CLEVELAND — For the second week in a row, the Cleveland Browns rallied in the fourth quarter and pulled out a thrilling, unexpected victory.
They showed courage, resilience and determination.
Deshaun Watson just watched.
After missing two games with a right shoulder injury, Watson started Sunday in Indianapolis but had just 12 plays, five pass attempts, one interception — and almost a second — before the Cleveland quarterback either aggravated his torn rotator cuff or be shut out due to coach Kevin Stefanski feeling that backup P.J. Walker gave the Browns a better chance to win.
Nothing is clear.
Watson’s injury, which occurred when he took a hit to the back of his shoulder during a play against Tennessee on Sept. 24, has become a daily distraction for the Browns, who have dealt with more than their share of drama in recent seasons.
This time is different. The Browns (4-2) get the win, overcoming mistakes to beat the Colts 39-38.
But is it sustainable?
On Monday, Stefanski declined to release any real information about Watson, who is expected to undergo additional medical tests over the next two days on his shoulder. Before he exited after being pushed by a Colts defender in the first quarter, Watson looked like damaged goods.
His throws were short and off target, and even though Watson was cleared by a concussion after hitting his head on the turf, Stefanski opted to play Walker, a former XFL QB who started against San Francisco a week ago and came off the bench to help and made enough plays to help Cleveland win.
Stefanski insisted his decision to sit Watson out was to “protect our franchise quarterback.”
While that’s admirable for Stefanski, Watson has only been a title franchise quarterback.
The Browns essentially wasted 2022 with him, as the 28-year-old had to serve an 11-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy after being accused of sexually harassing and assaulting two dozen women.
Watson has played in just nine of a possible 23 games.
Watson has vowed to be better this season, but aside from a solid performance against the Titans, he hasn’t looked elite or like a former pro, leading to questions about whether the Browns made a catastrophic mistake in trading three first-round draft picks to Houston and signing him to a $230 million contract.
The conversation now turned to when he would play again; the possibility of the Browns placing him on injured reserve so he can fully heal; or if the team needs to trade for another veteran quarterback.
Cleveland thought its decades-long QB search was over when Watson arrived.
The Browns are still waiting for him.
WHAT WORKS
At least Cleveland’s flawed kicking game was fixed. Dustin Hopkins gets all the credit.
Hopkins made four more field goals Sunday, becoming the first kicker in league history to complete an attempt of at least 50 yards in five straight games. He is 7 of 7 on kicks from outside midfield.
The Browns had no idea Hopkins was this good when they acquired him just before the season in a trade.
“We don’t want to kick too often from over 50 yards,” Stefanski said. “But the guy just keeps showing up for his football team.”
WHAT HELP IS NEEDED
Cleveland’s top-ranked defense has taken some hits — in record and reputation.
The Browns gave up a season-high 456 yards — more than double their average — and were plagued by communication breakdowns and poor tackling that allowed the Colts to make many explosive plays.
Still, the Browns generated four turnovers, doubling their 2023 total, resulting in 17 points.
I STOCK
Myles Garrett is currently alone in class.
Cleveland’s All-Pro defensive end was a one-man crew. He had nine tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, a pass breakup and made perhaps the best play in the league this season — leaping over the Indianapolis line in one motion to block a field goal.
“He played as well as you can play in a football game,” Stefanski said. “I don’t know if there’s a higher level, but he plays on it.”
REDUCED STOCK
Watson was already a polarizing figure before he got hurt. Now his toughness is in question, and there are some Cleveland fans who would be happy if the team cut ties with him.
It’s not going to happen, but every week Watson doesn’t play or isn’t up to par, the negativity grows.
INJURIES
In addition to Watson, Stefanski indicated that the team is awaiting additional medical test results on several players. … RB Jerome Ford injured his ankle in the second half after picking up 74 yards — 69 on a TD run on the game’s third play. … DE Alex Wright suffered a concussion, but Stefanski said he’s “developing the right way.”
KEY NUMBER
8-0 — Stefanski’s record against AFC South.
WHAT NEXT
Cleveland has a second straight road trip this week in Seattle against the Seahawks (4-2).
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