In the spring of 2022, the Cleveland Browns made the highly controversial move of trading for Houston Texans’ quarterback, Deshaun Watson. After many months of talks about an incoming suspension and the Browns’ plans to play without Watson, the NFL suspended him for the first 11 games of the 2022 season. 

In those games, the Browns turned to veteran quarterback, Jacoby Brissett. In the eyes of many people, Brissett only leading the Browns to a 4-7 record this year, is a disappointment because of his subpar play. However, he was not the main factor in the Browns’ lackluster performances. 

For example, Cleveland’s defense is near the bottom in terms of rushing defense. Too many times this year, the opposition has controlled the game on the ground, keeping the offense off the field. Defensive coordinator, Joe Woods, has made little to no adjustments to fix this defense. 

What’s frustrating to the rest of the fan base and me is this is one of the most talented Cleveland Browns teams I’ve ever seen. Inconsistent coaching and pitiful defensive showings cause this team to continuously underperform. 

What has been consistent for this team was the play by Brissett. 

The veteran single-handedly led the Browns to a comeback victory in his last game against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Which shut down the critique about his poor play under pressure. 

In his 11-game stint, Brissett was top 10 in yards (2,608) and Quarterback Rating (59.4). He had the best year of his career, which exempts him from any blame. 

Now that Watson has been back for two games, these problems have been fixed, kind of. In Watson’s first game back he delivered an underwhelming performance, throwing for only 131 yards, but the Texans were so bad that the Browns won without an offensive touchdown, 27-14. 

The next week, against the Cincinnati Bengals, Watson looked more like his former self. Throwing for 276 yards and a touchdown, but the poor play calling from Head Coach, Kevin Stefanski, and a multitude of penalties let them down, once again, losing 23-10. 

So I offer this question to Browns fans, ‘Who is to blame for these losses?’ Because Brissett put the Browns in positions to succeed, and we weren’t able to capitalize, as usual. One thing is for sure, the future is looking bright for Cleveland. As Watson continues to improve and the defense shows signs of competence, the Browns could be a threat in the AFC next year. This is something I have never been able to say in my lifetime, and I’m 17.