As the Cleveland Browns grapple with their offensive woes early in the season, all eyes are on Deshaun Watson, the quarterback brought in to reignite the franchise. While the Browns sit at a disappointing 1-2, with a total of just 50 points over three games, the question of how to revitalize their attack has naturally arisen. Cleveland’s low-scoring start has sparked discussions about whether Watson should lean more into his dual-threat abilities, particularly by using his legs more often in designed runs. However, Watson has made one thing clear: that’s not the direction he’s looking to take.

Contextually, the Browns are facing significant challenges, with their ground game particularly hindered by the absence of star running back Nick Chubb, who is sidelined with a knee injury. Through three weeks, Cleveland has only rushed for 287 yards, with Watson accounting for 85 of those. Despite his history as one of the NFL’s most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks, Watson is hesitant to shoulder more of the load in the run game. His perspective? He’s not trying to be a running back.

When asked by reporters whether more designed runs could help the offense get back on track, Watson was blunt. “I’m not going to ask for more designed runs,”Watson said. “If I don’t need to run, I won’t. My job is to make plays happen with my arm, not my legs.” This response came after speculation grew that Watson could use his athleticism to jump-start Cleveland’s lackluster offense.

Watson’s reluctance is rooted in his view of himself as a pure quarterback first. “I’m not a running quarterback in the traditional sense,” he continued. “I can move around when needed, but my specialty is throwing the ball, reading defenses, and making decisions. That’s what I’m here for.” This stance reinforces that while Watson is capable of making plays with his legs, it’s not something he wants to rely on, especially given the hits that come with running in the NFL.

Through three games, Watson’s numbers haven’t matched the expectations set when the Browns traded for him. He’s thrown for 551 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions, with a passer rating of 71.4 – placing him 27th among league quarterbacks. The struggles have raised concerns about how Watson is adjusting to his role, especially after his dynamic years with the Houston Texans, where he was regarded as one of the premier dual-threat quarterbacks in the game.

Watson’s evolution: From dual-threat star to pocket passer

Watson’s reluctance to run is a shift from his early career, where designed quarterback runs were more common. In his first four seasons with the Texans, Watson averaged 5.7 rushes per game. Now, he’s down to 4.7 attempts per game, a significant drop for a player once considered in the same league as other dual-threat stars like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson.

Despite the lowered rush attempts, Watson remains one of the few quarterbacks in NFL history to accumulate multiple seasons with 400 rushing yards and 4,000 passing yards. He shares that distinction with notable names like Russell Wilson, Steve Young, and Josh Allen. But in Watson’s eyes, his skill set goes far beyond his ability to run, and that’s what he’s aiming to showcase.

As the Browns prepare for their Week 4 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, the pressure is mounting for Watson and the Cleveland offense to find their rhythm. Without Nick Chubb to carry the load on the ground, the team will need to find other ways to keep defenses off balance. But one thing is certain: Watson won’t be asking for more designed runs to solve the problem.

For Watson, the path to success is clear. “They brought me here to be a quarterback, not a runner,”Watson said. “I’m going to stick to that.” Whether his arm can carry the Browns through the season remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Watson is focused on finding solutions from the pocket, not the backfield.