The Cleveland Browns are experiencing a sluggish start to their new offense, particularly through the first three games of the season. Despite this slow performance, quarterback Deshaun Watson does not believe that increasing his number of designed runs is the solution to enhance the team’s offensive output.
When questioned about his willingness to take on more rushing plays, Watson firmly stated that he considers himself “not a running back,” emphasizing his role as a passer rather than a runner.
Watson expressed his intention to avoid taking unnecessary hits, highlighting that his primary focus is to make decisions and throw the ball effectively. He reiterated that the Browns’ coaching staff did not sign him with the expectation of making him a running quarterback. This perspective reflects his awareness of the risks involved in running plays and the need to preserve his health and performance on the field.
Statistically, the Browns are struggling in the rushing department, currently ranking 24th in the NFL with an average of 95.7 rushing yards per game. Their overall offensive production has also been lackluster, as they average only 3.8 yards per play, marking the second-worst performance in the league. This performance is particularly concerning given that it is one of the franchise’s poorest starts since their return to Cleveland in 1999.
Furthermore, Watson’s individual performance has also been underwhelming, as he currently holds the second-lowest Quarterback Rating (QBR) among qualified passers in the NFL. This statistic underscores the challenges the team is facing, as Watson’s prior tenure with the Houston Texans showcased his ability to rush effectively, accumulating 1,677 rushing yards from 2017 to 2021, mostly from non-designed plays.
While Watson acknowledged that increasing the run game could potentially benefit the offense, he stressed that, following his recent shoulder surgery, it may not be a priority for head coach Kevin Stefanski to implement more designed runs. He also highlighted the potential consequences of an injury during such plays, framing it as a “lose-lose situation” for both him and the coaching staff, as it would invite scrutiny if he were to get hurt in a play that was not part of his primary responsibilities.
