Canty Clashes with Smith Over Watson's Award Case

On Tuesday, Chris Canty voiced strong disagreement with Stephen A. Smith's assessment of Deshaun Watson as the Comeback Player of the Year. Smith argued that Watson is the current frontrunner, citing his role in leading the Cleveland Browns to five come-from-behind victories in the fourth quarter, propelling them to a 5-2 record.

Canty found Smith's declaration "uncomfortable to even say." The article details Watson's difficult road back after rupturing his Achilles tendon in October 2024 and re-injuring it in January 2025, causing him to miss the entire 2025 season. He returned as the starter this season after a competition with Shedeur Sanders.

Watson's statistics through seven games include 1,482 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions, with a 90.6 passer rating. Cleveland's wins have been close, with none exceeding a four-point margin. These victories include close calls against Tampa Bay, Carolina, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Tennessee. Notably, all wins have featured a Watson-led game-winning drive in the final quarter.

The Browns' next challenge is a crucial division game against Pittsburgh on Sunday, November 1st. This matchup is significant as Cleveland has not won a regular-season game in Pittsburgh since 2003, adding stakes to their pursuit of the AFC North lead.