Dawgs By Nature
Everyone is wondering why Deshaun Watson is still playing.
Here is a summary of how the Cleveland Browns are viewed across mainstream media outlets in NFL Power Rankings heading into Week 6 of the 2024 NFL season.
CBS Sports - No. 30 (down 1 spot)
It’s time to make a quarterback change. Deshaun Watson isn’t getting it done. Play Jameis Winston.
ESPN - No. 30 (down 3 spots)
Fantasy surprise: WR Amari Cooper
Cooper has struggled after recording a career-high 1,250 receiving yards in 2023. He hasn’t been able to form a consistent connection with quarterback Deshaun Watson and has had a couple of critical drops. Cooper’s 20 catches through five games are the third fewest in his career, and his 4.4 yards per target is the second-lowest mark among qualifying pass catchers this season. His 10.6 fantasy points per game rank 46th among wide receivers.
NFL.com - No. 30 (down 2 spots)
On one side of the field Sunday, a dream season rolled on with another standout showing. On the other, the Browns’ sideline, there were hung heads and thousand-yard stares. That’s what happens when you score a season-low 13 points and allow a season-worst 34 to Washington, watching your $230 million quarterback sink deeper into the abyss. If you’re Kevin Stefanski, what do you do about Deshaun Watson? There aren’t a lot of quarterbacks who would thrive behind this offensive line right now, and backup Jameis Winston is not the most likely of franchise saviors, but the negative energy around this Cleveland team is palpable. The Browns are averaging a league-worst 3.8 yards per offensive play; next-worst is New England at 4.3. Watson isn’t the only issue, but he’s a big problem at the game’s most important position. Take a look at the remaining schedule and ask yourself which opponents this version of the Browns should beat.
Sporting News - No. 32 (down 2 spots)
The Browns’ defense is falling apart as a former strength, and the offense has gone completely listless with Deshaun Watson. Nick Chubb and better health won’t be able to fix things either. Kevin Stefanski can consider his seat very hot.
Yahoo Sports - No. 30 (down 4 spots)
Kevin Stefanski on Deshaun Watson: “He’s had some, obviously, good moments and then there are some times we have to play better around him.” It’s getting weird how the Browns absolutely refuse to acknowledge Watson isn’t playing well, much less consider benching him.
Bleacher Report - No. 30 (down 3 spots)
With each passing week, the Cleveland Browns are staking a claim as the worst team in the NFL—and the center of that claim is the atrocious play of quarterback Deshaun Watson. Watson was a hot mess again Sunday in a blowout loss to the Washington Commanders. A matador-esque offensive line that allowed seven more sacks in Week 5 isn’t helping matters any. But that lack of protection is in Watson’s head. He’s ignoring open receivers and...
