Browns OL rips Eagles for 'cheap shots' on Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Browns OL rips Eagles for taking 'cheap shots' on Deshaun Watson during joint practice

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 8/15/23

Browns offensive lineman Joel Bitonio called out the Eagles following joint practice after Philadelphia defensive end Josh Sweat had a close encounter with Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson on the practice field.

"You're not supposed to do that," Bitonio said, later adding, "I mean, it's just in our practice, you protect the quarterback. You don't want to come close to the quarterback, you don't take cheap shots."

Per Eagles' Fan Nation reporter Ed Kracz, the hit on Watson came on the first play of 11-on-11 drills for the Browns offense when Sweat hit Watson's hand as he was going to throw.

Josh Sweat AGAIN. On Browns first play against Eagles D in 11 on 11, Sweat hits Watson’s hand as he throws. Ball flutters to ground. May have been a fumble if this wasn’t a control situation
— Ed Kracz (@kracze) August 15, 2023

Ideally, Bitonio will reserve some choice words for his fellow offensive linemen for allowing Sweat to get through to Watson in the first place.

But it's not shocking that Bitonio would vehemently defend his quarterback. It's promising for the Browns that the team has Watson's back. It's also good for them to show — when going against the league's best teams — that they won't back down.

Cleveland will need that aggressive edge to cut through a brutal AFC. Despite handing Watson an unprecedented five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract in 2022, having Pro Bowl talents at running back (Nick Chubb) and wide receiver (Amari Cooper), and former No. 1 overall pick Myles Garrett on defense, the Browns (+112) are expected to miss the playoffs according to OddsChecker.

ESPN's Football Power Index gives Cleveland a 38.5 percent chance of reaching the postseason. The Analyst is much more bullish on the Browns in its projections, giving them a 79.7 percent chance of making the playoffs.

For Cleveland to reach its full potential, it needs a healthy Watson. After Tuesday's practice, it's clear the team knows what he means to the offense.

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