Deshaun Watson’s preseason debut is loaded with intrigue
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
Has he finally shaken off the rust?
As the Browns head into their first and only home appearance of the preseason, that’s what everyone wants to know about Deshaun Watson.
It’s not: Can he score every time the Browns have the ball? Or even: Can he be the elite quarterback he was with the Houston Texans in 2020 – the last season before Watson’s world changed?
No, it’s too early for those questions to be answered. But it’s fair to ask: Has he shaken off the rust from a 700-day layoff that clearly saddled him in his six regular-season appearances last season?
Since the page was turned on 2022, Watson has been diligent in forming chemistry with his receivers, on taking ownership of the responsibilities of team leader, and in working with coaches to revamp the offense to his liking.
He has professed comfortability with his team now that his legal troubles are behind him. “I’m in a different space,” he said at the start of training camp. “I feel really well, feel really good, comfortable being around the guys, the locker room, the coaching staff, the organization, and just the city of Cleveland.
Deshaun Watson wouldn't say if he believes the rust from inactivity is no longer an issue. (TheLandOnDemand)
“I can just lock in on my craft. I can lock in on my job, my profession. When I leave the football field, I can focus on studying the game and not have any distractions. So that’s what I’m just doing is just taking it one day at a time, one opportunity at a time, and just really just cherishing this moment as best as I can.”
So, is the rust gone from the long layoff? You know, the game moving faster than his mind. The inadvertent collisions with offensive linemen or pass rushers while seeking to extend plays. The rust. It should be gone, no?
“What did he say?” asked coach Kevin Stefanski when posed the question.
For the record, Watson’s response was: “I have no idea. Like I said, it’s just really once we get out there and play, we’ll see what happens and go from there.”
It was a rather strange comment considering all the work Watson has put in as he seeks to re-start his career.
“I’ll stick with what he said,” Stefanski said. “That’s for him, honestly, to answer. I would tell you [I’m] very pleased with where he is right now in these practices.”
Stefanski wouldn’t say how much Watson would play against the Washington Commanders – the team against which Watson tossed three touchdowns in a 24-10 Browns victory on January 1.
It’s expected that Watson will be protected by the No. 1 offensive line and will throw to his top receivers while in the game. Stefanski declined to say if running back Nick Chubb would play, which probably means he won’t. And because RB2 Jerome Ford is out with a hamstring injury, Watson might be on the field for about 10-12 plays with Demetric Felton or John Kelly as his No. 1 back.
Here are other storylines to watch as the Browns hit the mid-point of their preseason:1. How is Joshua Dobbs looking in his second season with the Browns?
The locked-in QB2 will get his first play time after Watson. Dobbs, who had a breakout preseason in 2022, has been short-changed in practice reps through two weeks as Stefanski prepared QB3 hopefuls Kellen Mond and rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson for game time in the Hall of Fame Game against the Jets.
2. Can Thompson-Robinson wrap up the QB3 job?
Stefanski said all four quarterbacks will play. DTR had a scintillating debut against the Jets and widened his lead on Mond, who wasn’t drafted by the Browns and thus has to thoroughly outperform the drafted quarterback to stick.
3. Are linebackers Anthony Walker and Sione Takitaki healthy enough to get meaningful reps?
They both practiced with pads in team periods for the first time this week. If they play in the Washington game, they should be able to participate in the joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday and Tuesday – the highlight of the preaseason – and be on track to start the real season against the Cincinnati Bengals.
4. What exactly is going on with Jim Schwartz’s defensive line?
Projected starting defensive tackle Jordan Elliott surprisingly started and played 12 snaps in the Hall of Fame Game, and then the Browns added veteran tackle Shelby Harris, formerly with the Seattle Seahawks. Was that pickup a reflection on Elliott or a reaction to DT3 Trysten Hill being out with a finger injury?
Also, DE4 Alex Wright and DE5 Isaiah Thomas were lost after arthroscopic knee surgeries. Will starting ends Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith see action against Washington? Stefanski pulled a Sgt. Schultz, effectively saying, “I know nothing!”
5. Is Jakeem Grant ready to go full speed on his repair Achillles tendon?
The return specialist returned to team drills this week and has been repping first on kickoff and punt return periods.
6. Can kicker Cade York quiet the doubters and get in a positive groove?
He makes almost everything in practice. But a field-goal miss from 49 yards in the HOF game – and a sketchy PAT make -- raised concerns about York’s head space in games. York might be the one player under the most pressure in the Browns’ second preseason game.
