How Deshaun Watson has improved his lower mechanics and footwork: Film Review (2024)

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The pressure on Deshaun Watson has been building since he arrived in Cleveland. Every practice, every repetition, and every throw is analyzed to the point of exhaustion. The Browns quarterback will be expected to lead the organization on a deep playoff run.

An elite quarterback is able to process extreme amounts of information quickly, have the arm talent to make throws from inside and outside the pocket, use different arm angles when needed, and use his feet to keep plays alive.

These traits combined with anticipation and accuracy separate the good from the great quarterbacks. I can say, without question, Watson has an abundance of natural skill combined with an exceptional work ethic. These two traits do not automatically mean success him, but they do give him a chance to return to his 2020 form.

Watson has always had outstanding fundamentals but after watching him for three years, both on film and in-person, three improvements really stick out to me this training camp.

1. Balance

Whether Watson is throwing from a set position in the pocket or is on the move from outside the pocket, he has great balance in his delivery. He is not leaning forward, backward, or side to side. This balance allows Watson to use his hips and create rotational force, which increases velocity and accuracy of the football.

Below is a look at the balance and rotational torque as Watson moves outside the pocket and completes a pass to Amari Cooper in a scramble drill.

2. Rotational force

Because Watson is balanced when he about to throw, he is able to rotate his hips and create rotational force or torque. As a right-handed quarterback, this means Watson will start with his left hip at his receiver and rotate his body toward that target. This rotational force will allow Watson to transfer his weight from his right side to his left left side.

Below, is a clip that demonstrates the balance and rotational force created by Watson as he completes a speed out to Cooper.

3. Weight transfer

This balance and rotational force allow Watson to transfer his weight from right to left or, more importantly, from his back foot to his front foot when he delivers the football. The weight transfer is the final step in the process of creating more velocity and accuracy with the lower body.

Below is a great look at Watson balancing in the pocket, creating rotational force with his hips, and transferring his weight from his right foot to his left foot. The play results in a long touchdown pass to Jerry Jeudy to end practice.

What we learned

To say this is a big season for Watson and the Browns is an understatement. The Browns need to get off to a strong start because of they have a difficult schedule the second half of the season.

Watson does not need to carry the load alone. Until he’s comfortable improvising, he should continue to focus on all the other things that make an elite quarterback.

Lance Reisland is the former coach at Garfield Heights High School, where he spent 18 seasons as an assistant for his father, Chuck, and four as head coach, from 2014 to 2018. In 2018, his team finished 11-1 and appeared in the OHSAA Division II regional semifinals. That team went 10-0 and made history as the first Garfield Heights team in 41 years to have an undefeated regular season along with beating Warren G. Harding for the first playoff win in school history.