Browns offensive coordinator makes eye-opening comments about Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson was only able to play in six games in 2022 due to his suspension from the NFL. However, based on what Browns OC Alex Van Pelt has been, Cleveland should be in for a great season from Watson as he pushes toward a return to form.
Van Pelt shared some thoughts on Watson’s growth in Cleveland with Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal. He went as far as to say that Watson has ‘improved tenfold’ over his time with the Browns. That development has led Cleveland’s QB to look like he’s carrying himself in an even better way and having more fun out on the practice field.
“It’s just his confidence in the system itself. Understanding of what we’re asking of him and how to communicate at the line of scrimmage,” said Van Pelt. “Everything from protections to calling plays in the huddle.”
“He’s improved tenfold since this time last year,” Van Pelt stated. “I mean you see it all start to come together. (He’s) playing with a little swagger out there and having some fun.”
At one point, Van Pelt also added that he ‘literally got goosebumps’ on the field following one throw that Watson completed to Elijah Moore.
An 11-game suspension that stemmed from multiple allegations of sexual misconduct limited Watson’s season to six games. In those few appearances, he put up some okay numbers in a 3-3 stretch for Cleveland as he completed 58.2% of his passes for just over 1,100 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and five interceptions.
To be fair, a lot of those struggles were likely due to rust as he had missed over a season and a half of football. He was then dropped into the final six weeks of the campaign. Still, that’s the bed he seemed to make considering the specifics of the situation.
From here, the Browns are hoping that it’s only up from there when it comes to his performances. Based on what Van Pelt is saying, though, they might be able to expect exactly that when it comes to Watson’s play in 2023.
Tom Brady ‘certain’ he will not play again in the NFL
Tom Brady is hearing the buzz that says he’ll return to football. On Thursday, he threw cold water all over the idea.
“I’m certain I’m not playing again,” Brady said in an interview with Sports Illustrated. “I tried to make that clear. I hate to continue to profess that because I’ve already told people that lots of times.”
“Looking forward to my broadcasting job with my Fox next year,” he said. “Looking forward to the opportunity I have with the Raiders, we’re in the process with that…In my personal life spending as much time with my kids as I can, seeing them grow up and supporting the different things they have going on. That’s a very important job and I take them all very seriously.”