In what has been a challenging season for the Cleveland Browns' quarterback Deshaun Watson, both he and the team are feeling the pressure to revitalize their struggling offense. With a disappointing performance in the air, the question of whether his mobility could provide a solution has arisen.

During a Wednesday press conference, Watson faced inquiries about his running abilities and whether he believes that incorporating more designed runs into the offensive strategy could offer a boost. So far this season, Watson has run for just 85 yards on 14 attempts. This falls short of his previous seasons with the Houston Texans, where he frequently exercised his legs to make plays.

“I’m not going in there to ask them for more designed runs. If I don’t have to run, I’m not going to run,” said Watson, firmly establishing his intentions. He emphasized his role as a quarterback, stating, “I’m not trying to take any hits. I’m not a running quarterback in a sense. I can make things happen, but I’m not trying to run. I’m not a running back. They signed me to throw the ball, make decisions, and be a quarterback, not a runner.”

Complicating matters, Watson is recovering from shoulder surgery, making the prospect of increasing his run count less appealing. He added that he does not view it as a “high priority” for head coach Kevin Stefanski to create more opportunities for him to scramble.

As Watson currently ranks among the bottom of the league in essential passing metrics, the pressure mounts on Stefanski to devise a new game plan. If changes are not made soon, it is increasingly likely that the Browns' season will take a turn for the worse, potentially leading them into irrelevance as the weeks progress.

With the NFL season heating up, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close watch on whether Watson can rebound and lead the Browns back to form, or if they’ll have to recalibrate their expectations for the season ahead. Will Deshaun Watson’s arm reclaim its spotlight, or will we see a shift in strategy down the line? Only time will tell!