Stefanski believes in healthy Watson
ORLANDO, FLA. — The NFL’s owners meetings in Orlando, Fla., have now come and gone. It’s another milepost in the league’s offseason that has been passed on the journey back to real football being played.
During the three days in Central Florida, some of the top people in the Browns organization spoke to a small group of beat writers, including the Beacon Journal. Those individuals talking, at various points, included owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam, general manager Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Each of those individuals — or, in the case of the Haslams, duo — spent roughly 30 minutes or so answering questions that covered a spectrum’s worth of topics. The answers also covered the spectrum in terms of actually answering the question.
On Deshaun Watson
This is a “well, no duh” answer. Except that, in context of the whole exchange, it actually makes a lot more sense.
Deshaun Watson has started a total of 12 games over two seasons since the Browns acquired the quarterback two years ago. Last season, it was just fiveplus games in which he played thanks to a pair of shoulder injuries, including a season-ending broken glenoid in Week 10.
That led to this question: “When it comes to Watson and getting back to his Houston form do you think it’s just a matter of keeping him on the field the whole time?”
That opened the door for Stefanski to talk about how close he believes Watson, who just started throwing a little more than a week ago, really is to his old former.
“I do. I do,” Stefanski said. “I’ve seen it from Deshaun, we’ve seen it from Deshaun. Don’t have to look very far or don’t have to look back too far. Look at that second half versus Baltimore. I mean, that’s as gutty a performance as it comes with what he’s able to accomplish on a bad ankle with a bad shoulder. Just the plays that he’s made for us over these years, I’ve seen it from him. So yeah, of course, keeping him healthy, keeping him on the field is really important.
“And he wants that too. He’s so competitive, so he’s really attacking this rehab so he’s ready to go ASAP.”
On the new offensive staff
The offensive staff overhaul the Browns underwent this offseason was jarring for a lot of reasons. That could’ve also included Stefanski, who could’ve viewed any front office involvement in the decision as stepping on his toes.
Instead, at least in every public conversation about the staff Stefanski’s made, including last Monday’s in Orlando, he’s talked up the new the voices on the offense.
“I think for me, whenever you’re talking about different coaches and adding them into the room, I just think to our offensive meeting room. I’ve been so impressed with Ken and the entire offensive staff,” Stefanski said. “Every year, you pull it apart and put it together again. It really is a construction that you’re doing year to year. Ken’s been at the forefront of it. And so much of it is making sure we’re doing everything that fits our guys, so obviously the quarterback fits into that of course. But I think Ken and the entire staff have been working hard, and we’re still not there.”
That includes acknowledging who will ultimately be calling the plays on game days. Then again, that’s never been something Stefanski’s been willing to say publicly until he’s absolutely had to make that known.
On additions of Jameis Winston, Tyler Huntley to the QB room
Browns fans, and some in the media, have lamented the fact Joe Flacco was re-signed to be Watson’s backup after the veteran’s amazing December. Flacco ended up signing with the Indianapolis Colts after the Browns signed former No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston initially before added former Baltimore Ravens backup Tyler Huntley in free agency. Those two join Watson and Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who will be entering his second season, in the quarterback room. It’s a room Stefanski feels was restocked well this offseason.
“I don’t know that re-shape the room was the goal,” Stefanski said. “I think just every year you’re looking at what’s the best way to put that room together. We’re excited about Jameis. I think Jameis is a really, really talented young player. He’s a great teammate, he’s excited about helping the team.”