Browns TE Makes Stunning Comment on Deshaun Watson

The Cleveland Browns haven't been totally impressive this season, but they're finding ways to win tight games in the league, which is really the best they could ask for under first-year head coach Todd Monken.

Case in point was the Browns’ 27-24 win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, fueled by a four-play, 55-yard drive that ended in a game-winning field goal attempt by Andre Szmyt to beat a team that had a 1-4 record before Week 7. 

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson didn't blink when it counted. He finished the day going 25 of 36 passing for 308 yards and one interception. He added a score on the ground.

Cleveland tight end Harold Fannin Jr. told Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer after the win that Watson has been instrumental in getting the Browns to a 5-2 record. He's playing like a veteran and giving his teammates confidence in games. 

Fannin added that the Browns aren't surprised by how Watson is playing this season, a stunning comment given how bad Watson's start with Cleveland had been. Even when he was sidelined last season, he has been working hard to have his moment. Watson has taken advantage of it. 

The Browns had a quarterback battle this summer between Shedeur Sanders and Watson. After Watson made comments about his frustration with Browns fans during the preseason, it was fair to wonder if he'd be on thin ice this season. But Monken and the Browns trusted in Watson, believing he gave them their best chance to win games. 

The Browns sit atop the AFC North with a 5-2 record. They hold a tiebreaker with the 5-2 Pittsburgh Steelers thanks to Cleveland beating its rival 27-24 on Oct. 1. 

Watson has thrown for 1,482 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions while rushing for 215 yards and one score.

Those stats don't scream Pro Bowl, but he's proving capable of being a starter in the league, and the Browns are squarely in the postseason conversation before November.

Cleveland has a big game coming up in Week 8 when it travels to play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. The Browns should have an advantage in that game, as the Steelers should have some jet lag to deal with after beating the New Orleans Saints in Paris on Sunday.

A win over Pittsburgh would give the Browns some breathing room before playing the New Orleans Saints in Week 9, the Houston Texans in Week 10, and the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12 off of a bye. Those three teams have a combined seven wins.