Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson endured a difficult start to his return to regular-season play, throwing an interception on his fifth snap of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 13, 2026. The play occurred just after Watson had been named the team's starting quarterback by head coach Todd Monken.
Watson's performance in the opening drive was further compounded by an almost immediate second interception attempt on the subsequent possession, which was dropped by the Jaguars' Foyesade Oluokun. Later in the first half, he fumbled the ball while being sacked, though the Browns recovered it. By the end of the third drive, the Browns were down 14-0.
This outing marks Watson's first NFL game in 693 days following a torn Achilles tendon injury in January 2025. Despite a lackluster preseason and continued scrutiny from fans, Monken selected Watson as the starter over other potential candidates, including Shedeur Sanders. This decision has been met with surprise and criticism.
Watson has been a controversial figure for the Browns since his trade from the Houston Texans in 2022. He previously served an 11-game suspension and paid a $5 million fine after multiple accusations of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage therapy sessions. His on-field performance has also been hampered by injuries in recent years.
Online reactions to his early struggles were swift, with many fans expressing dissatisfaction and calling for him to be benched. Some predicted that Sanders would take over as the starting quarterback before long. These fan sentiments echo previous instances of discontent, including Watson's account of being booed by Browns fans in preseason, where he felt the cheers when he was injured were particularly disrespectful.
Monken addressed the decision to name Watson the starter, stating that fan reaction and Watson's personal comments about fan behavior were not factors. He emphasized that coaching decisions are aimed at putting the best product on the field and that fan frustration is understood, but ultimately, external voices do not dictate playing time.
Watson himself expressed optimism prior to the game, telling CBS Sports that he felt great, calm, and poised. He stated his readiness to execute and have fun, emphasizing a play-by-play approach regardless of outcomes. He acknowledged the challenge ahead and the need to earn the victory.