When the Cleveland Browns take the field for their Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, they’ll once again do so with Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski reiterated that the three-time Pro Bowl selection will remain his team’s starting quarterback moving forward.
“I think Deshaun gives us the best chance to win, continues to give us the best chance to win,” Stefanski answered when asked why Cleveland won’t consider turning to backup quarterback Jameis Winston, according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones.
Calls for the Browns to bench Watson have only grown both locally and nationally over the course of the past few weeks. Through the first six weeks of the season, the former Clemson star has been one of the worst — if not the worst — starting quarterbacks in the NFL, completing 61.3 percent of his passes for for 1,020 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions.
Watson’s lackluster play is the predominant reason why Cleveland finds itself with the NFL’s worst record at 1-5. The Browns offense ranks 32nd in the NFL in several statistical categories and has yet to reach 20 points in a single game this season.
Nevertheless, Cleveland is sticking with Watson, who is currently in the third year of a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract. That, however, won’t stop Browns fans and media members from wondering why Cleveland isn’t willing to consider alternatives during what increasingly appears to be a lost season for the franchise.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.