Watson must improve downfield accuracy to retain Browns starting role

Deshaun Watson will start for the Cleveland Browns in the season-opening game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. The 30-year-old quarterback returns after missing the entire 2025 season due to two Achilles surgeries and a shoulder injury that required surgery in 2023.

Analysts note that Watson’s downfield passing accuracy, once a strength, has slipped in recent years. In 2023 he completed 39.3% of passes that traveled at least 10 yards, the lowest rate among qualified quarterbacks, and his figure fell to 37.9% in 2024 before his season-ending injury. His average depth of target has also dropped from 9 yards in 2020 to 7.1 yards in 2024, and only about 27% of his throws this season were downfield attempts.

Watson acknowledged the need to regain his deep-throw ability, saying he wants to “take advantage of” opportunities when defenses allow it. New head coach Todd Monken, who emphasizes explosive plays in his offensive scheme, expressed confidence in Watson’s capacity to push the ball downfield, adding that the team’s success depends on generating big plays while avoiding turnovers.

If Watson cannot improve his downfield performance, backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who has shown a higher willingness to attempt deep throws in preseason, could become a more aggressive option for the Browns.