The Cleveland Browns have been dealt a major blow as they prepare to face the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday. Star quarterback Deshaun Watson has been ruled out of the matchup due to a shoulder injury.
Watson has been a major factor in the Browns’ success this season. He has thrown for 2,852 yards and 22 touchdowns, while completing 66.4% of his passes. He has also rushed for another 549 yards and four touchdowns. His presence in the lineup has been a major reason why the Browns have been able to stay in contention for a playoff spot.
Without Watson, the Browns will now have to rely on backup quarterback Case Keenum. Keenum has not seen much action this season, but he did start two games earlier in the year when Watson was injured. In those two games, Keenum threw for 590 yards and three touchdowns, while completing 61.7% of his passes.
The Browns will also need to rely on their running game to help make up for the loss of Watson. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt have been a formidable duo this season, combining for 1,912 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. If the Browns can get their running game going, it could help take some of the pressure off of Keenum and the passing game.
The Browns will need to play their best game of the season if they want to beat the Ravens without Watson. The Ravens are one of the best teams in the league and have a formidable defense that could give the Browns’ offense fits. The Browns will need to rely on their running game and defense if they want to pull off the upset.
The loss of Watson is a major blow for the Browns, but they still have a chance to make the playoffs if they can find a way to win without him. It won’t be easy, but it is possible if they can play their best game of the season.