Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson acknowledged a strained relationship with the team's fanbase after being booed during a recent home game. Watson, who has faced criticism for his performance and a significant contract with limited on-field production, stated that the fan reaction felt disrespectful and that he reciprocates the feeling.
"It's a disrespectful thing," Watson said of the fan reaction. "So, yeah, I mean, I'm going to keep whatever I feel with me and my family internally on how I feel about that."
Watson's comments came after a preseason game where he struggled, completing 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards and throwing an interception. This performance followed a period where he was sidelined by injuries, including a torn Achilles suffered on that same field. Watson also recalled that the same fanbase cheered when he was injured.
Despite his efforts to connect with the community through charity work and dedication to returning to the field, Watson feels his actions have not endeared him to the fans. "I guess it hasn't," he added. "So that's why I say it's more, it's personal."
Quarterback Competition Intensifies
The fan sentiment adds another layer of pressure as Watson competes with Shedeur Sanders for the starting quarterback position. Coach Todd Monken has indicated that the decision will be based on performance.
Sanders had a more successful outing in the same game, completing 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards with one touchdown and one interception, playing the entire first half with backup players against the Buffalo Bills' second and third units. Watson played in the third quarter with similar backup units.
Monken emphasized that playing good football is the key to quieting any negative reactions. "Let's play good quarterback. Let's play good on offense, play good as a team, and then you don't have to worry about all that," Monken said.
The Browns organization aimed to name a starter by the beginning of the following week, but the timeline remains uncertain. Watson, half-jokingly, suggested that if he earns the starting role, he might feel like he's playing 17 away games due to fan reactions. However, Monken noted that Sanders offered "a lot there to like" with his confident play and improved decision-making, and notably, he did not receive boos from the home crowd.