CLEVELAND: For the second week in a row, the Cleveland Browns rallied in the fourth quarter and pulled out a thrilling, surprising victory.
They confirmed grit, resilience and resolve.
Deshaun Watson simply watched.
After lacking two video games with a proper shoulder damage, Watson began Sunday at Indianapolis however lasted solely 12 performs, 5 go makes an attempt, one interception — and practically a second — earlier than Cleveland’s quarterback both aggravated his strained rotator cuff or was saved out as a result of coach Kevin Stefanski felt backup P.J. Walker gave the Browns a higher probability to win.
Nothing is clear.
Watson’s damage, which occurred when he received hit in the again of his shoulder on a operating play in opposition to Tennessee on Sept. 24, has turn out to be a each day distraction for the Browns, who’ve handled greater than their share of drama in latest seasons.
It’s completely different this time. The Browns (4-2) are successful, overcoming errors to beat the Colts 39-38.
But is it sustainable?
On Monday, Stefanski declined to offer any actual replace on Watson, who’s anticipated to endure additional medical exams the subsequent two days on his shoulder. Before he went out after being shoved down by a Colts defender in the first quarter, Watson appeared like broken items.
His throws had been brief and off track, and though Watson was cleared of a concussion after banging his head off the turf, Stefanski opted to play Walker, a former XFL QB who began in opposition to San Francisco a week go and got here to the rescue off the bench and made sufficient performs to assist Cleveland win.
Stefanski insisted his determination to maintain Watson on the sideline was to “protect our franchise quarterback.”
While that’s admirable of Stefanski, Watson has been a franchise quarterback in title solely.
The Browns primarily wasted 2022 with him as a result of the 28-year-old needed to serve an 11-game suspension for violating the NFL’s private conduct coverage after being accused of sexual harassment and assault by two dozen ladies.
Watson has solely performed in 9 of 23 potential video games.
Watson vowed to be higher this season, however apart from a strong efficiency in opposition to the Titans, he hasn’t appeared elite or like a former Pro Bowler, resulting in questions on whether or not the Browns made a catastrophic mistake in buying and selling three first-round draft picks to Houston and signing him to a $230 million contract.
Now, the dialog has switched to when he’ll play again; the chance the Browns will put him on injured reserve so he can heal fully; or if the team ought to commerce for an additional veteran quarterback.
Cleveland thought its decades-long seek for a QB was over when Watson arrived.
The Browns are nonetheless ready for him.
WHAT’S WORKING
At least Cleveland’s errant kicking recreation has straightened out. Dustin Hopkins will get all the credit score.
Hopkins made 4 extra discipline targets Sunday, changing into the first kicker in league historical past to transform an try of a minimum of 50 yards in 5 consecutive video games. He’s 7 of seven on kicks past midfield.
The Browns couldn’t have imagined Hopkins being this good once they acquired him simply earlier than the season in a commerce.
“We don’t want to be kicking too often from 50-plus yards,” Stefanski stated. “But the guy just continues to come through for his football team.”
WHAT NEEDS HELP
Cleveland’s top-ranked protection took some lumps — in document and popularity.
The Browns gave up a season-high 456 yards — greater than double their common — and had been stricken by communication breakdowns and dangerous tackles that allowed the Colts to make quite a few explosive performs.
Still, the Browns did generate 4 turnovers, doubling their complete in 2023, resulting in 17 factors.
STOCK UP
At the second, Myles Garrett is in a class by himself.
Cleveland’s All-Pro defensive finish was a one-man wrecking crew. He had 9 tackles, two sacks, compelled two fumbles, knocked down a go and made maybe the league’s greatest play this season — leaping over the Indianapolis line in a single movement to dam a discipline purpose.
“He played as good as you can play in a football game,” Stefanski stated. “I don’t know if there’s a higher level, but he’s playing at it.”
STOCK DOWN
Watson was already a polarizing determine earlier than he received harm. Now, his toughness is being questioned and there is a section of Cleveland followers who can be pleased if the team lower ties with him.
That received’t occur, however each week Watson doesn’t play or carry out as much as requirements, the negativity grows.
INJURIES
In addition to Watson, Stefanski indicated the team is awaiting additional medical check outcomes on a number of gamers. … RB Jerome Ford injured his ankle in the second half after choosing up 74 yards — 69 on a TD run on the recreation’s third play. … DE Alex Wright suffered a concussion, however Stefanski stated he’s “trending the right way.”
KEY NUMBER
8-0 — Stefanski’s document in opposition to the AFC South.
WHAT’S NEXT
Cleveland has a second straight highway recreation, this week at Seattle in opposition to the Seahawks (4-2).
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
(This story has not been edited by News18 workers and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed – Associated Press)
