Deshaun Watson says he wants to be better than he was with the Texans

A lot of the wanted success for the Cleveland Browns in 2023 rides on the shoulders of quarterback Deshaun Watson. If Watson can return to form and be the player he was earlier in his career, it would bode well for the Browns and it would raise their ceiling. Watson said during Wednesday’s media availability […]

Brandon Little — Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer

Sep 6, 2023 3:30 PM EDT

A lot of the wanted success for the Cleveland Browns in 2023 rides on the shoulders of quarterback Deshaun Watson.

If Watson can return to form and be the player he was earlier in his career, it would bode well for the Browns and it would raise their ceiling. Watson said during Wednesday’s media availability that he wants to be better than he was while with the Houston Texans.

“I don’t want to return as that guy in Houston, I want to be better than that guy,” said Watson. So, what I was, what is it 2023? So three years ago, I’m not the same guy. So, I feel like I’ve evolved to a new level, and I’m ready to be able to show that.”

Watson has had a full normal offseason with the Browns, as well as a full training camp where he was able to take all of the first team snaps. That stuff is important, compared to last year where Jacoby Brissett had to take a lot of the reps since he was starting the first 11 games of the season.

These are lofty expectations that Watson inadvertently placed on himself. In 2020 with the Texans, Watson threw for 33 touchdowns and led the league with 4,823 passing yards. The former Pro Bowler only threw seven interceptions that season. No doubt about it, Watson was a top-five quarterback that season.

“I think each and every game is an opportunity for myself to go out there and show who I am. And I have a lot to prove, and I want to go out there and prove it, not just for people in general, but just for myself because that’s the type of competitor I am and I just want to go out there and be the best I can and help this team win.”

Watson played in just six games last year after nearly two years off the gridiron. As a result, he was rusty as expected. Now, Watson wants to go out and prove that he is still that guy.

It starts in Week 1 against a divisional opponent the Cincinnati Bengals, which will surely be a tough test for the Browns. But starting the season off on the right foot is important.

“Every opener is going to set the tone for the season, said Watson. “Every week is a new week, a new opportunity. We have to lock in and focus on this week."