Deshaun Watson is embarking on his inaugural full season as the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback.
Watson’s journey to this point has been marked by a tumultuous past. In 2022, he stepped in as the starting QB for the last six games of the season, following an 11-game suspension due to violations of the NFL’s personal conduct policy. These violations stemmed from allegations of sexual misconduct made by more than two dozen women. Prior to that, in 2021, he had sat out the entire season while pushing for a trade from the Houston Texans.
Now, poised to play a complete campaign for the first time since 2020, Watson is adamant that he has evolved and improved as a player. He believes he has ascended to a higher level than when he led the NFL in passing three years ago.
“I’m not the same guy,” Watson asserted, as reported by ESPN’s Jake Trotter. “I feel like I’ve improved. I’ve evolved to a new level. And I’m ready to be able to show that.”
Regarding his progression as a player heading into his second season with the team, Watson emphasized, “I feel like I’ve improved. I’ve evolved to a new level. And I’m ready to be able to show that.”
In 2020, Watson showcased his skills by passing for 4,823 yards and recording 30 touchdowns, concluding the season with a QBR of 70.5. However, his most recent season yielded a lower QBR of 38.3, ranking him among the starting QBs with lower ratings, including Russell Wilson, Mac Jones, Davis Mills, Carson Wentz, and Baker Mayfield.
Reflecting on the previous season, Watson explained, “Last year was a tricky time where I was learning everything.”
Watson has set his sights on surpassing his previous achievements in Houston. He stated, “I don’t want to return as the guy at Houston; I want to be better than that guy. I had a lot of fun, a lot of success in Houston. But I want to have that success and start something new in Cleveland.”
The Browns will kick off their season with a game against the Cincinnati Bengals
