The Browns finally know the length of Deshaun Watson's suspension, which will be six games after judge Sue L. Robinson handed down her decision Monday. Pending an appeal by the NFL, Watson will miss games against the Panthers, Jets, Steelers, Falcons, Chargers, and Patriots.
That ostensibly lines up his debut with against Browns division rival Baltimore on Oct. 23.
In Watson's absence, the Browns will be helmed by journeyman backup Jacoby Brissett, who is no stranger to starting games in the stead of starters. Indeed, he started an entire season for the Colts after the abrupt retirement of Andrew Luck left Indianapolis scrambling, posting a 7-8 record in 15 games. He also started for Luck in 2017 when the former Colts QB missed a season with a shoulder injury.
How good can the Browns be in six games with Brissett? Here's a breakdown of Brissett's experience and a look at the opponents that Cleveland will face with him as the team's primary quarterback.
MORE: Deshaun Watson suspended 6 games
Jacoby Brissett stats, experience
Brissett is no stranger to the field. He started two full seasons for the Colts, in 2017 when Luck missed the year with shoulder surgery and in 2019 after Luck abruptly retired. Brissett also started five games last year for the Dolphins went Tua Tagovailoa missed time with a rib injury.
When the Browns signed Brissett after it was clear they had alienated Baker Mayfield, there was always a bit of an eventuality he'd have to start some games, a position he is comfortable with.
Although Brissett can work and helm an offense, he's still a replacement-level starter, and his stats reflect that. The Browns could hardly splurge on a contingency plan.
| Players | Games | Games started | Completions | Attempts | Completion percentage | Yards | TDs | INTs |
| Jacoby Brissett | 60 | 37 | 727 | 1,208 | 60.2% | 7,742 | 36 | 17 |
Lucky for Cleveland, Watson is missing a less-than-difficult stretch of the Browns' schedule. Even a 2-4 record with wins in the first two games would benefit the Browns when Watson returns.
MORE: Browns QB depth chart: How Cleveland's passer situation looks with Deshaun Watson suspended
Browns schedule 2022
The Browns will be missing Watson for the first six games of the season against the Panthers, Jets, Steelers, Falcons, Chargers and Patriots. The Panthers, Jets and Falcons games all appear to be winnable on paper whereas the Steelers, Chargers and Patriots could all pose problems.
If the Browns come out .500 (or even 4-2 if the Steelers' QB room doesn't get figured out) they'll be in a great position as Watson makes his first start against the Ravens.
| Week | Date | Opponent | Kickoff time |
| 1 | Sept. 11 | at Panthers | 1 p.m. ET |
| 2 | Sept. 18 | vs. Jets | 1 p.m. ET |
| 3 | Sept. 22 | vs. Steelers (Thursday) | 8:15 p.m. ET |
| 4 | Oct. 2 | at Falcons | 1 p.m. ET |
| 5 | Oct. 9 | vs. Chargers | 1 p.m. ET |
| 6 | Oct. 16 | vs. Patriots | 1 p.m. ET |
| 7 | Oct. 23 | at Ravens | 1 p.m. ET |
| 8 | Oct. 31 | vs. Bengals (Monday) | 8:15 p.m. ET |
| 9 | BYE | — | — |
| 10 | Nov. 13 | at Dolphins | 1 p.m. ET |
| 11 | Nov. 20 | at Bills | 1 p.m. ET |
| 12 | Nov. 27 | vs. Buccaneers | 1 p.m. ET |
| 13 | Dec. 4 | at Texans | 1 p.m. ET |
| 14 | Dec. 11 | at Bengals | 1 p.m. ET |
| 15 | Dec. 17/18 | vs. Ravens | TBD |
| 16 | Dec. 24 | vs. Saints (Saturday) | 1 p.m. ET |
| 17 | Jan. 1 | at Commanders | 1 p.m. ET |
| 18 | Jan. 7/8 | at Steelers | TBD |
Bold = Games Watson is suspended for
MORE: Browns schedule 2022
The Browns have the easiest schedule in the NFL through the first six weeks of the season by previous win-loss records, so they were fortunate in that regard. Watson also won't miss the Browns' bye week in Week 9 after a Monday Night Football bout with the Bengals on Halloween.
Ultimately, Brissett gives them a chance in at least three of these games and up to four. But he has been inconsistent as a starter. While not a turnover-prone player, he also isn't going to blow the lid off a defense. If nothing else, he at least levels the playing field early in the season.
