Predicting the Commanders' next four games after 0-1 start in 2024
By Dean Jones
Commanders vs. Browns - Week 5
- Date: Sunday, October 6
- Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
The Cleveland Browns have a Deshaun Watson problem.
After giving up significant draft assets and a record-breaking contract to secure the quarterback's services from the Houston Texans, it's been an extreme disappointment ever since. Watson's long suspension and lack of production upon returning to the field are an ongoing concern. His dismal performance during their regular-season opener against the Dallas Cowboys led to calls for the player to be benched in favor of Jameis Winston.
Couple this with more accusations of sexual assault and battery during a date in 2020, and this situation could get even murkier by the time Week 5 rolls around. The Washington Commanders will be eager to make Watson's life miserable if he's still under center by this point.
It's not like the Browns are a bad team, but they'll only go as far as Watson takes them. He's the franchise guy they mortgaged their future for. The former Clemson star hasn't come close to meeting these expectations as yet, which is damaging Kevin Stefanski's hopes of mounting an AFC North title challenge for good measure.
This won't guarantee much for the Commanders, who have problems of their own to rectify after a lackluster defensive showing at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. What they do have is a productive young quarterback whose mobility can make things complicated for an outstanding Cleveland defensive front led by phenomenal edge rusher Myles Garrett.
Games versus the Browns are normally physical with no quarter given. This is the time when Nick Chubb could be activated after the highly productive running back began the season on their physically-unable-to-perform list. Even if the veteran does suit up, he's unlikely to accumulate the workload we're accustomed to seeing.
- Prediction: Win (3-2)
The Browns are not going to roll over because their signal-caller is going through turmoil. But if the Commanders' defense demonstrates growth leading up to the game and the coaching staff schemes things up effectively, it might be enough to come away with the win.
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