Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson
Mary Kay Cabot Warns Browns Their Playoff Hopes Could Depend on Protecting Deshaun Watson 1
Mary Kay Cabot sees a clear path for the Cleveland Browns; however, it starts with keeping the veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson upright. The Browns have ripped off three straight wins after their Week 1 loss and now sit at 3-1, with Watson playing his best stretch since arriving in the Browns. The offense has also found more explosiveness, particularly through rookie receiver Denzel Boston.
Yet, Cabot believes that the Browns cannot afford to let that progress rest entirely on Watson. Speaking with Ken Carman and Anthony Lima on October 8, the longtime Browns reporter pointed to the run game and Watson’s health as major factors in the Browns’ playoff hopes.
Mary Kay Cabot Identifies Deshaun Watson’s Health as Browns’ Key
Deshaun Watson
Jun 11, 2026; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Cabot’s message was straightforward: The Browns have a real chance to make the postseason; however, Watson needs to stay healthy while the offense continues developing around him.
“They have a chance to make the playoffs, but the key here is to keep Deshaun as healthy as possible.”
➡️ Mary Kay Cabot w/ @KenCarman & @SportsBoyTony on what the Browns offense still needs to improve and why the run game has to take pressure off Deshaun Watson.#Browns pic.twitter.com/FULKbc2zdU
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) October 8, 2026
That concern makes sense given how much Watson has carried during the Browns’ three-game winning streak. He completed 24 of 33 passes for 268 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in the Browns’ 27-24 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 1.
Watson has also delivered when the Browns needed him most. Through four games, the veteran has completed 69.6% of his passes for 855 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions.
That recent form has also quieted some of the quarterback noise surrounding the Browns. Watson entered the season with Shedeur Sanders behind him and plenty of questions about how long he would remain the starter. Four weeks in, the conversation looks very different.
Except Cabot believes that the Browns need to make Watson’s job easier, rather than simply asking him to keep producing late-game magic. The run game needs to shoulder more of the workload and prevent the offense from becoming too dependent on the quarterback.
The Browns also have a major advantage in developing outside him. Boston has exploded onto the scene with 13 catches for 284 yards and two touchdowns, while KC Concepcion has emerged as another reliable option. Boston’s 21.8 yards per catch has given Watson a legitimate downfield weapon.
Watson has credited that growing chemistry, too.
“The more we play, the more we get more reps, the more confidence we build in each other. And that chemistry continues to build.But as far as just kind of me looking for him directly, I think just kind of going through the game plan, depending on what play is call and what coverage we’re getting. “ (Via HEAVY)
The Browns now travel to face the 1-3 New York Jets on October 11. A fourth straight victory would push Cleveland to 4-1 and further strengthen the belief that Monken’s first season could turn into something meaningful. For Cabot, though, the formula is pretty simple. Keep Watson healthy, get more from the ground game, and continue surrounding him with the young weapons already changing the offense.