CLEVELAND (AP) — Between the lines for three-plus hours, Deshaun Watson was able to put aside all the distractions and problems.
That doesn’t mean they’ve gone away.
Cleveland’s quarterback bounced back from a rough return in the season opener — and delivered some big plays on Sunday — — as the Browns withstood an ugly, penalty-filled performance and held off the Jacksonville Jaguars 18-13.
For Watson, it was both a confidence booster and temporary diversion to his ongoing legal troubles — after another woman filed a civil lawsuit against him alleging sexual assault and battery for an incident in 2020.
Watson is being investigated again by the NFL, which will determine if he violated its personal conduct policy a second time.
The woman’s attorney said last week his client has indicated a willingness to speak to the league.
If Watson is suspended, it’s possible the Browns can void the final two years of the record-breaking $230 million contract they signed him to in 2022.
That’s all speculation at this point.
The fact is Watson played with poise in helping the Browns (1-1) recover from a horrendous Week 1 loss to Dallas, and change the narrative of his and Cleveland’s season — for now.
“He understands that he’ll do whatever it takes to win,” coach Kevin Stefanski said.
Watson’s numbers weren’t great: 22 of 34 for 186 yards and a 78.8 passer rating.
But he started strong, going 7 of 8 on Cleveland’s opening 16-play and 89-yard drive that chewed up 9:14 and capped off with a 1-yard TD run.
Unlike a week ago in his first game since suffering a season-ending shoulder injury last November, Watson was decisive.
He got rid of the ball quickly and appeared to recognize coverages better.
And, he didn’t turn the ball over.
“I thought offensively, and Deshaun in particular, we played clean,” Stefanski said on Monday. “We played on time. He spread the ball out, was very good in his reads throughout the day. Kind of took what was there if (option) No. 1 wasn’t there. Moved on to No. 2 and played really clean.”
Watson also made a couple of plays that can’t be diagrammed on a whiteboard.
With the pocket collapsing, Watson’s instincts took over — and his elusiveness allowed him to avoid would-be sackers, buy time and complete passes on the move.
There was also a major blunder as Watson inexplicably threw a pass on third down in the final two minutes with the Browns on the verge of victory.
Watson was told to take the sack if the play broke down; he didn’t.
The Browns survived, so all is forgiven.
“Deshaun got a game ball,” Stefanski said. “He played well. He helped us win. Obviously that play wasn’t exactly how we wanted it to go, but he’s a battler and I think that is very evident.”
The win quieted the noise around Watson.
There’s no telling if it will last.
What’s working
Cleveland’s defense passed its first road test, holding the Jaguars to a touchdown and two field goals.
It was a positive sign and temporary turnaround for the unit, which was strong at home and soft away from it in 2023.
The performance came after five defensive players went on injured reserve last week.
The Browns created pressure up front, and the secondary did its job in blanketing receivers.
It helped that Jaguars tight end Evan Engram, who had 11 catches and two TDs last year against Cleveland, didn’t play after hurting his hamstring in warmups.
What needs help
Penalties are piling up.
The Browns were called for 13, giving them 24 in two games and triggering more criticism that Cleveland’s starters should have played in the preseason.
While trying to put the Jaguars away, the Browns were whistled for three penalties in four plays, pushing them back and out of field-goal range.
“We need to be better in that area,” Stefanski said. “It’s hard to win. We don’t need to make it harder.”
Stock up
In his second game with Cleveland, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy finished with five catches for 73 yards.
Jeudy, who came over in a trade from Denver in March, made two tough grabs along the sideline to keep drives moving.
“Jerry’s doing a nice job,” Stefanski said. “We’re going to continue to learn more about him and how to line him up, where to line him up, those types of things.”
Stock down
For the second week in a row, Amari Cooper was a nonfactor.
Cleveland’s No. 1 wide receiver had just three catches for 11 yards and dropped another long pass from Watson.
That’s uncharacteristic for the sure-handed veteran.
“Small sample size,” Stefanski said. “I’ve seen it click with those two guys many times, so we’ll just keep working.”
Injuries
WR David Bell will undergo season-ending surgery after dislocating his right hip. … RB Pierre Strong Jr. is considered week to week with a hamstring injury. … DE Ogbo Okoronkwo cleared concussion protocol after being checked for a head injury. … Stefanski didn’t have specific updates on Myles Garrett (foot) or CB Denzel Ward (shoulder), who were both limited. … Stefanski hasn’t ruled out TE David Njoku (sprained ankle) “yet” for this week’s game.
Key number
14-percent — Cleveland’s alarming third-down conversion rate (4 for 29).
What’s next
Maybe a chance for the offense to find another gear against the New York Giants.
* * *
Bell to undergo season-ending surgery
CLEVELAND (AP) — Browns wide receiver David Bell will undergo season-ending surgery after dislocating his hip in Sunday’s win at Jacksonville.
A third-round pick in 2022, Bell was injured while being tackled on a 6-yard completion on Cleveland’s first possession in the third quarter.
He was carted off the field before the Browns (1-1) went on to beat the Jaguars 18-13.
Bell finished with three catches for 27 yards on just nine plays.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski awarded Bell a game ball, and said he’s saddened to see his season come to such a quick ending.
“Very disappointing,” Stefanski said. “We’ve talked about injuries many times and they’re no fun. Nobody likes them. Particularly ones like this that can end the season. Feel badly for David. I know his teammates feel badly for him, but he will bounce back. He’s a guy that is a big part of this football team.”
Bell, who played at Purdue, has 41 catches for 408 yards and three touchdowns with Cleveland.
Stefanski said running back Pierre Strong Jr. is “week to week” with a hamstring injury.
Also, defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo cleared concussion protocol after being checked for a head injury following the game.
Stefanski said he hasn’t ruled tight end David Njoku out “yet” for this week’s game against the New York Giants.
Njoku, who led Cleveland in catches and TD receptions last season, sprained his ankle in Week 1 against Dallas.
Stefanski added tackles Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin could “potentially” play this week after missing the first two games.
Both are coming of knee surgeries.
