Dawgs By Nature
Deshaun Watson’s struggles were obvious in training camp according to two reporters
To say that no one saw the Cleveland Browns collapse to start the 2024 NFL season would be a bit of hyperbole but maybe not too much. Taking a look back at our Browns season predictions, the lowest was 10-6 with most looking at 11 wins and a couple, including this writer, going up to 12.
Instead, the performance of the offense starting with QB Deshaun Watson and the struggle from the defense to copy last year’s success, despite DE Myles Garrett once again being excellent, has led to a fan experience similar or worse than the winless 2017 season.
At this point, FanDuel has Cleveland’s win total line at 5.5 for the season. A far stretch from 10, 11 or 12 wins predicted by the DBN staff at the end of training camp.
Looking back, while there were concerns about Watson’s recovery from injury and the new Browns offense, most coverage was positive about Cleveland’s training camp. All except this one little segment from The Athletic’s Diana Russini on The Dan Patrick Show:
Russini seemed uncomfortable outing Watson and the Browns for having bad vibes and poor performance in training camp but obviously had concerns. She did note a better day the next practice but clearly could tell something was “off” for Cleveland.
For reference, the show was broadcast on August 20th and can be seen in its entirety below. Patrick asks the question at the 13:35 mark:
This week, Jeff Howe of The Athletic noted that Jameis Winston looked better with the Browns offense over the summer:
Otherwise, the offense looked better at times over the summer with Winston on the field. While the Browns don’t appear to be nearly the same team as the previous version that made the playoffs — also notable, the defense has significantly regressed — but they’re more talented than 1-4. With better quarterback play, they should already have three wins. They’re in a dangerous spot with a team that’s failing to meet expectations and the most important player on the roster falling way, way below expectations, so the Browns need a jolt with Winston.
Two reporters, one near the end of training camp and one before Week 6, both noted that Watson struggled in Cleveland camp. Barring a miraculous turnaround, it looks like Russini was on to something in camp. We may not get to see Winston behind center, besides 4th down plays, to know if Howe was accurate.
The bigger question is whether the Browns front office and coaching staff noticed what reporters did and just ignored it, expected it to change or had no choice in the matter. We may never know but Cleveland seems committed to making it work with Watson even if it was clear to others that it wasn’t working back in August.
What do you make of Russini’s comment back in August?
