Stephen A. Smith unleashed a fiery critique of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, comparing his performance to infamous NFL bust JaMarcus Russell. Smith’s comments ignited debate about Watson’s future in Cleveland.
Smith, known for his outspoken commentary, didn’t hold back on ESPN’s First Take after the Browns’ Week 5 loss to the Washington Commanders. He argued that Watson’s play was so poor it warranted arrest, a hyperbole intended to underscore the quarterback’s struggles.
Dismal Statistics Fuel the Fire
Smith cited Watson’s abysmal QBR (Quarterback Rating) as evidence of his decline. Against the Commanders, Watson recorded an 8.5 QBR, barely surpassing his season-low of 8.3 against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. Smith highlighted the severity of these numbers by comparing them unfavorably to those of historically poor quarterbacks like Zach Wilson and JaMarcus Russell.
Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass against the Washington Commanders during the second quarter at FedExField on October 06, 20…Alt: Deshaun Watson throws a pass during the Browns’ game against the Commanders.
Beyond the Numbers: A Defeated Demeanor
Smith’s criticism extended beyond statistics. He observed a defeated demeanor in Watson, suggesting the quarterback appeared demoralized and lacking passion. Smith went so far as to claim that Watson’s teammates no longer believed in him, painting a bleak picture of the Browns’ locker room dynamics.
Stefanski Stands by His Quarterback
Despite the mounting criticism and calls for change, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski affirmed his commitment to Watson as the starting quarterback. This decision has been met with disapproval from many Browns fans, who are frustrated with the team’s 1-4 start and Watson’s underwhelming performance. However, Stefanski’s loyalty might be tied to Watson’s massive guaranteed contract, a financial commitment that makes benching him a complex proposition.
Stephen A. Smith speaks onstage during Day 3 of the 2024 Invest Fest at Georgia World Congress Center on August 25, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.Alt: Stephen A. Smith speaks at the 2024 Invest Fest in Atlanta.
The Weight of a $230 Million Contract
Watson’s $230 million guaranteed contract, a record-breaking deal at the time of signing, now looms large over the Browns organization. This substantial financial investment further complicates the situation, making it difficult for the team to move on from Watson despite his struggles. The Browns are stuck between a rock and a hard place, grappling with the on-field performance issues and the significant financial ramifications of a potential change at quarterback.
The Future of Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns
The Deshaun Watson saga continues to unfold in Cleveland. While Stefanski has publicly backed his quarterback, the mounting pressure from fans and media, fueled by Smith’s scathing remarks, raises questions about Watson’s long-term viability as the Browns’ franchise quarterback. The team’s performance in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining Watson’s fate and the direction of the Browns’ season. Will Watson prove his critics wrong, or will his struggles continue to plague the Browns? Only time will tell.
