The Cleveland Browns entered the season with high expectations, fresh off a playoff appearance. Although their postseason ended in disappointment, there was optimism for improvement, as the team retained most of its core, including the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Assistant Coach of the Year.
However, the season fell short of expectations. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report pointed to one key issue: Deshaun Watson. According to Knox, the Browns’ unwavering commitment to Watson, despite his struggles, was a critical misstep. He criticized the team’s decision to forgo bringing in meaningful competition for the starting quarterback role, stating, “The Browns kept trotting out their $230 million mistake week after week until a torn Achilles finally allowed them to make a change. Even worse is the fact that their decision to abandon Flacco in the offseason—ensuring Watson wouldn’t see any real competition for the starting job—all but ensured Cleveland wouldn’t have a chance to contend in 2024.”
While pinning the blame solely on one player is neither entirely fair nor accurate, injuries and a lackluster offensive line also contributed to the team’s struggles. Nonetheless, Watson’s underperformance, coupled with his off-field controversies, reportedly impacted team morale. His continued presence, despite his shortcomings, highlighted a lack of accountability—an essential component for any team’s success.
