There’s a slightly common misconception that quarterback Ty

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Tyrod Taylor , taking risks and throwing the ball down the field player who makes smart decisions and doesn’t take many risks down the field.While that may have been somewhat true in the past, Taylor’s “avoidance” of throwing the ball downfield is “overstated,” according to Football Outsiders’ Aaron Schatz.“Last year, Taylor threw 16 percent of passes over 15 yards downfield,” Schatz wrote in response to the Dawgs By Nature Staff’s questionnaire sent to Football Outsiders. “That ranked 24th among 35 quarterbacks with at least 200 attempts. Below average, but not last.“You know who was last? Aaron Rodgers.”Tell me that’s not at least a little bit surprising. When you think of Rodgers, you marvel in your mind about his big arm and ability to make the big plays down the field.And there is another common misconception that throwing the football down the field is the only way to successfully execute a passing game. But that’s not entirely true, and it’s not an automatic precursor for success.Schatz highlighted a player we’re all familiar with who finished third in the NFL on such “deep” attempts last season.DeShone Kizer constantly threw the ball down the field under Hue Jackson’s play-calling last season , and we all know how that turned out. It blew up in flames, leaving tons of question marks about Jackson’s judgment in managing his rookie signal-caller.While Taylor’s probably not going to go deep as often, hopefully because Todd Haley doesn’t put his quarterback in that position, the Browns are loaded with potential playmakers who can stretch a football field.Throwing the ball deep is essential to maintaining balance and keeping defenses honest. That much we do know, which means the long ball is more a tool than it is the entire toolbox.“Trust me, Taylor will make enough deep attempts to keep the offense on schedule and keep opponents from constantly playing both safeties in the box,” Schatz concluded.The best we can hope for this season is the Browns field a balanced offense that takes measured and calculated risks. Taylor seems to be a guy who is capable of playing within his system and taking those shots when he has to.After seeing glimpses of the passing game in Week 1, then the rushing attack in Week 2 , we’ll hopefully learn more about how the Browns offense will operate as their starters are likely going to play the entire first half against the Eagles this week.Browns sign veteran OG Earl Watford On Tuesday, the Cleveland Browns signed veteran offensive guard Earl Watford, according to multiple reports.A fourth-round pick in 2013 by the Arizona Cardinals, Watford spent four seasons with the club, starting 21 games (including 2 games in 2017) at both guard positions and right tackle.Watford signed with the Chicago Bears this offseason, and it was considered a moderate surprise when they cut him the other day, although the writing appeared to be on the wall with recent reports indicating that Chicago had been trying to trade him.Cleveland’s offensive line is constructed with versatile linemen who can play multiple positions, and Watford adds even more flexibility to the group. When looking at roster cuts , it’s always important to have backup linemen who can play multiple spots in order to minimize the amount of players the team must keep at the position.The Browns could be giving Watford a heavy look this Thursday against the Detroit Lions. Why? Because Spencer Drango and Austin Corbett have been playing just about every snap at the guard positions this preseason, so the team doesn’t have much film of their depth on tape. Watford isn’t that big of a name to where he’ll be guaranteed to make the 53-man roster, but you would figure that Cleveland wouldn’t sign a veteran player this close to roster cuts without giving him serious consideration for making it.Once the signing becomes official, a corresponding roster move should be coming so the Browns stay within the limit of a 90-man roster.