Players back ‘electric’ Watson 100 percent

New Browns QB is at OTA amid controversity

“The throws he makes are incredible.” Nick Chubb on Deshaun Watson.

A new era of Browns football with Deshaun Watson being paid handsomely to lead them to a Super Bowl has officially begun.

Voluntary organized team activities, better known as OTAs, started May 24 at the team’s training complex in Berea. The practice sessions are open to the media one day a week. May 25 was that day this week, as will the next two Wednesdays before

Online: Check out Tim Phillis’ photo gallery of the Browns’ OTA in Berea on May 25 mandatory minicamp June 1416.

What unfolded for about 90 minutes was a reminder that the show always goes on.

A year ago, Baker Mayfield was the starting quarterback. He was excited for OTAs and eager to build on the Browns finishing 11-5 in the 2020 regular season and winning a playoff game for the first time since 1994. Instead of building on that success, the Browns regressed and finished 8-9. The Browns front office concluded a quarterback change was necessary.

Now, Mayfield is back home in Austin, Texas, or maybe somewhere else. But he definitely is not in Berea. Nor are Case Keenum and Nick Mullens — Mayfield’s backups last season. Keenum now plays for the Buffalo Bills. Mullens is on the Las Vegas Raiders’ roster.

So instead of Mayfield, Keenum and Mullens throwing passes in OTAs, it was Watson, Jacoby Brissett and Joshua Dobbs stealing the show — especially Watson.

Watson has legs like those of a thoroughbred racehorse. He effortlessly threw deep passes.

Most importantly, Watson has won over his new teammates. Whatever private opinions they might hold about the 22 women suing him for alleged sexual misconduct, they 100 percent endorse what he can do on the field.

“He’s been great,” running back Nick Chubb said after practice.

TIM PHILLIS - FOR THE NEWS-HERALD Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson passes during organized team activities May 25.