Browns on thin ice after Deshaun Watson's shaky season

Watson accumulated significant rust during his time away last season. His completion percentage dipped 12 percentage points from a career-best 70.2 percent in 2020 to a career-low 58.2 percent in 2022. He had his lowest touchdown rate (4.1 percent) of his career while throwing interceptions at his highest rate (2.9 percent) since his rookie season.

Watson spent 2021 on the sideline following a trade request away from the Houston Texans after signing an extension through the 2025 season.

He was also the subject of allegations of sexual misconduct by more than 20 licensed massage therapists. In March 2022, a grand jury declined to indict Watson on those charges. The number of allegations rose to include 30 women.

The Browns traded for Watson this past offseason and promptly worked on a fully guaranteed new deal with the QB for five years and $230 million. This partnership has to work for Cleveland. If Watson doesn't improve, the Browns will stay in the AFC North's cellar.

That would be good news for the Texans. In sending Watson to Cleveland, the Texans received six draft picks, including first-round picks in the next two drafts.

Cleveland made that deal with the expectation that those picks would be in the late 20s. They're in danger of holding much more value if things don't turn around in a hurry.

The Browns announced early Monday they fired defensive coordinator Joe Woods after the defense went from top five in yards allowed per game in 2021 to 14th in 2022. The rush defense struggled in particular. A year ago, the Browns allowed 1,857 rushing yards. This season, the unit allowed 2,299 yards. 

The team is hellbent on building a winner around Watson. That will only happen if the Browns can build upon a strong foundation.