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Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson started the season 3-1.
Robert Griffin III isn’t buying the comeback narrative surrounding Deshaun Watson as the Cleveland Browns prepare to face the New York Jets.
The former Browns quarterback discussed the topic during an Oct. 9 appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show.” With Cleveland off to a 3-1 start, Griffin pushed the idea that Watson’s return from Achilles injuries could be separated from the sexual misconduct allegations against him.
“Deshaun Watson has a very strong agent. He’s a starting quarterback in the NFL, and the NFL has a vested interest in his starting quarterback seeing the right way and doing things the right way. I just don’t think that, with everything that’s happened, you can separate the two and call it a true comeback story,” Griffin said.
Watson has faced accusations of sexual misconduct or sexual assault from more than two dozen women. He denied wrongdoing. The NFL suspended him 11 games in 2022 and fined him $5 million for violating its personal conduct policy.
Patrick questioned whether Watson’s recovery from injury could qualify as a tough comeback from a football perspective. Griffin acknowledged Cleveland’s success but took issue with coverage that overlooked the circumstances surrounding Watson’s career.
“This is not a comeback story and anyone who tries to hide that is doing the public, the fans, and women everywhere a disservice,” Griffin said.
Browns QB Deshaun Watson Addresses Fan Skepticism Over Taylor Rooks
Watson addressed his public image in an interview with Taylor Rooks that aired on Prime Video before Cleveland’s Week 4 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rooks questioned whether the skepticism from Browns fans was fair, noting that their concerns had to do with his performance and the off-field allegations.
“Fair? Of course, to me, I’d say no,” Watson said. “But life is not fair, and I understand.”
Watson says he can accept his responsibilities and move on. When Rooks followed up by asking if he understood the fear, regardless of whether he agreed with it, he acknowledged that he did.
“I quite understand it. Yes, ma’am,” said Watson.
Watson also attributed some of his struggles in Cleveland to his mental state, explaining that managing public criticism took time.
With fan reaction, Watson met criticism of his play and criticism of his character. He accepted that his performance fell short of expectations but said he disagreed with some of the personal judgments directed at him.
“I think everything I’ve fought for, everything I’ve been through, I’ve overcome,” Watson said. “I continue to be gracious, I continue to give, I continue to show that I have that fortitude and that determination to be the best that I possibly can be for this city.”
Robert Griffin Sees Shedeur Sanders Facing Longer Wait
Griffin’s criticism of Watson’s narrative hasn’t changed his desire to see Cleveland win. He also admitted that the Browns’ start has complicated the path to playing time for Shedeur Sanders, his preferred starter entering the season.
“I want the Browns to be successful because that’s a team I played for. Even if it’s for one year, I want them to have success. I want the city and the fans to have success,” Griffin said. “I, for one, thought 100% they should have started Shedeur Sanders. Deshaun Watson came out there and played well to get them up 3-1. I don’t see Shedeur getting a chance anytime soon.”
Sanders remains No. 2 on Cleveland’s depth chart behind Watson, with rookie Taylen Green at third.
Dillon Gabriel’s return adds another decision for the Browns. The second-year quarterback resumed practice this week after opening the season on injured reserve with a back injury. Despite participating fully in practice, he was ruled out against the Jets.
Cleveland has a 21-day training window to decide whether to activate Gabriel. Bringing him back would leave the Browns with four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster unless they make another move. For Sunday, Sanders remains Watson’s immediate backup.