Deshaun Watson Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Browns will need franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson to return to old form if their championship dreams are to be realized this season.

Watson showed flashes last season but struggled to retain his old form after starting the season with an 11-game suspension for gross sexual misconduct during massage appointments.

Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt says Watson is starting to show “a little bit of swagger” in practice. Van Pelt was particularly impressed by a Watson throw to new receiver Elijah Moore on a seam route for a touchdown to end the practice.

“It’s been a long time, I will say that,” Van Pelt said, according to The Akron Beacon Journal. “And I’ve been around some good ones, but that was one I literally got goosebumps. I was like, ‘Wow, that was a tremendous throw and catch.'”

Van Pelt went on to speak highly of his quarterback.

“It’s just his confidence in the system itself, understanding of what we’re asking of him and how to communicate at the line of scrimmage, everything from protections to calling plays in the huddle,” Van Pelt said. “He’s improved tenfold since this time last year. … So, I mean, you see, it all starts to come together playing with a little swagger out there and having some fun.”

The Browns and Deshaun Watson open their season in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

[Akron Beacon Journal]