3 ways Deshaun Watson instantly improves the Cleveland Browns
By John Suchan
![Deshaun Watson, Browns. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Fhttps-3A-2F-2Fdawgpounddaily-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2017-2F07-2F18866967-850x560-f11431afd3f6d0b85074cefe700ed7410ef252bd99b8b20618b02a206c6b8381.jpg "Deshaun Watson, Browns. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]")
Deshaun Watson returns on Sunday and makes the Browns better right away. Here are three ways that the quarterback makes that happen
The day has arrived as Deshaun Watson returns to the Cleveland Browns as their starting quarterback in the upcoming Week 13 battle against his former team the Houston Texans. He’s been on suspension for the past 11 games and hasn’t played in a regular season game since 2020 when he was still playing for the Texans.
So, there will likely be some rust to shake off for him as he prepares for the game and then plays Sunday. It will likely take him a bit of time to get back to normal in terms of the game speed. His teammates have been playing for 11 weeks as well, so there will be adjustments with that too.
Despite, these issues that are expected for anyone getting back to the playing field after a long time away from the game, Watson will still be able to give Cleveland several advantages instantly and potentially give them a chance at making a playoff run.
3 ways Deshaun Watson makes Browns better instantly
No. 3: The passing game
When Jacoby Brissett, who’s been the replacement for Watson over the last 11 games, threw for over 300 yards passing in the game a couple of weeks ago, it was a bit of an eye-opener because Brissett hasn’t thrown for that type of yardage regularly in his career. That, however, is not the case for Watson who’s made throwing for big numbers a routine occurrence.
If you included his three playoff appearances, Watson has thrown for over 300 yards in 20 games over his career. He had a string of four straight games in the 2018 season that he threw for 300 yards or more. He finished his 2020 season by going over that same mark in six of the last seven games.
Watson now will be able to take advantage of having several wide receivers that can create opportunities in the passing game. Both Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones are likely very eager to see how the field opens up more for them by having Watson on the field.
Cooper made a huge catch last week to help set up the Cleveland victory in overtime. He now has 57 catches for 792 yards. He’s already collected six games of going over 100 yards gained and that will likely continue with Watson behind center.