The Cleveland Browns are reportedly close to sharing their plans for a new domed stadium.
However, it might be more sensible to focus on building a better offense or at least improving the quarterback situation.
Once again on Sunday, quarterback Deshaun Watson and the offense struggled to work together while making costly mistakes in their attempt to find an identity and score touchdowns.
The Browns have not scored 20 points in any game or gained 300 yards—making them the only NFL team without either of those achievements.
In their fourth consecutive loss, they managed only three field goals and a touchdown from special teams, falling 20-16 to the Philadelphia Eagles, who faced some booing from their fans as they found it hard to defeat the Browns (1-5).
The Browns did score a touchdown when Rodney McLeod returned a fumble for a score after Myles Garrett blocked a field goal attempt by leaping over two Eagles players.
McLeod, a safety, is tied for the team lead with two touchdowns. That’s not a good sign.
Watson hasn’t thrown for 200 yards in any game this season, and the only thing suggesting he’s a franchise quarterback is his hefty $230 million contract, which looks like a bigger mistake for Cleveland every day.
After the game, coach Kevin Stefanski quickly dismissed any talk about benching Watson this week.
Stefanski reinforced his belief during a Zoom call on Monday, stating that he still thinks Watson is the best choice.
“I think Deshaun gives us the best chance to win, continues to give us the best chance to win,” he said. “We need to play really good offensive football at his position and really at every position to be successful on Sunday.”
While Stefanski’s loyalty is commendable, it has hurt his credibility by sticking with Watson.
Statistically, Watson ranks at or near the bottom in the league. He is also not seeing the field well during plays unless he’s running or getting sacked.
To be fair, he completed 11 of 12 passes for 122 yards in the second half against Philadelphia but couldn’t make a game-changing play or score.
Stefanski’s refusal to bench Watson for backup Jameis Winston has led to speculation that owner Jimmy Haslam is pressuring him to stick with Watson. The two-time AP Coach of the Year insists he is in charge.
“We have a good dialogue with myself, (GM) Andrew (Berry), ownership, about all things that have to do with this team,” he said. “They’ve been nothing but supportive, and any decision when it comes to football is my decision.”
Last year, injuries forced Stefanski to start five different quarterbacks, and he managed to make the playoffs without Watson.
It might be time to try that approach again before it’s too late.
