Watson’s starting record as a quarterback in 2023 is somewhat misleading, too: In three of his wins, the Browns’ defense allowed a combined total of just six points. In another win, Watson exited early due to injury. He truly won just one of those games primarily on his own merit, a 33-31 comeback victory in Baltimore — which was also Watson’s final start of 2023.

The lasting image of Watson in 2023 was that performance, which may have provided Browns fans with fool’s gold-quality hope.

Watson, meanwhile, isn’t spending any time reflecting on last year.

“Honestly, man, I don’t even look at those six starts. It’s a new year, it’s a new season,” Watson said. “… You’ve got to focus on Week 1. In this system and this league, (if) you’re focusing on last year, you’re going to get left behind.”

Much of Cleveland’s 2024 campaign will rest on Watson’s shoulders, one of which is returning from a season-ending glenoid fracture. There’s no telling whether he’ll be able to deliver and make good on the massive investment the Browns made on him in 2022.

If you asked Watson whether he’s up for the challenge, he’d answer affirmatively, just as he did when asked if he believes he can still be an elite passer.

“Of course,” he said. “No doubt.”

The time is now for Watson to do so, though. Otherwise, Cleveland might be in the market for a signal-caller in 2025. Such a pursuit begins with the Browns’ Week 1 date with Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.