Deshaun Watson going to have ‘man-to-man’ talk with Kevin Stefanski about future of offense, welcomes high expectations for 2023. Deshaun Watson quickly slammed the book shut on the 2022 season. Less than 24 hours after a 28-14 loss in the finale in Pittsburgh, his focus had shifted to the changes necessary for him and the Browns to finally meet expectations next season after going 7-10. The process started Monday with a discussion with coach Kevin Stefanski and will continue Tuesday with another meeting about an offense Watson expects to look “totally different” in 2023. “We’re going to have a man-to-man conversation, nothing negative or anything like that,” he said as players cleared out their lockers. “Just what can we do to be better offensively.”

Watson felt he couldn’t fully establish himself as a player or leader in his first year with the Browns because he was suspended for 11 games to open the season after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions. He was banned from Browns headquarters for six weeks and didn’t play until Dec. 4. “My next step in taking that leadership role is really stepping up there and really taking this whole locker room under my wings,” he said. “I’m looking forward to that. This year was kind of tough with being in the building, being outside the building, all the different changes and all the unknowns.”

Stefanski said he was undeterred despite going 15-19 over the last two seasons. “I am in no way discouraged for the future of this football team,” he said. “We are determined to put in the work this offseason to shape this team and make sure that we really are just playing good football come next September.” Watson is the key. The Browns gave up a net of five draft picks to acquire him from the Texans, then gave him a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract because they believe he can be among the elite quarterbacks in an AFC loaded with them. Watson went to the Pro Bowl in 2018-20 and led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards in 2020. This year he completed 58.2 percent — well below his career average of 67 percent — for 1,102 yards, 6.5 per attempt, seven touchdowns, five interceptions, 20 sacks and a 79.1 rating. He also rushed for a touchdown.

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