During the season’s first two games, the Cleveland Browns struggled on offense. One analyst thinks a possible solution could see them looking into the recent past for an answer.
Granted, the first 120 minutes of the season do not tell the entire story of the year. Yet, what starts as anomalies can quickly devolve into losing patterns. Under those circumstances, franchises must look at all avenues and pursue a course of action that puts them in the win column.
The Cleveland Browns Should Start QB Deshaun Watson If They Bench Joe Flacco, Asserts NFL Analyst
After eight quarters of football, only five teams average fewer than the Browns’ 16.5 points per game. Moreover, starting quarterback Joe Flacco’s 5.4 yards per attempt suggests an offense that cannot sustain meaningful drives.
Staring down the barrel of a 0-3 start with the undefeated Green Bay Packers coming to town, Jeff Phelps, co-host of “The Basking & Phelps Show” on 92.3 The Fan (Cleveland), makes a case for Watson’s return.
“I’ve just been looking at the three quarterbacks who are here and knowing they have two first-rounders for next year, it’s really clear what’s going to happen. They keep losing games. It doesn’t do you any good to play Joe (Flacco). It might not do you any good to play Dillon or Shedeur. I’m looking at next year, and you have two first-round picks, and that’s why I would play Deshaun.”
“What does Kevin (Stefanski) have to lose by playing (Dillon) Gabriel now? If you threw (Shedeur) Sanders out there, I wouldn’t have a problem with it.”
🏈 @CLETalkingHeads on the waiting process for the #Browns to turn to the rookie QBs
🔊 Listen: https://t.co/jxF8UqGZuE pic.twitter.com/6T18Gu0qd3
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) September 17, 2025
Cleveland plays the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Pittsburgh Steelers in the next four games. The chances remain relatively high that they will struggle through that stretch.
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Watson has not played in a game since October 20, a 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He tore his Achilles tendon during the game and again in the offseason. While the second occurrence could sideline him for the season, no official word regarding his status exists. Currently, the Browns list him on the Physically Unable to Perform List. At the same time, he’s taken to social media to detail his progress.
Cleveland traded three first-round picks to acquire Watson from the Houston Texans. Moreover, as part of the deal, the front office signed him to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract. Since then, Watson has started only 19 games, completing 61.2% of his passes for 3,365 yards with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Season-ending injuries curtailed two different years for the 30-year-old.
If the team really wanted to draft a quarterback in the first round next season, Watson playing wouldn’t necessarily derail those plans, even if he manages to win games.
Those two picks can be bundled to move up in the draft, regardless of where in the first round they will land. Plus, according to Spotrac, the team can responsibly move on after the 2026 season.
