### Browns' Decision-Making Under Fire as Winston Shines in First Start

In a pivotal move, the Cleveland Browns finally benched Deshaun Watson following his season-ending Achilles injury, bringing Jameis Winston to the forefront as their starting quarterback. This decision came after a prolonged period of struggle with Watson, during which the Browns saw their playoff hopes dwindle. The most recent game against the Baltimore Ravens showcased Winston's potential, sparking questions as to why the Browns hadn’t made this change earlier in the season.

The Indianapolis Colts' recent decision to sit their underperforming second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson in favor of the more seasoned Joe Flacco serves as a notable precedent. For the Browns, a similar approach could have been implemented sooner. Since late last season, Cleveland has achieved a 5-1 record in games started by either Flacco or Winston, while going 1-6 with Watson at the helm. Flacco wrapped up last season on a high note, throwing for 300 yards in four consecutive games, and Winston impressed with 334 yards in his latest outing.

Head Coach Kevin Stefanski has faced mounting criticism for his steadfast support of Watson, despite the quarterback's noticeable decline in performance. Watson hasn’t thrown for more than 300 yards in a game since the 2020 season and has not even surpassed 200 yards in a single game this year. Despite these struggles, Stefanski remained defensive about the decision to stick with Watson. "I'm not really thinking that way," Stefanski remarked when questioned about his decision-making. "I thought Jameis did a nice job yesterday."

The call to keep Watson in play raises significant questions, particularly given the substantial $230 million guaranteed contract the Browns signed him to—one of the most controversial trades in NFL history. This stubborn loyalty to Watson's failing on-field performance left many wondering if team owner Jimmy Haslam had influence over the decision.

The Browns' organizational choices reached a low point when they opted to put Dorian Thompson-Robinson on the field in Week 7 instead of Winston, following Watson's injury. Thompson-Robinson's disappointing performance, completing only 11 of 24 passes for 82 yards and throwing two interceptions, highlighted another missed opportunity for the Browns.

Cleveland now faces an uphill battle to make the playoffs, needing to win at least seven of their remaining nine games. Winston's capability to lead the team to victories is evident, as demonstrated in the win against the Ravens, but his tendency for critical mistakes remains a concern.

This season has illuminated significant flaws in the Browns' management and decision-making processes, leading to frustrated fans and players alike. With playoff aspirations hanging by a thread, Cleveland's late pivot to more reliable quarterbacks underscores a season of missed opportunities and questions about accountability within the organization.