Any football fan who’s watched the Cleveland Browns anemic offense knows they have a quarterback problem, but Dan Orlovsky took that scenario a big step further Monday on ESPN’s Get Up.
Deshaun Watson is playing exceptionally poorly, and fans are calling for a change. But head coach Kevin Stefanski said after Sunday’s 34-13 loss to the Washington Commanders that he’s sticking with Watson.
Orlovsky said he doesn’t believe that is Stefanski’s decision.
“The Cleveland Browns are in the worst situation in pro sports,” Orlovsky said. “They’re done, and so is Deshaun Watson. If you want to see a situation where the head coach has absolutely no say over who’s playing on the field, it’s happening in Cleveland.”
“Kevin Stefanski is a two-time coach of the year, he’s a brilliant offensive mind, and this offense looks nothing like the offense that he won two-time coach of the year with. They’re in an awful situation, and by every measure, if you just watch the game and then you look at the stats. their offensive performance, and specifically Deshaun Watson’s offensive performance, is the worst in the NFL. They’re done.”
Dan Orlovsky: “The Cleveland Browns are in the worst situation in pro spots. They’re done and so is Deshaun Watson. If you want to see a situation where the head coach has absolutely no say over who’s playing on the field, it’s happening in Cleveland.” pic.twitter.com/d2usCpqLYT
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 7, 2024
Orlovsky noted he called after Week 1 for the Browns to bench Watson in favor of backup QB Jameis Winston. He’s certainly not alone in the NFL media in that sentiment. On NBC’s Football Night in America Sunday, analyst Jason Garrett implored the Browns: “Give Jameis Winston a shot!”
Problem: Watson is less than halfway through a five-year, $230 million contract that is fully guaranteed.
That’s why Orlovsky is not blaming Stefanski for not making a change.
“I don’t think this is a head coach decision, and I don’t think this is a general manager decision; I truly believe this is from the owner,” Orlovsky said, referencing Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam. “There’s no way you would watch this football tape over the last five weeks and say, ‘That’s our best opportunity.’
“This is why it’s the worst situation in pro sports — $150 million. $150 million. They might have $150 million guaranteed to a quarterback and be justified taking a first-round draft pick at quarterback next year.”
[Get Up]
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.