CLEVELAND (AP) — Deshaun Watson was nowhere near the field Sunday as the Cleveland Browns stumbled their way to another defeat, and yet the much-maligned quarterback’s presence could be felt in every corner of Huntington Bank Field.
As fans expressing a mixture of disappointment and disgust flooded toward the exits in the final minutes of an ugly 27-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, they carried their last hopes of a mid-season turnaround with them.
The dream of division titles, playoff games and Super Bowls that accompanied Watson's arrival in 2022 has become a nightmare.
Despite having one of the league's most expensive rosters, the Browns (2-7) are back at the bottom.
“Everybody's frustrated,” coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday on a Zoom call.
Watson's season-ending Achilles tendon injury two weeks ago slammed the brakes on what was viewed as a vital, bounce-back year for him and the team, which signed the former Pro Bowl QB to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract — a deal that could go down as one of the worst in sports history.
It was a colossal mistake, not only because Watson hasn't played well and he split the fan base due to his off-field behavior, but because the team is now in a financial straightjacket to do anything to fix its situation.
Watson is owed $46 million for each of the next two seasons, the salary-cap machinations are crippling and it's hard to imagine the Browns simply cutting bait and releasing him as that's an enormous bill to pay even for billionaire owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam.
Once he's done with rehab, Watson could return next year as a backup, but what would that do? Anyone who has watched him play the past two seasons can see that even when healthy he's not a long-term answer.
It's pretty clear the Browns are back to square one at quarterback.
And maybe elsewhere.
Jameis Winston provided a one-week spark but reverted to his old ways by throwing three interceptions on Sunday. Stefanski said he intends to stick with Winston going forward for the rest of this season, but the Browns need to get a longer look at second-year QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
Beyond the QB mess, there are other major questions with two months left.
Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry both received contract extensions from the Haslams following last year's playoff run, but the team's putrid performance in 2024 has put everyone on notice.
Stefanski recently handed over play-calling duties to first-year coordinator Ken Dorsey, and it's still not clear if the two-time NFL Coach of the Year made the decision or if it was something forced upon him.
Berry's roster construction has come under renewed scrutiny. Cleveland lacks quality depth at numerous positions and Berry's recent decision to trade Amari Cooper to Buffalo has left the Browns without a No. 1 wide receiver.
There could be other moves ahead of Tuesday's 4 p.m. trade deadline (defensive end Za'Darius Smith and tight end David Njoku have been rumored to be on the block), and Berry will hold his annual bye-week news conference a day later, when he's certain to be hammered with questions about the Browns' fast flop.
Someone is going to take the fall for Cleveland's miserable season. It's not all Watson's fault.
The good news is that Browns have eight more games to sort things out.
That's also the bad news.
It's a short list. The offense hasn't been able to sustain any lasting momentum. There have been flashes of progress, but much longer stretches of ineptitude.
At one point in the third quarter, the Browns had a drive that lasted all of 16 seconds.
Two communication breakdowns by Cleveland's secondary led to a pair of TD passes by Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert in the first half.
Safety Juan Thornhill and cornerback Denzel Ward were involved in both plays, and each accepted responsibility for the mistakes — a positive in terms of camaraderie but not a good look for them or coordinator Jim Schwartz.
Myles Garrett ended his four-game sackless drought with a flurry.
The NFL's reigning Defensive Player of the Year brought down Herbert three times in four plays on Sunday, a stretch of dominance that brought little comfort to Garrett, who said he would gladly trade them for a win.
“Stats are what they are,” he said. “I’d rather win every time.”
A first-round pick in 2020, Jedrick Wills Jr. is now a second-string tackle.
Wills, who has been slowed the past two seasons by knee injuries, was Cleveland's backup tackle on Sunday as Dawand Jones made his second straight start.
Stefanski said Jones, who started nine games as a rookie on the right side and five this season, will remain a starter.
“He's a young player that's going to continue to get better,” Stefanski said. “It's not perfect.”
As for Wills, who is in his final year under contract, Stefanski said he'll assume the backup “swing” tackle spot and needs to be ready if called upon.
The Browns haven't provided much information on linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who sustained a neck injury last week. The team's leading tackler was placed on injured reserve, meaning he'll be out at least four games.
Owusu-Koramoah's neck got compressed when he took the brunt of a big hit with Ravens running back Derrick Henry.
57 — Cleveland's offensive yardage in the first half Sunday — 29 yards rushing, 28 passing.
A week of introspection, evaluation and assessment before playing in New Orleans on Nov. 17. Stefanski said there are no major changes “expected” during the bye week.
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) celebrates after sacking Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston passes against the Los Angeles Chargers in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 4, 2024--
St. Jude Thanks and Giving® is kicking off its 21st year of uniting celebrities, retailers and consumers to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® and its lifesaving mission to treat and defeat childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241104315093/en/
For the first time, actor, producer and talk show host Drew Barrymore joins the annual campaign, along with country music artist Lainey Wilson and actor Jon Hamm. Longtime celebrity supporters Sofia Vergara, Michael Strahan and Luis Fonsi will share the mission of St. Jude with their fans. The signature holiday campaign invites shoppers to support St. Jude by making online and in-store donations or purchasing limited-edition products from some of the nation’s top retailers.
“For more than two decades, the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign has been a holiday tradition that unites millions of supporters around the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude. “We’re incredibly thankful for our celebrity friends, partners and donors from all walks of life who are members of our St. Jude family. Their generosity helps St. Jude provide vital research and treatment for kids with cancer and other life-threatening diseases so they can live their best life and celebrate every moment.”
The campaign echoes the founding of St. Jude by entertainer Danny Thomas, who drew on his star power to raise funds toward opening a research hospital that would treat children at no charge to their families. Today, his children Marlo, Tony and Terre Thomas and other celebrities lend their voice and support to this beloved cause.
Celebrity Support
Drew Barrymore
“I’m truly honored to unite with St. Jude this holiday season because its mission is incredibly meaningful to me. As a mother, I truly understand the impact a child’s health has on a family and there is nothing like the power of community coming together to support families through hard times. Join me and let’s bring joy, hope, and healing to the brave children and families of St. Jude.”
Lainey Wilson
“Music moves my soul and so do the kids at St. Jude. I am honored to have spent time with them and their families and seen firsthand what supporting St. Jude truly means. From learning about the impact of music therapy at St. Jude to seeing artwork by kids throughout the research hospital, I continue to be inspired by St. Jude families. I’m proud to join my country music family to bring much needed awareness to the lifesaving mission of St. Jude, one that is sustained by generosity every day from people of all walks of life.”
Jon Hamm
“Teaming up with St. Jude for over twenty years to shine a light on its work to improve survival rates for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases means the world to me. Being part of this historic St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign gives us all a chance to make a real difference in the world and in the lives of St. Jude patients and their families.”
Michael Strahan
“Nothing prepares you for hearing the words “your child has cancer.” The breakthroughs and care by St. Jude help families find the hope and healing they need to live a full and impactful life. From my family to yours, let’s come together this holiday season and support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude to treat and defeat childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases to help kids everywhere.”
Sofía Vergara
“Life is deeply precious. The incredible work of doctors, researchers and staff at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital gives kids with cancer and other life-threatening diseases a chance to live their best life. It’s an honor to be a part of this campaign each year and see all of us unite for this amazing purpose.”
Luis Fonsi
“I consider St. Jude part of my family and find every chance I can to get involved with its lifesaving mission to help raise childhood cancer survival rates around the world. My wish this holiday season is that everyone can unite with loved ones and find a way to support St. Jude.”
Brands Unite for St. Jude
Well-loved brands participating this year include Domino's, Kay Jewelers, Chili's, HomeGoods, AutoZone, Williams Sonoma, Kia, Dollar General, JOANN, DXL Big + Tall, Melting Pot, HSN, Denny's, J.Crew Factory, Zales, Jared the Galleria of Jewelry, and Banter by Piercing Pagoda, among others.
“At HomeGoods, we hold our friends at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital very close to our hearts. What makes us most proud is the impact our collective work has had on thousands of St. Jude kids and families. It is because of our generous customers and the passion and hard work of our teams, that we have been able to raise over $78 million since 2010 for this incredible organization,” said Victoria Shonkoff, SVP and Marketing Director for HomeGoods & Homesense. “St. Jude has been instrumental in helping advance our social purpose mission, Find Home Anywhere, to help people find a sense of home wherever they are. Through our collaboration, we are one step closer to accomplishing this goal by creating a home away from home for the patients of St. Jude.”
Ways to support St. Jude this holiday season:
Funds raised by these brands will help ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food ― so they can focus on helping their child live.
Explore the many ways to give back to the kids of St. Jude this holiday season.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital ®
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children. ® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. When St. Jude opened in 1962, childhood cancer was largely considered incurable. Since then, St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80%, and it won't stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes to help doctors and researchers at local hospitals and cancer centers around the world improve the quality of treatment and care for even more children. Because of generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so they can focus on helping their child live. Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Support the St. Jude mission by donating at stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.
Sofia Vergara (Photo: Business Wire)
Luis Fonsi (Photo: Business Wire)
Michael Strahan (Photo: Business Wire)
Jon Hamm (Photo: Business Wire)
Lainey Wilson (Photo: Business Wire)
Drew Barrymore (Photo: Business Wire)
