The Watson Situation Is Revealing Cleveland’s Trust Issues

By AJ Dicosimo on October 27, 2023

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The ongoing saga surrounding Cleveland’s polarizing and extremely expensive quarterback has stirred a whirlwind of emotions amongst media, fans, and in my reflection every morning when I stare at myself in the mirror. The team’s promising 4-2 record and the stellar performance of the defense under the watchful eye of Jim “Daddy” Schwartz, has been somewhat sullied by the underlying frustration that refuses to dissipate.

Once again, the limelight has shifted from on-field triumphs to the off-field drama that seems to perpetually surround Deshaun Watson. While we’ve grown somewhat accustomed to off-field distractions, the sheer lack of transparency and clear communication regarding Watson’s injury status has left us utterly perplexed. We watched Watson exit the field following a hit to his shoulder, only to be cleared for reentry after a concussion evaluation. It was then that Coach Stefanski decided to put P.J. Walker out there, evidently to safeguard Watson.

But the real head-scratcher is why Watson was allowed to start the game in the first place, given the considerable doubts about his condition. It’s an infuriating déjà vu moment, reminiscent of the times when we questioned why Baker Mayfield was allowed to shoulder an entire season with a similar injury.

Maybe the common denominator is that Stefanski knows absolutely nothing about shoulders?

In the midst of this bewildering scenario, Stefanski’s penchant for ambiguity only serves to stoke our exasperation. The absence of specific details about Watson’s condition is just one facet of a much larger issue—the woeful state of decision-making within the organization and atrocious communication with their fans.

Here, the Browns confront a series of critical questions regarding Watson’s health. The distinction between pain and injury has become distressingly blurred, leaving us with the unsettling knowledge that Watson is not healthy and this organization clearly cannot be trusted to manage it.

Watson’s unique style of play, characterized by off-schedule plays, athleticism, and a powerful arm, was pivotal in earning him three Pro Bowl selections during his tenure in Houston. Even if his injury doesn’t necessitate surgery and lacks structural damage, the swelling from a strain in the rotator cuff’s subscapularis can lead to pain and weakness. The road to recovery for Watson involves the arduous task of regaining strength and velocity.

This intricate dilemma forces the Browns to traverse the complex terrain of Watson’s rehabilitation. The team must grapple with the challenging decision of weighing Watson’s value on the field against the risk of further injury. The Browns’ tenacious defense, lead by Myles Garrett, can provide a cushion of time for the team to make these crucial determinations, but that can only last for so long.

The Browns’ monumental $230 million investment in Watson has elevated the stakes to unprecedented heights. This team has expectations to win The AFC North and cause damage in the playoff picture and if they don’t it will lead to another year of wasted years of prime All-Pro talent due to organizational ineptitude or a conscious effort to maximize their return on this investment. Regardless of the underlying motivations, the ramifications for what happens from here on out can be catastrophic. .

As ardent fans, we find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of emotions, wrestling with frustration and uncertainty. Our loyalty to the Browns remains steadfast, but we yearn for an organization that exemplifies decisiveness, and a commitment to both short-term and long-term success. The fate of our season hangs precariously in the balance, and our hope is always that the Browns will navigate this convoluted path with the wisdom and astuteness that we have never seen.

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