DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum What can we expect from DW?

Which also mean in 2 out of 7 seasons that he had an injury. And until last season hadn't suffered an injury since his rookie year in 2017.

I agree it possible that DW could miss chunks of the season, I disagree we don't have back-up QB's. I think the Browns are as solid as any team, or at least better than most in the back-up QB position.

Injuries are just part of the game. I'm more concerned that he has only played 58% of the games in his career and only 23% the last 3 years. Historically speaking, that puts Watson on the field for 9 - 10 games max in 2024. If the case, that is not what the Browns expected when signing him.

I guess if you're so desperate to make that point you don't consider the fact that he didn't play for an entire season and he was suspended for 11 games. It's not as if he was physically unable to perform. When using raw numbers without clarification it represents a very deceptive picture.

CLARIFICATION - I didn't want to go there but here you go - the clarification point is about as negative for a player as one can get. Injuries are part of the game and can hit at any given time period. The other games missed - quitting on your team shortly after signing a huge contract to be the face of the franchise but collecting your pay and having 30 plus women accuse you of sexual impropriates is the clarification for the missed games. Do those self-inflicted deliberate actions represent a deceptive picture of Watson's ability to be on the field as contributor? IMHO, there's nothing deceptive about where Watson's priorities have been the last 3 years. You make it sound like that in addition to the injuries, Watson's additional missed time deserves clarification as unavoidable so as not to be deceptive. The only real and truthful clarification is that Watson, through his own deliberate actions, left his teammates hanging for 27 games. So, quite the contrary, I considered the facts, ignoring them or making excuses for them would be the painting of a deceptive picture. Either way you cut it; he wasn't behind center for his team for 27 games yet was paid and was physically able to play. CLARIFICATION

Did he quit on the team or did the team decide not to play him? This entire part of the discussion centered around his injuries yet you have decided to twist it into something else. Somehow I'm not surprised by that.

Nor am I surprised by your negative attack on me for a differing opinion. The talk was about availability to play. You may want to limit that to injury - so be it. I'm just saying that, and you can try but can't repute, that not playing the game whether from injury or self-inflicted - the dang player isn't on the field. If the elite QB is not on the field for whatever reason, what good is he to the team? Oh, and yes, he quit on his Texans teammates for personal reasons. Personally, I don't care what the reasons were - he signed a 4-year, $156,000,000 contract 5 months before he refused to play.

According to ESPN February 25, 2021:
New Houston head coach David Culley got the word directly from the source: Deshaun Watson has no intention of playing for the Texans ever again.
Watson met with Culley on Friday and told him he wants to be traded, Dan Graziano of ESPN reports.
Although Watson hasn’t made that declaration publicly, it’s been clear for weeks that that is Watson’s stance. He does not want to play for the Texans and is angling for a trade.

You can't get much clearer than telling the HC you have no intention of playing for the Texans ever again.

Your threshold for what consttitues a "negative attack" is very low.

What infraction has watson committed that would make a suspension play into this coming season? What major issue is going on between him and the team that would cause him to either be sat down or sit out this coming season? Because you really have no idea which one actually happened. There's nothing wrong with pointing out the past as long as you can make some link between those past events to the present. Which obviously you can not do.

You can't get any clearer that a HC is going to blame the player instead of the man who signs his paycheck. And don't get me wrong. I too believe he chose to sit out. I just can't prove it and I do understand that a HC is going to say what the organization wants him to say. Especially a new HC trying t keep his job.

Listen, y’all need to lay off Haslam and Watson! I’m tellin’ ya, these guys aren’t the problem! Haslam’s out here throwin’ money at the team like he's makin' it rain at a tailgate, and Watson – oh man, Watson’s out there givin' it his all, dodgin' linebackers and gettin' smacked around like a piñata at a kids' party. Injuries happen, okay? It’s FOOTBALL, not a pillow fight!

But Stefanski? Oh-ho-ho, don’t even get me started! This guy, he’s the one who needs to take a seat. No, no, no, not just a seat – a permanent timeout! His play-calling? It’s like he’s pickin' plays out of a hat blindfolded. "Oh, it’s 3rd and 18? Let’s run it up the middle!" Genius, Stefanski, real genius! He’s out here coachin' like he’s playin' Madden with his feet and we’re all just along for the ride!

Watson’s just tryin' to stay healthy, folks. The dude’s a freakin' gladiator! And Haslam? He’s pourin' his heart and soul (and wallet) into this team! But Stefanski? This guy couldn’t coach his way outta a paper bag. Time to let someone else take the wheel before we drive this team off a cliff!

So here’s the deal: Watson’s a hero, Haslam’s doin' his part, and Stefanski needs to hit the road.

Yeah, the HC who has been named coach of the year two out of the past four seasons is what you think the problem is. I can see how this BS is going to go.

Can you tell me what NFL QB isn't trying to stay healthy? Which one isn't trying to play their best? They all are. Some just produce better because they are better when their number is called. Can you tell me what you have seen from him since he came to the Browns that makes him a "gladiator"?

According to you, the two time coach of the year in two of the past four seasons is the problem and the guy who was paid 230 million and Haslam gave three first round picks having not lived up to expectations yet isn't the problem? No, that's not "the deal here".

Oh boy, looks like we’ve got a doubter in the house! Let me tell you something, buddy, and listen real good: sometimes the numbers and awards don't tell the whole story.

Yeah, Stefanski's been named Coach of the Year twice, and that's all well and good. But let’s not pretend that makes him untouchable or flawless. We’ve seen questionable play-calling and decisions that make you wonder if he’s watching the same game as the rest of us. The guy's got talent, sure, but even the best coaches can have blind spots, and right now, his playbook looks like it was designed by a committee of cats.

Now, about Watson – you think I'm saying every QB isn’t trying to stay healthy? Of course they are! But Watson's out there taking hits and making plays that would put most guys in the hospital. When I call him a "gladiator," I'm talking about his grit, his willingness to stand in the pocket and take the punishment, all while trying to make something happen. The guy’s got heart, and he’s showing it every time he steps on the field, even if the results haven't been perfect yet.

As for the 230 million dollars and those three first-round picks, yeah, that's a big investment, and expectations are sky-high. But sometimes it takes time for everything to click, especially with the pressure he's under. Has he lived up to every expectation yet? No. But that doesn’t mean he’s not giving it his all or that he’s the root of the problem. He’s out there battling every game, and sometimes you’ve got to look beyond the stats to see the effort and potential.

Relying on coaches keeps everything teetering. Only players' talents inspire solid teamwork. So yeah, I’m saying Stefanski’s got some serious rethinking to do. He's got the accolades, but those don’t win games. Adapt, adjust, and maybe, just maybe, stop making boneheaded calls when the game’s on the line. And Watson? Give the guy a break – he’s out there fighting for every yard.

Let’s talk about something else – Watson’s mastery of the route tree. This guy knows every route like the back of his hand. He’s not just running plays; he’s executing with precision, reading defenses, and threading the needle to his receivers. Whether it’s a slant, a post, a corner, or a wheel route, Watson’s got it down. His knowledge and execution of the route tree are top-tier, and that's a huge part of what makes him a formidable quarterback.

Having you around is going to be a laugh a minute.




Let me know when you start making sense. Then I'll start listening. Watson isn't taking any worse hits than any other QB in the NFL. We have a solid OL. And the worst of the hits he is taking he's walking into himself. He keeps trying to play hero ball that leads to his own issues instead of playing it safe.

According to you we should give every QB in the NFL a break because they're all "out there fighting for every yard". Only some of them believe staying healthy and in the line up is the best way to accomplish that. You can quit blaming the HC and the OL because watson got hurt.

Are you watsons daddy?

I've got a tale from my grandpappy that you need to hear. It's about respect and why you should never, and I mean never, insult someone by calling them the father of a famous player.

So, picture this: it's a crisp autumn evening in New Castle, PA, and my grandpappy, Old Rusty Ralph, is holding court at the local watering hole, The Rusty Nail. He's got a crowd of eager listeners, and he's in the middle of one of his epic Browns rants. The topic of the night? Legendary players and their mythical feats.

Now, grandpappy Ralph had a knack for storytelling that could make a fish tale seem like gospel truth. As he's weaving his yarn, some guy named Hank, with all the bravado of a squirrel on espresso, starts bragging about how his cousin’s neighbor’s brother once met Jim Brown at a car wash. Naturally, grandpappy Ralph wasn't about to be outdone.

"Well, Hank," grandpappy Ralph says with a twinkle in his eye, "that’s nothing! I’m actually the real father of Jim Brown!" The crowd bursts into laughter, except for Hank, who looks like he just found out his favorite fishing spot was dry.

Hank, not one to be outshone, fires back, "Oh yeah? And I suppose you're also the reason the Browns have a loyal fanbase?" Without missing a beat, grandpappy Ralph leans in and says, "Absolutely! In fact, I’m the one who taught Paul Brown how to coach!"

At this point, the whole bar is in stitches, tears of laughter rolling down their faces. Even Hank can't keep a straight face. The absurdity of it all is too much. Grandpappy Ralph, always one to drive the point home, stands up and declares, "Let this be a lesson, folks! Never insult someone by claiming they’re the father of a famous player. It's more fun to embrace the madness and share a good laugh!"

And with that, the drinks kept flowing, the laughter echoed into the night, and everyone left with a story to tell.

Is your gandpappy the reason for all of your issues? I have no intention of picturing your made up BS. Made up bar stories isn't something that interest me and actually have nothing to do with this discussion. If nothing else your presence here will be truly entertaining. It has been thus far.

Oh, bless your heart, friend! If only my grandpappy were the root of all my issues – then I’d have a much easier time pinpointing the source of my wild ways!

But let’s get one thing straight: my grandpappy, Old Rusty Ralph, was a fountain of wisdom and a barrel of laughs. He’s the reason I’ve got a head full of entertaining stories and a heart full of Browns pride, not to mention an uncanny ability to spot a politician’s tall tale from a mile away.

As for my "issues," well, I like to think of them as quirks that make life a bit more interesting. Who wants to be boring and predictable, anyway? It’s the oddballs and the eccentrics that keep the world spinning, and I’m more than happy to play my part in that grand spectacle.

Now, insinuating mental issues ain’t the kindest way to go about things. We all got our battles, but it’s important to remember that everyone’s walkin’ their own path. A little empathy goes a long way, y’know?

So, while I appreciate your concern, just remember: it’s all in good fun and a hearty laugh. Let’s keep things light and keep the jabs friendly.

I must say, this is an interesting thread all of a sudden

This certainly helps explain a lot. And BTW- I've been living close to Nashville for over a decade now and both of my parents are from the south. So I know exactly what this means...."Oh, bless your heart."

Back at ya.

KS is da debil Bobby Boucher!

Haven't you been paying attention? Haslam is golden. Stop making sense!

Well, name a better owner than Haslam. The Lerners? Modell?

I think McBride goes back before your time.

Those are the choices.

Some teams have an embarrasment of riches ..... we just have the embarrasment.

I hope that Haslam turns out to be a great owner. He still has a ways to go in the proof department as far as I'm concerned.

I do think that he wants to win ..... and is willing to spend to win ...... and that's pretty huge.

What proof are you looking for? Is there some final proof or is it just something you hold in front of them....and please don't say win a Superbowl.

Have the team become a consistent winner. Start winning the division. Last year was our best season under Stafanski, and we were 2nd in the division. We were 3rd, 3rd, and 4th in his other years. Last year, oddly enough, was the 1st season under Stefanski, that we scored more points than we allowed. Teams that win consistently manage to outscore the opponent by a wide margin. Last year was the 1st year under Stefanski that we managed that trick at all.

HJas he made the right desicions? I think it's trending in the right direction ..... but frankly, he has presided over 2 winning seasons out of the 12 he has owned the team, and only 3 seasons where the team finished over .500. His huge splash move, trading for Watson, is, at best, questionable, thus far.

Yes, I want to win the Super Bowl ..... but I would settle for a deep playoff run. We need to start winning, and dominating, before that happens.

Like I said, I hope he turns out to be a great owner, and that this team becomes everything we hope it will be. The proof just isn't there yet.

It seems you missed the sarcasm in my post. I'm sorry for the confusion. I was hoping the purple font would make that clear.

All i have to say about this post is it's EXACTLY the same rah rah BS that was posted last year. He's had a year to prepare, he's familiar with the players and coach, he looks crisp and throwing the ball well, expectations are high, and he's hungry to put all that other stuff behind him. Let's not forget the added rah rahs about finally getting a #2 WR with speed and backups that can stretch the field making Watson even more dangerous as a QB. Heck, Deshaun Watson even took teammates to the Bahamas for team building last year as part of his publicity push.

Look, I have high expectations for Watson also. To date, he's been a miserable disappointment in my book. This is year 3 with the Browns and a prove it year or heads are going to roll. That said though, I'm not buying into any of this preseason BS about what he's doing or certainly not about how good he looks. The last 3-years, Watson has NOT lived up to anywhere close to the contracts he has been paid from. I know, one of those years he was injured but it isn't like he was anywhere near to being elite like his contract says he was when he did play. His mid to high 20's QB Ranking proves that he underperformed. I'm cautiously optimistic about the season but IMHO, it all hinges on Watson playing consistently at a high level. Until I see it on the field during regular season games, save me the how good he looks because I'm not buying. "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me three times, shame on both of us".

And some will use the whole season to makes excuses why nobody should be bitching. Some will use the entire season grasping at anything which gives them the right to bitch. The fact is none of us knows what to expect from DW. Some will try to conjure up a positive thought process without actually knowing what to expect. Some will conjure up a negative thought process without actually knowing what to expect. And everyone has a right to do either one. I tend to go after those that jump to a negative conclusion because that seems to be a terrible waste of energy while having nothing to base it on. After this season my hope is there will be enough evidence provided to at least have some reasonable opinion on what we have a better chance to see moving forward. And hopefully that will be positive.

So would you rather have the Haslams, Lerners, or Modell as the owner, based on what they accomplished as owners? Modell? We did meet much of the criteria you mentioned.

I just want to team to be a consistent winner, than can do some post-season damage to other teams. As far as Modell ....... wouldn't want him back ever ... if that was even possible. He got lucky along the way, and then got so stupid with his decisions that he could no longer afford to keep the team. Yeah, he took the sweetheart deal and went to Baltimore, but still wound up having to sell anyway.

Yeah we’ll just have to deal with Winston then Robinson, then ?..

I would think that the 2 backup QB's we have are solid, maybe as solid as most teams. Regardless I hope DW has no injuries or at least no major ones.

I agree with you. I'm not sure what it is people expect. There are 32 NFL and some of them have marginal or questionable starters as it is because there aren't enough quality QB's to go around. You see top QB prospects overvalued every year in the draft due to the desperation teams face trying to find a quality QB. Winston isn't a top tier QB because if he were he would be starting somewhere in the NFL. Unless of course people think all of the other NFL teams needing a QB got it wrong.

When it comes to getting a backup QB the top tier QB's in the NFL as well as the second tier of QB's in the NFL are already starting on other teams. Teams have to pick between what's left. Some at least make it sound like that isn't the case.

Agreed Pit. Both JW and TH have starting experience and have played well most of the time. That's a plus in my book. Plus, they're both young guys. An older back-up IMO would be more susceptible to injury.

I'd say better than most teams. I don't know about all the teams in the league, but I think you would be hard pressed to find many with a better trio.

I don't think you'll find many, if any teams that have the starting experience that Tyler Huntley has at the third string QB position.

AB is showing again how good a GM he is. We went into last year weak at the back-up QB position and it showed. This year AB is making sure it doesn't happen again. We made out fine with JF but we were lucky, for once. I'm sure KS had some input also.