The 2023 season can go two ways for the Cleveland Browns, and both directions hinge on what version of quarterback Deshaun Watson the team sees. 

Will the Browns enjoy the Pro Bowl Watson, who carried the Houston Texans to division titles early in his career? Or will the Browns get whatever version of Watson played for the Browns sparingly last season? For the Browns, they are hoping it is the former. 

Recently, NFL.com put together a list of teams that finished below .500 during the 2022 season and could turn things around this season. On that list was the Browns, who were billed as a genuine 'wild card' team heading into the regular season. 

Here is what Marc Ross had to say about the pending Browns turnaround: 

"There is no bigger wild-card team than the Browns this season. That’s mostly due to Deshaun Watson and which version of him we will see this year. The difference between Watson regaining his top-five form and last year’s bottom-five performance could determine whether the Browns are true Super Bowl contenders or stay a sub-.500 team. With one of the most talented rosters in the league, though, the Browns’ win total should increase from 2022 even with a mediocre Watson."

The Browns have several realities weighing on the 2023 season. It is a make-or-break year for head coach Kevin Stefanski. General manager Andrew Berry will either be vindicated and proven right or made to look like a fool for pursuing Watson so desperately in the first place. And the list could go on. 

In essence, the season is riding on Watson. And he will have to live up to the pressure. 

Watson was recently named one of five captains for the Browns. It was an honor Stefanski said the quarterback earned. 

“Deshaun, it’s very, very natural for him to lead,” Stefanski said. “And I think he’s comfortable leading from out in front. I think he’s comfortable from leading and letting his teammates get credit.

“That’s just something he’s always done his whole life. And just the way he’s integrated himself into this football team is impressive to watch.”

The first test for the Browns will come in Week 1 on Sept. 10 against the Cincinnati Bengals and a possible Joe Burrow. 

“To see how Deshaun has integrated himself into the team has just really been impressive,” said Browns assistant general manager Catherine Raiche to the Associated Press. “To be able to be with us this entire offseason program and really build connection with his teammates and be able to gain their trust and do everything he’s done, I think has been great and he’s been just great to be around.”

Browns injury updates heading into crucial start to the 2023 season

Plenty of injury updates to go over here for the Cleveland Browns.

Feature image via Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports.