Deshaun Watson is having the worst season in Browns history, and that’s saying a lot

The Cleveland Browns The team suffered its second loss of the season against the New York Giants in Week 2. The 21–15 defeat sparked widespread panic in Cleveland, particularly due to the performance of the team’s franchise quarterback.

When the Browns mortgaged their future in a trade for Deshaun Watson, they expected him to be the franchise quarterback for years to come. Instead, the controversial quarterback has struggled. Watson has amassed an 8-4 record in just 12 starts with the Browns since joining the team. He has completed 58.8% of his passes and has thrown for 2,217 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions.

There was hope that Watson could improve this season and return to the great quarterback he was during his time with the Houston Texans. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem likely to happen.

Watson’s EPA per drop through three games the worst for any Browns quarterback According to The Ringer’s Austin Gayle, it’s the first time to start a season since at least 2000.

That’s quite an accomplishment considering Cleveland has passed on a number of quarterbacks in that time. Brian Hoyer tops the list with his performance in 2014. That season, Hoyer completed 61 of 95 attempts for 716 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. It was a clean performance, but the Browns only won one of those three games.

As for Watson, he completed 67 of 116 passes for 551 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Those numbers, which average 183.6 passing yards per game, aren’t going to lead Cleveland to many victories.

Watson’s QBR of 23.2 is second worst Among all the playoff point guards this season, only Bryce Young has been worse, according to ESPN’s Seth Walder.

The only reason the Browns haven’t given up on Watson is because they signed him to an unprecedented five-year, $230 million deal that would be the first fully guaranteed contract in NFL history. Unless those guarantees was voided due to off-field issuesThe Browns will have to stay with Watson longer than they would like.

Watson is far from the team’s only concern. All-Pro guard Wyatt Teller could be placed on the injured list after suffering a Grade 2 MCL sprain. He will remain sidelined along with right tackle Jack Conklin, who was ruled out before the Week 3 game. Browns offensive linemen Hakeem Adeniji and Luke Wupler are also on the injured list. The Browns have allowed 16 sacks through the first three games, and injuries will make it even harder for Watson to find his rhythm.

When the Browns travel to play the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4, pass rusher Maxx Crosby will likely make life difficult for Watson. Another bad game could eventually land Watson on the bench. In his place, Jameis Winston will get the opportunity to inject some life into the Browns offense.