The Cleveland Browns’ 2024 season has taken a severe downturn following the unfortunate injury of quarterback Deshaun Watson, who will miss the remainder of the season due to a torn Achilles. This development comes amidst growing discontent among fans, many of whom had been advocating for Watson to be benched due to his subpar performances.
As the team prepares for their upcoming Week 9 game against the Baltimore Ravens, a pivotal question looms: who will take the reins at quarterback? The Browns recently signed Bailey Zappe, adding to the uncertainty surrounding their quarterback situation.
Gregg Williams, the former head coach, recently shared his thoughts on this matter during an appearance on the “Come Get Some” podcast. He suggested that Jameis Winston should be the starting quarterback, pointing out how Winston’s teammates rallied around him during his brief appearance in Week 7 after Watson’s injury. This support from the team could prove vital as they navigate a challenging phase in the season.
Winston, who has primarily played as a backup in recent years, has an impressive history that may be overlooked. He was the first overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, following a successful college career where he led Florida State University to a BCS National Championship. He also had a standout rookie season, finishing second in the Rookie of the Year voting, and he topped the league in passing yards in 2019 with an impressive total of 5,109 yards.
However, Winston’s career has been marked by inconsistency. In the same 2019 season where he excelled in yardage, he also led the NFL with 30 interceptions, leading to a decline in his career trajectory. This inconsistency makes it challenging to predict how he would perform as a starter for the Browns.
In light of Watson’s injury and the recent trade of five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills, the Browns may be at a crossroads. The organization could consider this an opportunity to rebuild and reshape their roster for future seasons. Watson’s future with the Browns is also uncertain, as his tenure with the team has been tumultuous since he joined.
As fans await further developments, the focus will remain on how the Browns adapt to this latest setback and what decisions they will make regarding their quarterback situation and overall team strategy moving forward.
