Three Positive Takeaways from Deshaun Watson’s Performance, Three Areas to Improve
Deshaun Watson’s return to the field against the Arizona Cardinals went about as well as the Cleveland Browns could’ve hoped. It was hardly perfect, but Watson looked healthy and flashed the types of throws the team desperately needs from him even if there are some areas for him to improve.
If not for injuries, the Cleveland Browns’ victory over the Arizona Cardinals went according to plan. The defense dominated while quarterback Deshaun Watson was able to lead the offense and make positive strides in coming back from the rotator cuff injury that his limited him the past six weeks.
It was anyone’s guess just how effective Watson would be when it was announced he’d be starting this game on Thursday. Considering how poorly the game against the Indianapolis Colts game went for Watson, just getting out of the first possession with a first down and a punt felt like a relief. The next bar that Watson easily cleared was playing at a higher level than P.J. Walker. It wasn’t always pretty, especially in the first half with plenty of missed opportunities, but Watson found his sea legs and made a handful of plays the Browns have been missing since their victory over the Tennessee Titans.
After largely throwing underneath passes to start the game, Watson fired a 35-yard strike to Amari Cooper that he ran up the left sideline. He would add a handful of other strong downfield throws. The best for Watson was his final deep shot of the afternoon, a 45-yard rope to Cooper that easily went past two Cardinals defenders, hitting Cooper right in the hands, setting up their final touchdown of the day. They got better when Watson felt confident in his arm, trusting it and just playing.
Watson said he felt 100 percent in the postgame, which is good news. It’ll be interesting to see if he experiences any soreness Monday or Tuesday. If not, he may be just about passed the rotator cuff injury, which would be welcome news. At that point, it’s focusing entirely on playing quarterback and no longer managing an injury to his throwing arm.
.
Watson said he felt 100 percent in the postgame, which is good news. It’ll be interesting to see if he experiences any soreness Monday or Tuesday. If not, he may be just about passed the rotator cuff injury, which would be welcome news. At that point, it’s focusing entirely on playing quarterback and no longer managing an injury to his throwing arm.
Negative: Watson’s Eyes, Lower Body
Most of Watson’s success came on his first read. Particularly as the game went on, Watson was able to comfortably hit his receivers when he was able to hit the top of his drop and let it rip.
After largely throwing underneath passes to start the game, Watson fired a 35-yard strike to Amari
Watson said he felt 100 percent in the postgame, which is good news. It’ll be interesting to see if he experiences any soreness Monday or Tuesday. If not, he may be just about passed the rotator cuff injury, which would be welcome news. At that point, it’s focusing entirely on playing quarterback and no longer managing an injury to his throwing arm.
Negative: Watson’s Eyes, Lower Body
Most of Watson’s success came on his first read. Particularly as the game went on, Watson was able to comfortably hit his receivers when he was able to hit the top of his drop and let it rip.
Negative: Watson’s Eyes, Lower Body
Most of Watson’s success came on his first read. Particularly as the game went on, Watson was able to comfortably hit his receivers when he was able to hit the top of his drop and let it rip.
