NFL analyst predicts Browns’ Deshaun Watson challenges team record in ‘make-or-break’ season
Cleveland Browns are in the midst of OTAs and building toward the 2024 season, one where they hope they take a step forward. After reaching the playoffs last season and losing in the Wild Card to the Houston Texans, winning a playoff game and trying to make a run should be a must for Cleveland. […]
Cleveland Browns are in the midst of OTAs and building toward the 2024 season, one where they hope they take a step forward. After reaching the playoffs last season and losing in the Wild Card to the Houston Texans, winning a playoff game and trying to make a run should be a must for Cleveland.
If the Browns want that to happen, they need to be much more healthy this coming season. Unlike last season, when they had a boatload of injuries, including a significant shoulder injury to Deshaun Watson. Watson staying healthy and proving his worth to the Browns finally needs to happen in his third season with the team.
Bleacher Report recently took a shot at predicting all 32 quarterbacks in the NFL’s 2024 season and what their stat line will look like. For Watson, he is projected to challenge the franchise record for passing yards in a season.
Projected Stats: 63.8 completion percentage, 4,101 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 420 rushing yards, 4 rushing touchdowns
“ With the offseason addition of Jerry Jeudy, the Browns aren't short on passing-game firepower. Cleveland's offensive line is among the league's best. This was an 11-win team last year despite a revolving door of mediocre quarterbacks. This is a make-or-break season for the 28-year-old—fully guaranteed contract or not.” – Gary Davenport, Bleacher Report
Currently, the record for passing yards in a season for the Browns is 4,132 and Brian Sipe recorded that number in 16 games back in 1980. Sipe also owns the second-best season at 3,876 yards. Baker Mayfield’s 3,827 yards in 2019 is the only recent season that is in the top five for the franchise. Cleveland has had no shortage of quarterback issues over the course of the franchise.
In each of the last two seasons, Watson only played six games in each season and the Browns can’t afford for that to happen. After giving $240 million to Watson, the Browns need him to show he is the franchise quarterback this year. If he does not, Cleveland will be looking forward to when they can get out of the contract, which is at least until after the 2026 season.
If Watson goes out and has the projected season that BR predicted, that should be good enough for the Browns to win ball games and try to make a run into the playoffs. Cleveland has a great defense and has Watson surrounded by playmakers on offense. If Nick Chubb can return to at least close to the player he was at some point this season, that would be the cherry on top.
The time is now for Watson to perform in Cleveland and all involved are aware of that. If Watson can come close to returning to the player he was in 2020, the Browns will get what they wanted from the trade made with the Houston Texans.
Browns’ Rodney McLeod wants to intercept two specific quarterbacks before he retires following 2024 season
He will be looking to jump a route a lot in these games.
