Exclusive; Browns Coach Called Out Over Deshaun Watson Comment
New Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey praised Deshaun Watson during his introductory press conference, which didn’t sit well with some.
Dorsey said all the right things about the quarterback regarding his play on the field and what’s happening under his leadership. But his comments about Watson’s character drew attention. “I’m looking forward to working with him,” Dorsey said Monday, Feb. 5. “Because he’s one of the best defensemen in the league and from everything I’ve heard about him, he’s a great guy. Future, So I’m looking forward to this opportunity.”
The Browns’ acquisition of Watson was controversial from the start. Watson has been accused of sexually harassing more than 20 women. As a result, Watson was suspended for 11 games and fined $5 million through the 2022 season.
ESPN’s Sarah Spain was among those who spoke about Dorsey’s description of Watson. “I would like to hear honest answers from [Dorsey’s] wife and two daughters about how they feel when they see this. (This is rhetorical. You don’t have to ask them. It’s none of their business and they’re not public figures. You know what I mean :)” Spain tweeted.
Others felt the same way about Dorsey’s choice of words to describe the QB. “Look, Ken Dorsey, I can’t be serious. “Quality man” and Deshaun Watson do not belong in the same sentence. Not a good look for Dorsey,” wrote Chetan Rakieten.
The Browns believe Deshaun Watson has come a long way.
The Browns received some criticism for pursuing and landing Watson. Adding fuel to the fire, the team offered Watson an unprecedented $230 million fully guaranteed contract.
The franchise has publicly supported Watson in his off-field issues. Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam praised Watson for his July 2023 promotion.
“He’s come a long way in the last year and he’s worked hard to be a better person, a better person and a better teammate,” Haslam said. “I think he’s learned about himself and what he can do and what he can’t do. I think he knew who to trust and who not to trust.
Watson avoided any further controversy after joining the Browns. Ken Dorsey believes Deshaun Watson can become “elite” in the NFL.
Watson played in just 12 games for the Browns after the trade. He missed 11 games in 2022 due to suspension and played just six games last year due to injury. Watson passed for 2,217 yards, 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions and went 8-4. He’s far from elite, but Dorsey Watson hopes to once again be one of the league’s best defenders.
“I’m really excited to work with Deshaun in particular and this offense where he’s one of the best quarterbacks in this league. It’s an opportunity to help him really succeed this season and prove that he really is the best defender in the field.” This is a league where he can work and help win football games,” Dorsey said. “So I’m very excited about this opportunity and I’m looking forward to this challenge.”
The Browns made the playoffs last season without Watson. If he comes back healthy and looks like the Pro Bowl passer he was with the Houston Texans, Dorsey and the Browns will be in business.
