Kevin Stefanski denies owner override as Browns stick with Deshaun Watson

Field Level Media|published: Mon 14th October, 15:12 2024

NFL: Cleveland Browns at Philadelphia Eagles

Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

No quarterback controversy exists in Cleveland, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. He's sticking with Deshaun Watson as QB1 of the Browns.

Cleveland is 1-5 after a 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, and Watson insisted postgame the Browns "have to do something" after he was sacked five times and held below 200 passing yards for the sixth consecutive game.

"I think Deshaun gives us the best chance to win, continues to give us the best chance to win," Stefanski said Monday as calls for Watson to be benched for backup Jameis Winston grew louder.

Stefanski said Browns owner Jimmy Haslam remains supportive and didn't meddle in any football decisions, including the call to keep Watson atop the quarterback depth chart to face the Cincinnati Bengals (2-4) this week.

Watson was 16 of 29 for 154 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the 2023 opener against the Bengals, won by Cleveland 24-3.

"We have a good dialogue with myself, (general manager) Andrew (Berry), ownership. Any decision when it comes to football is my decision," Stefanski said.

Between injuries on the offensive line and lagging production, Watson isn't solely to blame for the Browns' poor start.

The Browns are 30th in scoring (15.8 points per game), 32nd in sacks allowed (31) and tied for a league-low two rushing touchdowns.

Watson is 28th in the NFL in completion percentage (61.3) and tied for 25th with five touchdown passes.

--Field Level Media