(Berea) Deshaun Watson knows he has a lot to prove.
The Browns quarterback is trying to repair an image tainted by allegations of sexual misconduct, but also to regain his place among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.
While playing for Houston, he was in the top echelon with Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, Joe Burrow and Josh Allen.
“I missed [almost] two years of football, so I shouldn’t be in these [discussions],” Watson said. I haven’t played enough in recent years. I have to prove that I can be back in conversations. »
Watson is preparing for his first full season with the Browns.
He played just six games last season after an 11-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
More than 20 women have accused him of sexual assault and harassment during massage therapy sessions while playing for the Texans.
Upon his return, Watson did not live up to his standards. Some wondered if Cleveland made a mistake by trading three first-round picks and awarding him $230 million.
Watson was rusty; he had also been absent for the entire 2021 season, after asking to be traded.
The 2020 NFL overhead yardage leader lacked conviction and precision. He had good moments, but not enough.
Watson is therefore aiming for a revival. He knows that there will always be detractors, but he does not try to meet any expectations other than his own.
In the AFC North, he will always be compared to Burrow of the Bengals and Lamar Jackson of the Ravens.
“I motivate myself,” he said. I want to be the best I can be for Deshaun Watson. I can’t be bothered by what other people are doing. »
On Saturday, Watson will have substantial playing time at the conclusion of the Browns preseason schedule in Kansas City.
Coach Kevin Stefanski will play the majority of the regulars as September 10 approaches. This date represents the start of the Browns’ season – at home, against Cincinnati.
Watson praised Mahomes’ way of making games, as well as the 2020 and 2023 Super Bowl winner’s leadership and work ethic.
“He just makes everyone around him better,” Watson said. He is definitely the standard in the NFL. »