The Cleveland Browns are one of the surprise teams in the NFL this season, and arguably the biggest. Entering Week 7, the Browns are in first place in the AFC North, a position they have not held this late since the 2014 campaign.
Much of the credit is being given to quarterback Deshaun Watson, who has revived his career after almost two years on the sidelines. But a fair case could be made that Watson might be the reason the Browns won’t reach their full potential this season.
Insider Benjamin Solak of ESPN said he believes the Browns are one position away from truly competing, and an upgrade at quarterback would make them much better.
“Cleveland Browns are 4-2. They are atop of the AFC North. I really truly believe the Browns are a quarterback away from being a good team. I fully do. What are we talking about being a quarterback away? Because at halftime in this game, Deshaun Watson had two completions. The best game Deshaun Watson has played this year was the prime time game against the Steelers, without question. The last two games he’s played, a loss to the Jets and this win over the Ravens, have been horrible, horrible football. Deshaun is not playing good quarterback. Defensively, what Mike Rutenberg has got going on right now is sick stuff. They’re extremely well-coached. Schwesinger’s nose for playmaking is something for a young cat. I love that young player. Jared Verse hasn’t even been the impact they wanted him to be as a pass rusher. That, plus the young players on offense? I am a full buyer in the bedrock of what Todd Monken’s got going on. They need a quarterback. You put a quarterback in here, you’ve got a stew going,” Solak said.
I'm co-opting the preseason @minakimes take that the Browns are a QB away.
Love this defense (Carson Schwesinger sO GOOOOOOD) and believe in the young offensive pieces.
Discussed with @DanGrazianoESPN on the show today: pic.twitter.com/FTwoDcXxQd
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) October 19, 2026
To be fair, Watson has come through when it matters most, as his four game-winning fourth-quarter drives lead the NFL. On the other hand, the Browns might not have needed those heroics if Watson had played better in the first three quarters of those games.
As Solak points out, in the Week 6 win against the Baltimore Ravens, Watson completed just two passes for 24 yards in the first half. Cleveland’s defense managed to keep the game close against Baltimore backup QB Tyler Huntley.
Then, Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger, playing on an injured ankle, forced a fumble by Ravens running back Derrick Henry, which changed the game. Watson went on to complete eight of 12 passes for 94 yards in the fourth quarter, and Cleveland emerged with a 13-10 victory on a final-play field goal.
But back in Week 5, in a 17-12 loss to the New York Jets, Watson could not finish the job. It did not help that he was sacked eight times, including four in the fourth quarter, or that a fumbled punt snap led to the Jets’ game-winning score.
According to Pro Football Focus, Watson ranks 30th among 35 qualified quarterbacks in overall grade this season. In this era of the NFL, a first-place team with that level of quarterback play is a true anomaly.
Barring an injury, a change at the position isn’t likely this season, so the Browns will have to make do with Watson and continue to rely on their defense and coaching until it can be addressed next offseason.
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