Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) looks to pass during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field.
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The Cleveland Browns and head coach Todd Monken have opted to deploy captains on a week-to-week basis this year, rather than instill season-long captains. The team is young and still trying to figure things out, and Monken believes there are more leaders on the team than just five.
Monken will name two offensive, two defensive, and one special teams captain each week, and Deshaun Watson is one of the offensive representatives during Week 1. Despite Watson being the team's starting quarterback, the decision comes as somewhat of a surprise. The trade for the former Houston Texans player, and the record-setting contract that came to follow, have been disastrous for Cleveland.
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Watson has had numerous devastating injuries and a big suspension in Cleveland. Plus, his off-the-field history is far from flawless. Furthermore, Watson was recently in hot water when he disrespected Browns fans just days before being named the starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders.
It wouldn't come as a surprise if Sanders overtakes Watson as the starter and a captain at some point this season. The same could be said about Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green, considering Cleveland's ever-revolving door at the QB position. For now, though, Watson will be counted on as a leader of a clearly rebuilding team. The Browns traded away Myles Garrett in the offseason. Fresh off breaking the sack record, Garrett was one of the best players in franchise history and a clear leader. If players don't step up to fill the leadership void this season, the Browns could struggle to win games.