Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is coming off a string of poor performances to start the 2024 season, but he said Wednesday that running the ball is not his specialty, and he’s helping a struggling team. He said he’s not interested in more designed runs to energize the offense. Watson has been the face of the Browns’ offensive ineptitude to start this year, which has exacerbated the team’s other problems. That includes the continued absence of running back Nick Chubb and a battered offensive line with a series of injuries that have left the team lacking. Passed.
“I’m not going to go there to ask them for more designed runs,” Watson said. “I’m not trying. If I don’t have to run, I’m not going to run. So I’m not trying to take hits. … I’m not a running quarterback. I can make things happen, but , I’m not trying to escape.
“I’m not a running back. That’s not my specialty. They threw me the ball, made the decisions and signed me to be a quarterback, not a runner.”
Through three games, the Browns’ offense is averaging just 3.8 yards per play, the second-worst mark in the league, largely due to anemic passing led by Watson, who is returning from shoulder surgery. It was because of the offense. The 2023 season ended prematurely. Watson was versatile as a scrambler as quarterback for the Houston Texans, but he dropped more passes than any other quarterback in the NFL and was exposed to negative plays with 141 dropbacks. For example, in Week 3, Watson was sacked a total of eight times in a 21-15 loss to the New York Giants.
Watson acknowledged that in theory, forcing opposing defenses to account for his running the ball could help reinvigorate the Browns’ offense, but if he gets injured again on the takeoff or running. If that happens, he pointed out, it would put head coach Kevin Stefanski in a difficult position. .
“As far as the run game, I’m not saying it won’t help the offense. But coming back from injury, I don’t think it’s a high priority for Kevin to put me in that situation.” said Watson. “Because if (I) run as planned and something happens, it’s like I’m mad at Kevin. So I think it’s a lose-lose situation.”