How long is the leash on Deshaun Watson?

Editor's note: Tony Grossi is an analyst of the Cleveland Browns for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984. 

PHILADELPHIA, PA 

Four downs on Browns (1-4) v. Philadelphia Eagles (2-2) 

First down: Where’s the spark? 

Through five games, the new-look Browns offense has accomplished only one thing. It has dragged down the entire organization to an unforeseen level. Last year, the defense and special teams could lift the team while the offense sputtered through quarterback injuries. This year, the quarterback position has been healthy – at least physically – but disheartening production seemingly has infected the other areas. The defense is 23rd in points allowed and has but one interception. Except for a few punts downed near the goal line, the special teams haven’t produced a big play. Dismay about the offense dominates daily conversation. Why is it so bad? And what will the coaches do to improve things? Publicly, they offer little insight. This week, receiver Amari Cooper, whose nine drops lead the NFL, according to multiple Websites, promised reporters that changes are being implemented. “We are making changes,” Cooper insisted. “One of the things coach Kevin [Stefanski] is emphasizing is we need a spark, and it can come from anywhere. We’re doing some things to try to create that spark.” A spark? I would suggest using a blow torch on this offense. 

Second down: How long is the leash on Deshaun Watson? 

This will be Watson’s sixth consecutive start, which ties his longest uninterrupted stretch as Browns quarterback at the end of the 2022 season. And yet, by every measure that matters, Watson is playing worse than ever. The Browns are 30th in points scored, and last in offensive yards, passing yards per play, sacks taken, yards on first downs, and third-down conversions. Stefanski abruptly answered “no” when asked at the start of the week if there were conversations about sitting down Watson.  “It’s not a one person needs to do better, or one position needs to do better, or players or coaches,” Stefanski said. “We -- underline we -- we just need to be better.” Support for Watson inside the locker room still appears to be there. But you wonder how long before everyone inside joins everyone else on the outside and pines for a change. 

Third down: As the tackles turn. 

In this week’s episode, Jack Conklin again appeared ready to return to game action for the first time since suffering injuries which he termed “the whole shebang” to his left knee in the 2023 season opener. Conklin got close two weeks ago but a hamstring injury set him back. “I know he obviously wanted to be back earlier than this, but, man, he’s worked so hard,” Stefanski said. If Conklin makes it to the field, he should return to right tackle and replace Dawand Jones, who has struggled in his second season. Another offensive line change could result in Michael Dunn replacing rookie Zak Zinter at right guard.  

Fourth down: Hurts so bad. 

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts hasn’t been the same field leader as when he took his team to the Super Bowl in 2022 and then outplayed Patrick Mahomes in a losing cause for the NFL championship. He led all players in individual turnovers in 2023 and he is on pace to repeat that dubious distinction this season with seven through four games. This week, Hurts gets back three important pieces on offense he’s been without for multiple games – receivers A.J. Browns and DeVonta Smith, and right tackle Lane Johnson. Jim Schwartz was Philadelphia’s defensive coordinator in Hurts’ rookie year – before he took over as the starter. “I know this,” Schwartz said. “In 7-on-7, he throws about as pretty a ball as you can imagine. I mean, it’s classic. Just looks beautiful when he throws. So our whole objective is don’t make it 7-on-7. Our pass rush has to do their job, our blitz package has to do their job, our coverage disruption has to do their job. So it’s not just routes on air, because I’ve seen that in person and it’s pretty impressive.”  

The pick: Eagles 27, Browns 13. 

My record: 3-2.