Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Browns offense off to NFL's worst start in decade

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Oct 13, 2024 4:16 PM ET

The Cleveland Browns lost to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday afternoon, 20-16, falling to 1-5 and remaining near the bottom of the AFC North and AFC standings.

The story was a complete lack of offense again. Their only touchdown on Sunday was the result of a blocked field goal return just before halftime.

It was also the sixth time in six games that they have failed to score 20 points in a single game to open the season. If that seems bad, it is because it is bad. So bad that they are the first team in a decade to open a season with six consecutive games with less than 20 points.

The Browns have now become the first team in 10 years to score under 20 points in each of its first 6 games of the season.

Cleveland has now scored once in its last 29 drives.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 13, 2024

The one touchdown in 29 drives is also staggering. Everything just looks to be a struggle when the Browns have the ball.

Injuries have been a struggle this season, with superstar running back Nick Chubb still sidelined, as well as some issues at offensive tackle. Those have added up at different times.

The biggest issue, however, remains the play of quarterback Deshaun Watson. He has been, by almost every objective measure, one of the worst quarterbacks in the NFL, with almost no sign of improvement.

He was 16-of-23 for only 168 yards on Sunday while leading zero touchdown drives. He missed open passes, had several turnover-worthy plays and just looked completely lost on almost every passing play.

It is starting to drift toward him being unplayable, but the coaching staff has shown little to no desire to bench him. As long as they are stuck with him on that contract, they may stubbornly keep trying to see if they can salvage something.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz

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