'Focused on the now': Cleveland Browns seemingly unfazed by Deshaun Watson suspension

BEREA — With quarterback Deshaun Watson, the Browns were expected to be a Super Bowl contender, a force to be reckoned with in the AFC.

Seeing Watson suspended for 11 games on Thursday for violations of the NFL’s personal conduct policy did not snuff those dreams.

Asked Friday if the team’s goals are still achievable, second-year linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah said, “Yes. To put simply, absolutely.”

There may have been relief in the resolution of the Watson saga as backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett, a seven-year veteran with a 13-24 record as a starter for the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins, takes over. But even that reaction was couched.

“Never really thought about it like that,” four-time Pro Bowl receiver Amari Cooper said. “Just being present and whatever comes, that's what comes at us.”

Three-time Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb felt the same way.

“We take it day by day. At least we know now what we’re working with,” Chubb said. “It doesn’t really change much for us. No matter what happened, we were ready to play.”

That approach likely trickles down from even-keeled Browns coach Kevin Stefanski. So even though the Browns’ odds from SportsBetting.ag plummeted from 25-1 to 45-1 to win the Super Bowl, 11-1 to 20-1 to win the AFC, and from +275 to +475 to win the AFC North, Owusu-Koramoah said the team vibe didn’t change.

A backup with a sense of humor:'The Shaman': Cleveland Browns teammates gain 'wisdom' from Jacoby Brissett

“We were always set on focusing on the now, focusing on those things that we can control," he said. "And that’s always been the focus.

“[Watson’s] business is the things that he’s worried about, but the team is always behind him, the team has his back. Nevertheless, the vibe doesn’t change, the energy doesn’t change and we’re always focused on the now.”

The same betting site has the Browns’ win total dropping from 8.5 to 8, with them now favored to miss the playoffs.

Cooper still feels the excitement level surrounding the Browns’ postseason hopes, but doesn’t think that’s unusual.

“I think if you look across the league, you could say the same thing that you just said, have a talent-loaded roster,” Cooper said. “Not many players in the NFL that aren't talented, so we're optimistic. But we understand the intangible things we have to do to be successful, to get where we want to go.”

When the Browns agreed with the Dallas Cowboys on a trade for Cooper on March 12, since-traded Baker Mayfield was still their quarterback. On March 18, Watson changed his mind and chose the Browns as a trade destination. Now Cooper must adjust to Brissett, with General Manager Andrew Berry downplaying a possible deal for the San Francisco 49ers’ Jimmy Garoppolo.

“It’s just being where my feet are, being present, like I said before, never really mattered to me who I played with,” Cooper said. “I'm part of the Browns organization and I believe in the team.”

Browns owners morally bereft:Haslams sully Cleveland Browns franchise with their blind faith in Deshaun Watson

All during training camp, the Browns have tried to distance themselves from Watson, who has settled all but one of the 24 civil suits he faced for sexual misconduct and sexual assault during massage appointments while a member of the Texans. Now as they turn to Brissett, Chubb said the Browns are “very confident” in the backup.

“Jacoby’s a seasoned vet, he’s been in the league a long time, he’s made amazing plays, he’s played well wherever he’s been,” Chubb said. “There’s no doubt in our minds that he won’t be able to get the job done for us.

Brissett is not as much of a downfield passer as Watson. Brissett’s average yards per attempt is 6.4, Watson’s is 8.3, including 8.9 when he last played in 2020 for the 4-12 Texans.

Cooper said he and Brissett can stretch the field.

“Yeah, of course. Those numbers, when you just look at them on a piece of paper, they don't always tell the full story,” Cooper said of Brissett. “Here he has a lot of good receivers and a lot of good pass catchers that can do a lot with the ball after they get it in their hands, which helps with that stat you just named.

“This is a totally different situation, totally different team, totally different players around Jacoby and we've got his back. I know I'm going to put my best foot forward, try to always be open for him, make the job easy for him.”

As the Browns face the future with Brissett, Stefanski was not surprised that his players were seemingly unfazed by the news of Watson’s 11-game suspension, which would put him back on the field Dec. 4 at Houston.

“Our players come in here and we have work to do. I know on the outside it may not seem like that at times, but inside we really worry about what’s going on within our walls and on this practice field,” Stefanski said.

Watson maintains innocence:Bunker of denial: Browns QB Deshaun Watson should use suspension to accept culpability

That approach was part of the culture Stefanski instilled when he was hired in 2020, but Stefanski downplayed that.

“I know culture is a word that’s just thrown around a lot,” he said. “It’s just people. I think we just have the right people.”

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: Cleveland Browns focused after Deshaun Watson suspension