All $230 Million: Deshaun Watson’s Struggles

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson’s sky is falling. He was paid $230 million and every penny was guaranteed on the contract. After yet another loss, Watson has yet to pass for over 200 yards. He has yet to lead the Browns to scoring over 20 offensive points in a game. No more of the “rust” factor, Watson has flat-out been bad. Even the small things, Watson being pulled out for a play on third and one for Jameis Winston, should not be happening with a quarterback making that much money. 

Watson still has the tendency to hold onto the football. Holding on to the football for too long has led to numerous coverage sacks. Watson is struggling just to make routine throws. The boneheaded plays he has made as a Brown used to be the razzle-dazzle plays he made in Houston, escaping a sack and making an accurate pass to move the sticks. None of that Houston magic has translated in Cleveland. 

Watson has played Washington and Las Vegas, two of worst passing defenses in the league and he has not even dominated. Watson had 25 straight third-down passing attempts that went incomplete. Plus, Watson still has to duel with reigning MVP Lamar Jackson as well as Joe Burrow later in the season. Former Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to 51 points against the Saints on Sunday. The Browns have 71 offensive points on the season. Cleveland finds itself in a predicament on whether to bench the quarterback who was guaranteed every dollar or play the quarterback who has yet to hit the 20s in points and 200s in passing yards.