Why The Great Browns Backup Quarterback Debate matters – Terry Pluto
CLEVELAND, Ohio – “Who cares about the backup quarterback – if Deshaun Watson isn’t healthy, the Browns have no chance to go to the Super Bowl.”
I’ve been hearing that from some fans and media members during Cleveland’s Great Backup Quarterback Debate: Joe Flacco vs. Jameis Winston.
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Browns QB Deshaun Watson ‘Welcomes’ Steelers QB Russell Wilson
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson welcomed new Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson to the AFC North during the most recent edition of his “QB Unplugged” show.
The Steelers signed Wilson shortly after the Denver Broncos released him, incurring a record $85 million of dead cap. Watson welcomed Wilson into the fraternity of AFC North quarterbacks, which also includes Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson.
“Welcome to the AFC North, where things can get real spooky,” Watson said of Wilson joining Pittsburgh.
The AFC North isn’t a safe place for quarterbacks. Browns Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett (14 sacks), Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson (17.5 sacks) and Steelers star TJ Watt (19 sacks) are among the best sack artists in the league. Wilson was sacked 45 times in 15 games last season with the Broncos and should expect more pressure playing against the Browns, Baltimore Ravens, and Cincinnati Bengals next season.
The Steelers retooled their quarterback depth this offseason, also pulling off a trade for former first-round quarterback Justin Fields on Saturday, March 16. However, Wilson is expected to hold on to the starting QB spot.
Browns QB Deshaun Watson Has Respect for Steelers
Pittsburgh is a rival, but Watson expressed respect for the product the Steelers put on the field under head coach Mike Tomlin year after year.
“Pittsburgh is a good organization. It’s crazy for me to say it because I’m a Brown. I’m just keeping it 100,” Watson said. “At the end of the day, you have to give respect where respect is due. Tomlin is going to have them boys right. It made sense for [Wilson] to go there. They are going to compete.”
