in every day and leaving outside outside and coming in and focusing on football while he’s here,” Walker said. “I can’t speak on anything else. I know when he’s here, he’s locked in, happy to be back on the field, happy to be our quarterback. He’s confident, looks good throwing the ball,and I know what he does on game day, so … “
Cornerback Greg Newsome said of Watson, “Great leader. Obviously, I haven’t be able to have too many conversations with him, but I can just tell it’s a different world about him. You can tell he’s a great leader. Comes in the building, works every single day. You can tell by this offense. I think they’re looking great right now.”
Newsome, like every player interviewed, said he didn’t watch the HBO report on Watson’s accusers. He also said Watson did not address his issues with the team as a whole.
“No. I don’t think that’s any of our business,” Newsome said. “His job is to play football and when he comes in this building we’re all about the work.”
Clowney back in the grooveThe only players absent from the voluntary OTA practice were defensive end Myles Garrett, left guard Joel Bitonio, right tackle Jack Conklin, tight end David Njoku and exiled quarterback Baker Mayfield.
With Garrett out, newly signed defensive end Jadeveon Clowney provided the juice on offense.
“He is very popular in this building, so having him in the meeting room and having him around the building, you felt his energy and the guys were excited that he was here,” Stefanski said.
Clowney agreed to return this week for a second season on a one-year contract for up to $11 million. Although nothing is ever guaranteed with Clowney, most everyone in the Browns’ building expected Clowney back because of the good vibes received from a healthy, and productive, 2021 season.
But … you never know, with him.
“I texted him about a month ago,” Walker said. “He didn’t text me back. Then I saw him, and I gave him a little look, and he gave me a look and \we left it at that. Then I texted him after he signed and he texted me one thing. “Super Bowl.” That’s it. So, happy to have him back.”
