Deshaun Watson suspension provides supreme test for Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski

BEREA — Kevin Stefanski may soon learn that leading the Browns through the uncertainties of a pandemic on his way to 2020 NFL Coach of the Year honors was nothing compared to the challenges ahead.

He may think he already knows.

Even the limitations created by quarterback Baker Mayfield’s left shoulder injury in Week 2 last season may pale in comparison.

Deshaun Watson’s six-game suspension — pending a decision by the league on whether to appeal and the NFLPA's possible response — was not as harsh as the punishment that could have come from former U.S. District judge Sue L. Robinson. If backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett can avoid turnovers, the Browns have the talent to succeed, especially with the easiest stretch of the schedule in the first four games.

Cleveland Browns news: Browns QB Deshaun Watson suspended six games for violating NFL policy

But the six weeks before the Sept. 11 opener, the stretch with Brissett at the helm, and Watson’s possible return for Weeks 7-8 before a Nov. 6 bye will test third-year head coach Stefanski perhaps as never before.

And in Browns Town, there is always unexpected turbulence.

Deshaun Watson suspended for six games over sexual misconduct accusations. What's next?

How will he juggle training camp practice reps between Watson, who hasn’t played in the NFL since Jan. 3, 2021, and Brissett? Will Watson get the bulk of the snaps with the first team for the next three weeks because he’s still learning a new system?

When will the focus turn to the season kickoff at Carolina with Brissett at the helm? Will that come in the two weeks between the Aug. 27 preseason finale and the game against the Panthers?

Watson suspension analysis: Onus completely on Cleveland Browns' Deshaun Watson, on and off field: Suspension takeaways

Could Josh Rosen, the 10th overall pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 2018 and 3-13 as an NFL starter, keep the team on track if needed? Will Josh Dobbs, a 2017 Pittsburgh Steelers’ fourth-rounder who has 17 pass attempts to his credit, beat out Rosen?

Above all, can Stefanski fashion a credible passing attack without Watson for at least six games? Can Stefanski help Brissett better his 14-23 starting record? Will bringing in quarterbacks with similar mobility skills as Watson’s aid in the transition?

Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski on Deshaun Watson: 'We need to get him ready to play games'

Stefanski said Monday the Browns will stick to their plan, but acknowledged they must establish Watson as the leader before flipping the switch to Brissett. Through five practices, Watson has taken the majority of first-team reps.

"More than anything he’s our starter, and we need to get him ready to play games," Stefanski said of Watson. "Jacoby’s our backup. We need to get him ready to play games.

Robinson's complete decision: Read Sue L. Robinson's decision on Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson in full

"Obviously, Week 1 with the suspension, we expect Jacoby to be in there. So there’s a point in our practice plan where we’ll shift gears if you will. But for right now, we feel comfortable with the plan that we have."

Will Stefanski be under pressure in 2022 NFL season?

In the long term, Stefanski is set up as the scapegoat if Watson, given a record-setting $230 million guaranteed contract, fails to produce a championship in Cleveland. Stefanski may be oblivious to that pressure now, but what if this season unravels? Owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam have more of a track record of blowing things up than staying the course.

General Manager Andrew Berry was doing the Haslams’ bidding when he gambled on Watson in March despite the 22 civil suits he faced for alleged sexual misconduct during massage appointments. That number grew to 24 before Watson settled all but four of them last month; he reached agreements with three more late Sunday night. The Houston Texans also settled with 30 women who made claims or were prepared to claim that the team enabled Watson.

Robinson calls Watson's behavior 'predatory': Highlights from Sue L. Robinson's ruling on Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson's suspension

Fan reaction to Watson suspension: Cleveland Browns fans ready to let Deshaun Watson's past slip into the distance

If this Browns' plan spectacularly fails, Berry will probably not take the fall.

If Watson cannot be nurtured to deliver success, it’s former coach of the year Stefanski who could become a street free agent. The last Browns coach to last three full seasons was Romeo Crennel (2005-08).

Kevin Stefanski's history with Baker Mayfield

There are unanswered questions about Stefanski’s relationship with Mayfield that might raise doubts in the minds of the Haslams.

Why didn’t Stefanski force Mayfield to sit last season when he was dealing with multiple injuries — including to his lower body that limited his rollout effectiveness? Why didn’t Stefanski feel comfortable turning to Case Keenum, 11-3 as a starter for the Minnesota Vikings in 2017, when Stefanski served as quarterbacks coach?

Playoff hopes still alive: With Deshaun Watson's six-game suspension, Cleveland Browns record first victory of 2022

Why did it take eight games for Stefanski and Mayfield to pare down what they were doing to better maximize Mayfield’s talents in the 2020 season, when the Browns went to the playoffs for the first time since 2002 and won their first postseason game since Jan. 1, 1995?

Faith in Brissett: 'He's going to be ready': Jacoby Brissett's current, past teammates confident in his ability

Why did Mayfield mention “freedom” in the offense twice during his introductory Zoom news conference with the Carolina Panthers after being traded on July 6? Did a penchant for freelancing break the trust with Stefanski? If that were the case, why couldn’t Stefanski get through to Mayfield?

Stefanski has seemed in tune with Watson, although it’s hard to tell with Watson’s limited interaction with Northeast Ohio media and Stefanski's reluctance to reveal details. But there will be intense pressure on both when Watson returns.

Season will show if the Cleveland Browns have found franchise coach, quarterback

The Browns were in lockstep in 2020, bonded by the perils and ever-changing protocols of the pandemic. Last year, some players questioned the Browns’ brotherhood, although those who spoke in the first four days of camp this summer said that has improved.

Per the collective bargaining agreement, Watson can practice through Sept. 3, then return to practice on Sept. 26. That is contingent on a possible NFL appeal, and any NFLPA response.

Stefanski addresses Watson suspension: Cleveland Browns' Kevin Stefanski says Deshaun Watson 'working to be the best version of himself'

Nancy Armour column: Deshaun Watson gets laughable suspension from Sue Robinson as NFL fumbles its case | Opinion

The on-off-on availability of Watson will challenge the offense's cohesion. It will reveal whether Stefanski can keep the team bonded, whether he can navigate the constant drama that has reached new heights during the Haslam regime.

The Browns believe they found their franchise quarterback in Watson. This season we may learn whether they have their franchise coach as well.

Marla Ridenour can be reached at mridenour@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MRidenourABJ.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Deshaun Watson suspension creates juggling act for Browns