When the Cleveland Browns went all in on Deshaun Watson, it was under the belief that he would not only be one of the team's best offensive players but also routinely available. 

Life is hard in Cleveland. Competency and availability are how low the bar is for a quarterback for the Browns. And Watson has somehow gone lower. 

The Browns are hopeful that Watson will return from a right rotator cuff strain as early as Week 9. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that the Browns' $230-million man remains "week-to-week." But in a league that is win-now a week-to-week Watson — who hasn't been very good when he has played — won't get the job done. 

Earlier in the week, the idea of trading for Jacoby Brissett was floated around. It is still a good one. But more than anything, the franchise ought to look itself in the mirror and honestly assess the decisions it has made leading up to the 2023 season. 

On the defensive side of the ball, the Browns are playing great. Myles Garrett is having a career year. And the help around him is the stingiest bunch of his tenure as the Browns' best defensive player. 

It's the offense that continues to disappoint. And it starts from the top down. Well, it starts from Watson down. 

No one doubts that Watson isn't healthy. But when he has been healthy enough to play, he hasn't been very good.

He's a long way from the quarterback the Browns thought they were getting when they gave him a fully guaranteed contract. That doesn't appear to be changing any moment soon. 

So, the reality of the often injured, painfully average $200-million quarterback is that the Browns need to find a way to win without him. 

Yes, the Browns — if they are serious about contending — need to find a way to win despite Watson, not because of him. 

The good news is other teams have done it — other teams have managed to progress deep into the playoffs with a quarterback that isn't very good. Cleveland has the team to do the same. 

With a stout defense, a serviceable run game, and controlling the possession battle, Cleveland can still compete in a crowded AFC North. And if the team finds ways to keep winning, it will be in no part thanks to week-to-week Watson.  

Kevin Stefanski may want to "protect" the franchise quarterback. That's fine. If the Browns manage every other aspect of the game, they may not even need the guy to win. 

Besides, at some point, hoping for Watson to play is more difficult than simply moving on with or without him. 

Browns should trade for Jacoby Brissett if they are honest about winning now

The Cleveland Browns ought to pull the plug on P.J. Walker if they are serious about winning.