“Glimpses of an Elite Quarterback”: Deshaun ‘The Leader’ Watson Draws High Praise from Browns HC Kevin Stefanski

The Cleveland Browns had the worst record of all teams in the NFL last season. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski will be hoping to change that this season. Fortunately for him, he has a rather talented signal caller in his roster who he hopes will come in clutch for his team this year. The young Deshaun Watson himself will be hoping things will go better for him this time around.

Watson, who returned last year after serving a suspension, showed positive signs in his gameplay as the season progressed. Even then, he was not able to save the Browns from being dead last in the league. However, the team recorded .500 for all games they played after Watson’s return, so this year could end up being better than the last.

Kevin Stefanski has faith in Deshaun Watson performing well this season

Speaking on ‘The Rich Eisen Show’, Kevin Stefanski talked at length about how he thinks Deshaun Watson could come through for the Browns this year. He says he see the glimpses of an elite quarterback in Watson, after looking at his performance through the minicamp. This comes in the wake of Watson taking most of his team to Puerto Rico for “team bonding”.

“As a team, we were not perfect. We were up and down, I think we went 3-3 in the games that Deshaun played. As a player, there were some ups and downs,” Stefanski said. “I think where he is right now, hard to compare to a year ago, but I certainly see a comfort level in what we’re doing offensively. I see a guy that is always going to be leading out in front, that’s kind of who he is. I’m excited about Deshaun, I think he’s really taken the bit in terms of leadership. He’s going to get the guys together over this break and throw.”

Stefanski also talked to reporters after the Browns’ second OTA last Wednesday. He said, “I don’t think it’s fair to compare. I would just tell you he’s done a really nice job throughout this entire offseason of being diligent about understanding the playbook, understanding his teammates every single day. … There are always going to be things that you want to get back and do a little bit differently. That’s no different than every player at every position, but he’s right where he needs to be.”

Watson will not be alone in his quest to redeem the Browns, though. Veteran running back Nick Chubbs, and receiver Amari Cooper will both be trying to use their experience to help Watson pull the team higher on the table. Contrary to last season, it seems this team is in a good position to at least fight for the playoff spots.

Watson shines in minicamp as Browns look to undo mistakes from last season

Perhaps what most people know Deshaun Watson for is the sexual misconduct allegations against him. The NFL suspended him for 11 games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, a move many thought was too lenient. However, Watson is now back, and will likely want the attention to go back to his football skills. That started with his performance in the pre-season practice session.

Along with Amari Copper, Watson is getting rather comfortable with new receiver Elijah Moore as well. With the kind of weapons in his offense, Watson should not have a lot of problems putting the Browns on the map. If anything, Watson and the Browns should be aiming to make it to the playoffs safely. Will they be able to go all the way? Or will this season only be a reflection of last year?