Why won't the Browns make a change at QB?

BEREA, Ohio – The Cleveland Browns are reeling on offense. There are many issues, but the player at the forefront of the offense is quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Watson has yet to throw for 200 yards in six games this season. His current Adjusted Total Quarterback Rating (QBR), which rates the quarterback in all types of plays on a scale of 0 to 100, adjusted for the strength of the opposing defense, is 21.5 – making him the lowest-rated quarterback in the league .

Statistically, Watson was the weakest quarterback in the league through the first six games of the season.

It's true that there were pass protection issues along the offensive line, which was plagued by injuries that caused the starting lineup to constantly rotate. There were also issues with drops throughout the receiver room, with the Browns leading the league in the number of drops.

The combined issues mean the Browns' focus is split in several areas. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has been saying for weeks that it will take “all eleven” players on offense, as well as him and his coaching staff, to improve the game. Stefanski bears responsibility for the team's problems – which has left the Browns with an abysmal record of 1-5.

“It's frustrating that I've had to cancel football games and a lot of things that we can do better, that I can do better. But we know where we are, we understand that, we can't hide from it, but we won't look.” “I was just focused on moving forward, focused on a big game at home this week,” said Stefanski on Monday, a day after another brutal road loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

But as the Browns prepare for their first home game in three weeks – their first division game of the season as they host the Cincinnati Bengals – they're still not looking to make any changes at quarterback.

The Browns are sticking with Watson.

Despite the analytics that put Watson last among qualified quarterbacks in the entire league, despite the team failing to score more than 17 points in any game this season, despite Sunday's loss that marked its fifth of the season, the Browns remain steadfast in their confidence that Watson can turn his performances around while the rest of the offense works alongside him to do the same.

“I think it's just important that we continue to do everything we can to play good, solid football. I think there were obviously moments like that yesterday. I think Deshaun gives us the best chance to win, continues to give us the best. “I have no chance of winning and we have to play really good offensive football at his position and really at every position to be successful on Sunday.” said Stefanski.

The Browns won't turn to Jameis Winston, who they signed in the offseason, to provide both backup and personal support for Watson. They won't turn to Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who they selected last year to continue to develop and grow while also preparing for a backup role.

Some fans have wondered who is behind the decision to continue playing Watson, and whether it is the front office led by general manager Andrew Berry or even owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam. However, Stefanski said the decision was his.

“I don't get caught up in narratives, but we have a good dialogue with myself, Andrew, the owners, about everything to do with this team. They just supported me and made every decision when it came to it.” “Football is my decision,” said Stefanski.

The Browns aren't moving on from Watson, but given the level of his play and the team's record, changes need to be made.

These changes may only need to come in the form of practical preparation and not in the roster and depth chart.

To better protect Watson and give him the best chance to turn his game around, technology is a current focus. The focus is on the offensive line, working on blocking schemes and game plans, but also extends to the entire offense, including “all 11” players, the team has made clear.

Running back D'Onta Foreman said they've been more physically active during padded workouts in recent weeks, hoping to simulate the real look the defense gives them. He said his group is embracing its role in bringing about change.

“It is very important. We take pride in not seeing 4 get hit, not seeing 4 go down, and we all need to do a better job together and help him stay on the ground. And we are proud of that. We have to. “We will be better when we step on the field. We always have blitz pickups, a type of blitz where we can see what's going on and be able to keep up with our guys. ” Foreman shared.

Stefanski also said those fundamentals will be a focus as they move forward and look to improve on offense.

“I think if you think about it specifically, it always comes down to technology, at least for me. And it’s the footwork, the hand placement, all those things,” Stefanski said. “And of course, like D'Onta said, with pass protection and pads on, it's a matter of physicality. So it’s very, very important for us to improve our technique over the course of the season.”

It remains to be seen whether these changes and priorities will actually help turn the offense around. The Browns will have another chance to break their now four-game losing streak against the Bengals on Sunday. A 1-5 record puts the Browns out of the playoff conversation much sooner than anyone would like, but division play matters a lot, so the start of a turnaround there carries a lot more weight.

This desired turnaround comes with the plan to continue playing Watson. And while the fan base may have lost all trust in the quarterback at the start of the season (and will need proof on the football field to ever regain it), the team continues to stand by its quarterback despite the struggles and external strife.

“I have complete confidence in 4. Personally, I think he is often ahead in my opinion. I think it's because we're in this building with him every day and we see the path.” “He comes in and prepares this team and works and leads and does whatever he needs to do to help us along the way “To go out there and get wins, it's not just him,” Foreman said: “And I want to be the first to say that.” It's not all about him. It's a team sport; It's a collective sport. And this man goes out there every day and puts it all on the line. He takes a beating; He gets back up, stands in the pocket, makes passes and just fights.

“From what I see and how he fights every day, I appreciate that and I want to play for a guy like that. I want a guy like that to lead this team. Personally, I have the most confidence in him and I'll ride with him until it's over.