NFL Week 5 Reactions: Are the Browns Really Sticking with Deshaun Watson?
Props to Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski for taking the heat and defending his quarterback, despite not needing to shoulder the blame.
Deshaun Watson had another lackluster outing on Sunday against the Commanders, and anyone who has observed the Browns’ $230 million quarterback can see that it’s time for a change.
“We’re not changing quarterbacks,” Stefanski stated after the Browns suffered a heavy defeat to the Commanders. “We need to improve our play, and I need to coach better, and that’s simply what it is.”
Stefanski’s remarks kick off YSL News Sports’ NFL reactions for Week 5, because seriously?
The Browns have yet to score more than 18 points in any game this season. They hold the league’s lowest average of 3.9 yards per play and a mere 239.4 yards per game. Watson currently sits at 32nd in the NFL with a dismal 23.9 QBR, along with a passing success rate of 31.7.
The most striking statistic: Watson’s -0.30 EPA (expected points added) per dropback is the lowest for any Browns quarterback during Weeks 1-5 since at least 2000, even trailing his -0.20 EPA from last season. In simple terms, don’t count on scoring with Watson at the helm.
Perhaps Stefanski’s comments were warranted in the postgame presser, but it is hoped he reassesses the situation by Wednesday and appoints Jameis Winston as the starter for Week 6.
“Right now, Deshaun Watson’s contract and the deal made with the Houston Texans have completely tied the organization’s hands. If this were any other quarterback in the league, we would be discussing benching him,” noted NBC’s NFL analyst Chris Simms before Sunday Night Football.
Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett also provided a thoughtful recommendation:
“I think it’s time to give Jameis Winston an opportunity. A fresh perspective might ignite some energy within the team. This doesn’t have to be a permanent decision. You can always adjust it down the line,” said Garrett. “In a week, you might consider bringing Watson back into the mix. But they can’t continue down this path; their chances of winning are slim.”
Echoing Garrett’s sentiments, Stefanski risks alienating the locker room. It’s bad enough that the Browns are struggling while also being bound to Watson’s hefty contract, which has solidified its reputation as one of the worst in NFL history—especially after giving up three first-round picks and a total of six to acquire him.
Mike McCarthy’s Comeback!
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy appeared to be on the chopping block after Dallas suffered two consecutive losses at home, leaving them with a 1-2 record post-Week 3.
The Cowboys managed to scrape out wins in Week 4 (20-15 over the New York Giants) and Week 5 (20-17 against the Pittsburgh Steelers), gritty results that can bolster their chances for a playoff bid this season.
McCarthy’s play-calling in the game against Pittsburgh—with quarterback Dak Prescott connecting with running back Rico Dowdle and receiver Jalen Tolbert for fourth-quarter touchdowns—worked out well for him.
Now at 3-2, McCarthy has eased some of the pressure on his job security for the moment.
However, it’s too early for McCarthy to feel safe: Dallas is set to face the Detroit Lions in Week 6 and the San Francisco 49ers in Week 8, matchups that could significantly impact how far the Cowboys advance this season.
Cincinnati’s Crucial Moment
The Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams, who battled in the Super Bowl three seasons ago, currently sit at 1-4 following Week 5. At least the Rams have an understandable excuse with their star receivers, Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, sidelined due to injury.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has both his star receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, available for three straight games, yet the Bengals find themselves in a dire situation where playoff hopes seem distant after a tough 41-38 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
According to ESPN, only 5.6% of teams with a 1-4 record in the Super Bowl era (since 1966) have managed to make the playoffs. While it’s not impossible, the Bengals must strike a balance between high-powered offense and solid defense (having permitted over 38 points in two of their last three games).
To put it bluntly: it’s a pivotal moment for Cincinnati. Bengals coach Zac Taylor’s job security is in jeopardy, and depending on how the remainder of the season unfolds, either Chase or Higgins might become intriguing trade assets if Cincinnati seeks to plan for the future.
