Cleveland Browns Face Challenges with Deshaun Watson’s Contract Amid Short Week Preparation Against Steelers

The Cleveland Browns find themselves grappling with a sense of underachievement, exacerbated by the heavy burden of Deshaun Watson’s fully guaranteed contract, which continues to weigh down the franchise. Despite showing occasional potential, Watson’s tenure in Cleveland has been largely disappointing, overshadowing the path forward envisioned by head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry last season.

The Browns had hoped to build on a championship-caliber defense, especially after veteran Joe Flacco‘s surprising performances last December offered a glimpse of promise. However, a series of injuries and setbacks during the offseason, particularly the challenges on the offensive line and a struggling running game post-Nick Chubb‘s injury, have stifled the Browns’ offensive efforts.

Amari Cooper‘s struggles to connect with Watson have left the team in a stagnant offensive state, bringing into question Watson’s ability to lead the Browns effectively. Jameis Winston has since stepped in as the starting quarterback after Watson’s season-ending Achilles injury, offering a sense of hope with his recent performances, including a stunning upset over the Baltimore Ravens.

As the Browns prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football, pressure mounts for both teams. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin highlighted the challenge in evaluating the Browns’ offense, given Winston’s short stint and the new play-calling roles taken on by offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey.

Tomlin reflected on the adjustments saying, “I’m really just trying to get a sense of what Ken Dorsey as the primary play caller means. How is it different?” His team must quickly familiarize themselves with the Winston-Dorsey tandem’s dynamic before the critical divisional matchup.

Nick Chubb, despite his recent injuries, remains a focal point for the Steelers’ defensive strategy. Garnering respect from Tomlin, Chubb has historically performed well against Pittsburgh, providing the Browns with the much-needed offensive threat.

On the receiving end, the Browns’ new addition, Jerry Jeudy, promises to be a novel challenge for the Steelers. With impressive recent performances, including an 89-yard reception, Jeudy leads a robust receiving corps that also features emerging talents such as Elijah Moore and Cedric Tillman.

Defensively, Myles Garrett continues to be a significant concern for opponents, described by Tomlin as a «game wrecker.» Alongside him, defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson stands out for his dual-threat capabilities as both a run stopper and pass rusher.

Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson, familiar with the Browns’ defense, acknowledged their competitiveness, emphasizing their physicality and effective scheme under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Wilson stated, “They’re physical, they fly around, they do a great job. They’re really well-coached. They’re just such a talented group.”