With Deshaun Watson Out Due to Shoulder Injury, Are Browns’ Playoffs Chances Done & Dusted?

Deshaun Watson broke many hearts in the Dawg Pound when news broke that he’s sidelined for the season with a serious shoulder setback. Last month, the Cleveland Browns QB Maestro was duking it out with a rotator cuff strain, messing with the mojo of his money-making arm. Now, thanks to a shoulder fracture during his MVP-worthy performance, Watson’s left the Browns QB-less, facing a fourth-and-long without the franchise signal-caller.

Ever since the eyebrow-raising trade in 2022, Watson had been slinging victories like a seasoned vet, steering the Browns to six wins this season alone. But now, the dog pound is missing its alpha as Watson watches from the sidelines. It’s like a star player got flagged for an unexpected injury timeout. With Watson benched, it’s more than just a loss on the scoreboard—it’s a potential blow to the whole Dawg Pound performance.

Browns’ QB chess: Deshaun Watson benched, but the 2024 season kickoff signals hope

Deshaun Watson is taking a page from the Aaron Rodgers playbook and diving into the shoulder surgery saga. A-Rod’s trusted NFL whisperer, Dr. Neal Attrache, is on the case, aiming to fix up Watson’s throwing arm and keep it in prime-time shape. Why? To dodge any more structural drama, of course. The result? Watson is being benched and slapped with a season-ending injured reserve label, but the good news is he’s eyeing a comeback for the 2024 season kickoff.

Where do the Browns stand with our QB Maestro out of the game? Let’s break down the numbers like we’re dissecting a killer defensive play. When Watson was calling the shots, they were racking up touchdowns like it was Thanksgiving dinner—20 in total. Before Watson took the reins? A whopping 42 touchdowns.

Read More: Browns’ Deshaun Watson to Undergo Season-Ending Surgery for Shoulder Injury Under Aaron Rodgers’ Doctor’s Advice

And the passing game? Watson’s got the Browns cruising at a cool 1668, but before his magic touch, they were soaring at 3320. He turned their passing game into a highlight reel, and now, with him on the sidelines, it’s like they lost the remote control.

Sure, Watson was set to be the season’s star, boosting the stats like a fantasy football dream. But alas, the Browns’ golden boy is on injured reserve for the rest of the season. With playoffs on the horizon, where do the Browns stand? It’s time for the Dawg Pound to rally and show the world they are more than just stats—they are a team on a mission.

Cleveland’s Watson woes: From accusations to shoulder rolls, what’s next for the Browns?

The Browns went all-in, throwing three first-round draft picks in the trade hat for Deshaun Watson last year. We were hoping for a three-time Pro Bowler to light up the Dawg Pound, but the NFL had other plans—11-game suspension plans, to be exact. Accusations flew like Hail Marys, and Watson found himself benched more than he bargained for, making only a dozen starts out of a possible 26 since landing in Cleveland.

Fast forward to Sunday, and Watson’s out there, twisting his left ankle not once but twice. Most guys would be on the sidelines with an ice pack and a prayer, but not Watson. He’s out here completing passes like he’s on a mission, leading the Browns to a victory that feels like a playoff-worthy touchdown. So, where does destiny deal the Dawg Pound? It’s a wild card, a plot twist in the football saga. Watson’s second-half perfection might be the start of something big. Or it could be a fleeting moment in a rollercoaster season. Only time will spill the playbook on the Browns’ fate. Buckle up—it’s gonna be one glorious ride.

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