The Cleveland Browns’ decision to bench quarterback Deshaun Watson during the 2024 preseason has ignited a lively discussion among fans and analysts alike. With the Browns going 0-3 in their preseason games, the absence of their $230 million QB left many questioning the team’s readiness for the upcoming season. However, as frustrating as it may seem, resting Watson could be the key to unlocking a successful campaign. Let’s explore why this decision isn’t as alarming as some might think and why preseason performance is not a reliable predictor of regular-season success.
Preseason Means Little for the Browns’ Regular Season
Fans like Adam Fletcher quickly point out the irrelevance of preseason records when it comes to regular-season outcomes. After all, the 2017 Browns went 4-0 in the preseason, only to go winless (0-16) in the regular season. This sentiment is echoed throughout the fan base. One comment even joked, “2024 Browns went 0-3 in preseason. 17-0 regular season confirmed.”
The general consensus among fans seems clear: preseason results are, in the grand scheme of things, unimportant. Preseason games are primarily used to evaluate rookies and players fighting for roster spots. They are not an indicator of how the starting lineup will perform when the stakes are high.
Why the Browns Rested Deshaun Watson
So why didn’t Deshaun Watson play? According to Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, it was a calculated decision: “Just didn’t feel like it would be best to put him out there in this setting. Very confident in the amount of work that he’s gotten to date throughout the spring and summer, and he’ll be ready to roll Week 1.”
Many fans expressed concerns over Watson not getting enough “real reps” before the season. Some believe it could hinder his readiness for Week 1, given that he has only played 12 games in the past three years. As Todd Dunlap pointed out, “If he’s truly that fragile that the coaching staff has to worry about tossing him into a preseason game for a series or two, they really need to think about their long-term strategy.”
However, others believe that preseason is just too risky for key players. Injuries are always a concern, and sitting Deshaun Watson out could be a way to preserve him for the more meaningful games ahead. “So risk your franchise during a preseason game?” asked Shawn Gordon. “For what reason? It only makes sense to keep him out until regular season.”
Preseason Rest: A Growing Trend in the NFL
The decision to bench Deshaun Watson follows a growing trend in the NFL where many teams opt to sit their starters during preseason games. Big-name players, including Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, saw minimal action during the preseason, much to the frustration of some fans. One commenter compared the two situations, noting that even the defending Super Bowl champs let their starters play a few snaps.
But as Gordon aptly points out, “Tons of starters from every team didn’t play one snap during preseason games. This is how preseason is.” The NFL is changing, and the increasing caution exercised during these games reflects that shift.
Does Preseason Really Matter?
Many fans are asking the same question: “Does preseason even matter?” The answer appears to be a resounding “No.” Even Stefanski seems unconcerned with the preseason losses, echoing the sentiments of fans like Bill Woodcock, who said, “Preseason means nothing except for the guys that don’t have a set roster spot.” Ultimately, it’s the regular season that counts, and the Browns are focused on ensuring Watson is healthy and prepared when the games actually matter.
Criticism of Watson Contract Continues
Another recurring theme in fan discussions is Watson’s massive contract and whether he will live up to it. One comment sarcastically remarked, “$230 million, and he’s not doing anything,” while others wondered whether Watson will even last the season without injury. Some fans even expressed skepticism about his long-term future with the Browns, with predictions that Watson will be gone before the season ends.
Despite the criticisms, it’s important to remember that Deshaun Watson still has the potential to be a franchise-altering player for Cleveland. Although he’s faced considerable challenges in recent years, including legal issues and a lack of playing time, his talent on the field is undeniable. The Browns are banking on him being the key to their success, even if it means waiting until the regular season to see him in action.
The Real Test Begins Week 1
The real challenge for Deshaun Watson and the Browns will begin in Week 1. The fans’ concern over his lack of preseason action will fade quickly if Watson comes out firing on all cylinders when the games start to count. The preseason debates will be a distant memory as soon as Watson starts making plays and leading the Browns’ offense.
As the regular season approaches, Browns fans need to remind themselves of one simple truth: preseason performance means little, and saving Watson for the games that matter could be the best move the team makes all year. The Browns’ success will ultimately be judged by their performance in the regular season, not their preseason record.
In conclusion, while the frustration over Deshaun Watson preseason absence is understandable, it’s important to view the bigger picture. Preseason is not an indicator of regular-season success, and the decision to rest Watson may well prove to be a smart, long-term strategy for a team with playoff ambitions. So, as we gear up for Week 1, Browns fans should trust in the process, keep their expectations high, and get ready for the real test to begin.