Earlier before the Browns’ training camp opened, we expressed the opinion that now that the team is good, our interest in training camp and pre-season football just isn’t there.
But Cleveland being Cleveland, there is always something to talk about with the NFL team here. And the current subject is should Deshaun Watson play in the final exhibition game Saturday night against Seattle?
The reason for the rebate is all of the injuries the team has suffered on the offensive line, mostly at the two tackle spots.
Going into camp, the starting tackles were projected to be Jedrick Wills on the left side and Jack Conklin on the right side. Both are coming off injuries that required surgery, and because of them, Dawand Jones started nine games in his rookie year, so Cleveland had some built-in depth at the position.
We are sure the Browns thought Wills would be ready by the last pre-season game, while they are hoping Conklin is ready for the season opener. Even if he isn’t, Jones can start at right tackle, and the offense shouldn’t miss a beat.
Back to Watson. As we all know, the quarterback has played just 12 regular season games over the last three seasons, so without a doubt, he needs to play. Frankly, we would have played him in the opener as well, at least for a series or two.
But football guys being football guys, there is the constant fear of injuries, so the question many in the media and fans alike ask is what if Watson gets hurt because the starting tackles aren’t playing.
Our response would be neither Wills or Conklin have taken a snap in the pre-season, and what if they aren’t ready for week one against Dallas? We all know they aren’t holding Watson out of that game.
We will count on Kevin Stefanski and Ken Dorsey to keep Watson out of harm’s way against the Seahawks, because for the greater good, Watson needs to take some live snaps before the Cowboys visit on September 8th.
We will again reiterate the key to this Browns’ season is the play of Deshaun Watson. If he plays close to the way he played in Houston, the team is a Super Bowl contender. That’s why they traded for him, to have that franchise quarterback. And in his third season in Cleveland, it’s time to see that player.
The old saying that “availability is an ability” certainly applies to Watson. Since, he’s been with the Browns, he missed 11 games in his first season due to suspension, and last year, he suffered the shoulder injury which required surgery.
And in his last season with Houston, where he missed the entire season due to legal issues, and Watson hasn’t played much football over the last three seasons.
He needs to play.
We don’t know what Stefanski will do Saturday night, but we would have Watson out there for the first quarter, and maybe into the second before going to Jameis Winston.
Offensive line issues or not, the quarterback needs to be on the field.
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