The league’s boogeyman for many has finally returned. Deshaun Watson has finally returned to the Cleveland Browns starting lineup as his 11-game suspension has expired, allowing him to suit up against the Texans this weekend.
What a game this will be. The Cleveland Browns facing off against the Houston Texans would normally be about as exciting as watching wet paint dry, but now there’s actually a reason to watch this matchup between two historical dreadful franchises (no offense, Cleveland and Houston.)
After one of the longest suspensions in NFL history and definitely one of the biggest controversies, Deshaun Watson has been cleared by the NFL and is scheduled to return to the Cleveland Browns lineup.
Actually, he’s going to be starting his first game for the Browns (and his first in over two years) against his former team. You know, the very same team that he was a part of when all of these allegations came flying at him, and the very same team that he refused to ever play for again. Yeah, I’m sure there’s no bad blood here.
To be honest, I don’t see how Watson doesn’t get anything but the world record number of boos when he takes the field at NRG Stadium in Houston. These two parties have been though some much turmoil and animosity over these past few years that I don’t ever see Watson and the Texans getting back on good terms again.
His exit and the circumstances around his departure were just so vicious and controversial that it’ll shock me if Watson ever shows his face in Houston again after Sunday. Though, he probably doesn’t ever want to anyway. This game is as troublesome for Watson as it is for the Texans organization.
Anyway, back to more of the football related aspects of this game, the Browns are going to absolutely steamroll the Houston Texans…if Watson is his normal self. Even though he may be the most controversial and despicable (if these allegations are true, though it seems like they are) in the NFL, he’s still one of the very best.
Prior to the year these allegations came out, Watson lead the NFL in passing yards with 4,823 yards, had 33 passing TDs, and a 70.2% completion record as he led the Texans to a playoff berth in which they lost a harrowing game to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round. Say what you will about the man, but he’s still a really good quarterback.
But, if he has the two-year game rust that I’m expecting him to show, then the Browns will have a tougher time in beating the 1-9-1 Texans. Yes, they should still get by Houston as they have a vastly superior roster, but it will be a lot more difficult if Watson can’t connect with his receivers.
If that is the case, then I’d suspect Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, and the rest of the Browns running game will get a lot of carries to secure them the victory.
And, as for the people who say that Watson shouldn’t even be playing tomorrow for the things he’s done, you’re right. He really shouldn’t even be in the NFL if what has been accused against him is accurate and truthful.
Yet, seeing as he was only accused in a civil court and the NFL deemed his actions worthy of only an 11-game suspension, then I don’t see why he shouldn’t be allowed to play tomorrow.
He’s done the time for the crime (hey, that rhythmed) as the NFL saw fit. Subjecting him to more punishment would not only be unfair given the agreement this offseason, but also would invoke a huge lawsuit by the NFLPA against the NFL for the league violating a player’s rights.
Regardless, we’ll see if Watson’s controversies will be worth the watch this Sunday against Houston.
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