Cleveland Browns must fix major problem beyond Deshaun Watson

The Cleveland Browns' offensive struggles have exposed problems that extend beyond their quarterback. Fixing them will require more than asking one player to make better decisions under pressure.

Head coach Todd Monken addressed Deshaun Watson's tendency to hold the ball while explaining why the issue affects the entire offense. He noted that athletic quarterbacks often try to extend plays, but stressed the importance of knowing when to move on:

“You've got to get the ball out. You've got to mitigate the loss because for every big play that you make, it can't be offset with a sack, because one's a drive extender and one's a drive killer.”

Monken also acknowledged that Cleveland's coaching staff must improve its protection schemes, communication up front, and attention to detail. He refused to place the entire burden on Watson, admitting that the coaches and players all have their parts to play:

“It's not all him. There's a piece of it that I have to own, and our offensive staff has to own, and there's a piece of it that all of our players have to own. That's part of the pie. The pie that is winning and losing.”

That admission underlines the broader challenge facing Cleveland. The Browns must improve their offensive execution collectively rather than expect Watson to overcome every breakdown.

Browns' Week 5 loss exposes worrying offensive flaws

Deshaun Watson was sacked eight times in Cleveland's 17–12 loss to the New York Jets in Week 5.

The Browns finished with just 197 net yards, struggling to sustain drives in the rainy conditions. Holding the ball too long can give defenders additional time to reach the quarterback, but protection and communication also matter.

Cleveland must address those shortcomings across the offense to prevent similar breakdowns in the weeks ahead.

Written by

Sayantan