A tale of two quarterbacks. Well, actually seven.
Since being traded to the Browns in 2022, Deshaun Watson has only played in 19 out of a possible 48 games.
Suspensions and injuries have kept him off the field for more than half of the games the Browns have played since signing him.
In his absence, the Browns have started six other quarterbacks – Jacoby Brissett, P.J. Walker, Dorian Thompson Robinson, Joe Flacco, Jeff Driskel and Jameis Winston.
Brissett and Flacco led the Browns to a top 10 offense. Winston recently just broke the Browns’ single game passing yards record.
All three quarterbacks have something in common, they are not making $230 million guaranteed yet have played much better than the quarterback who is – Deshaun Watson.
The Statistics
Passing yards, touchdowns and interceptions are listed as per game stats.
| Quarterback | Starts | Passing Yards | Passing Touchdowns | Interceptions | Completion Percentage | Yards Per Pass Attempt | Passer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deshaun Watson | 19 | 177.1 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 61.2% | 6.0 | 80.7 |
| Jamies Winston | 6 | 315.0 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 61.4% | 7.3 | 84.1 |
| Joe Flacco | 6 | 320.6 | 2.3 | 1.7 | 62.8% | 7.9 | 90.4 |
| Jacoby Brissett | 11 | 237.0 | 1.1 | 0.55 | 64.1% | 7.4 | 91.4 |
Number do not lie
Winston, Flacco and Brissett have all statistically outperformed Watson.
They average significantly more passing yards and touchdowns per game and boast higher completion percentages, yards per attempt and passer rating.
This improved play has also resulted in an increase of production from the Browns two best pass catchers – David Njoku and Jerry Jeudy.
In seven games with Watson, Jeudy averaged 38 receiving yards and 0.14 touchdowns per game. Njoku averaged 37.2 receiving yards and 0.26 touchdowns per game in 15 Watson.
However, in six games without Watson, Jeudy averages 113 receiving yards and 0.5 touchdowns. Njoku averages 55.6 receiving yards and 0.44 touchdowns per game in 25 games with Watson.
The numbers do not just paint a picture, they paint the entire stadium with evidence of the Browns’ much-improved offense when Watson is not the starting quarterback.
Overriding evidence
Not only have all three quarterbacks posted better numbers than Watson, but they have been embraced by the fanbase in ways that Watson has not.
Brissett, Flacco and Winston have not been perfect by any means, but they have shown that they can operate the Browns offense at a higher level. And they have done so with less off the field baggage and without a $230 million guaranteed contract.
If the writing was not already on the wall, Winston’s play since taking over as the starter should be the final nail in the coffin.
The Cleveland Browns should never play Deshaun Watson again.
