The Cleveland Browns found themselves in an unexpected spotlight following a stunning upset in college football, as the UMass Minutemen, who were 29.5-point underdogs, defeated Rutgers 37-21 in their season opener. This victory not only marked a significant turnaround for UMass, which had gone winless the previous season, but it also raised eyebrows regarding the performance of Browns quarterbacks coach Mike Bajakian, who was previously the offensive coordinator at UMass.
Entering the game, UMass was on a 16-game losing streak, having finished the last season with a dismal record of 0-12. However, their decisive win against Rutgers showcased a remarkable offensive display, with UMass quarterback Pop Watson completing 19 of 22 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns. The Minutemen scored on six consecutive possessions, a feat that left many questioning how Bajakian's tenure at UMass could have produced such a drastic change in performance.
Jack O’Rourke from BIGPLAY Cleveland highlighted the irony of Bajakian's current role with the Browns, stating, "After going 0-12 and not winning a single game last year, UMass walked into Rutgers’ building last night and beat them... The first thing you might think is, ‘Wow, great for the Minutemen.’ The second thing you might think is, ‘Hey, they probably got a good offensive coordinator this year.’” This comment underscores the skepticism surrounding Bajakian’s ability to guide Deshaun Watson and the Browns' offense as they prepare for their upcoming season.
In the wake of UMass's victory, O’Rourke connected the Minutemen's success to the pressure facing Watson and the Browns. He noted, “Would you ever think he’s the quarterback coach prepping Deshaun Watson to go against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1? That’s right. The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback coach is the 0-12 offensive coordinator from UMass.” This statement reflects the heightened scrutiny on Bajakian as he transitions from a struggling college program to a pivotal role in the NFL.
Despite the questions surrounding Bajakian, it is important to note that his coaching experience extends beyond his time at UMass. Previously, he served as the quarterbacks coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he worked with notable players like Jameis Winston. His coaching career also includes stints at various colleges, including Tennessee and Cincinnati. The Browns hired Bajakian in February after he briefly accepted a position at Michigan State, indicating that the franchise sees potential in his coaching abilities.
As the Browns gear up for their season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the spotlight will be on Watson, who has had a rocky start since joining the team in a blockbuster trade from the Houston Texans. Watson has a record of 9-10 as the Browns' starter and has faced significant challenges, including missing the entire previous season due to injuries. In a recent preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, Watson completed just 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards and threw an interception, drawing boos from the home crowd.
Head coach Todd Monken has expressed confidence in Watson, stating that he believes the quarterback gives the team the best chance to succeed. However, if the Browns struggle in their opening game, the questions about Bajakian’s past and its implications for Watson’s performance may resurface, adding pressure to an already critical season for the franchise.
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