The Cleveland Browns are facing criticism for failing to prepare Deshaun Watson for the hostile reception that triggered his emotional postgame press conference.
Watson returned to Huntington Bank Field on Saturday for the first time since rupturing his Achilles against the Cincinnati Bengals in October 2024. Fans cheered while he was on the ground and eventually carted off after the injury.
The reception was no warmer nearly two years later. Watson was showered with boos after entering in the third quarter of Cleveland’s 31-7 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills.
His performance only intensified the reaction. Watson completed 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards with an interception over four possessions.
Watson said afterward that the boos were “personal” and “disrespectful,” arguing they had little to do with his performance. He repeatedly answered “I don’t know” when asked how he planned to handle what could feel like “17 road games” this season.
Cabot: Browns Had to Set Up Deshaun Watson for SuccessGettyBrowns quarterback Deshaun Watson greets quarterbacks coach Mike Bajakian.
Cabot argued on the “Orange and Brown Talk” podcast that the Browns did Watson a disservice by failing to prepare him for the moment, particularly if the organization was leaning toward naming him the starter.
“If you really thought that he was going to be your starting quarterback and that was the lean, then you have to set him up for success inside your stadium,” Cabot said. “The first time he comes back to the place where he was cheered when he was down on the ground with an Achilles in tears, if you didn’t think about that, then you were remiss.”
Cabot also believes the Browns should have prepared Watson for the questions he would face after the game.
“Deshaun Watson needed to be thoroughly prepared for what could happen at the stadium,” Cabot said. “He needed to be thoroughly prepared for the press conference and he should have been set up for more success than this.”
Browns Could Still Name Deshaun Watson the StarterThe growing chasm between Watson and Browns fans will not necessarily prevent him from being named the starter.
Head coach Todd Monken said Watson’s postgame comments will not factor into his decision between Watson and Shedeur Sanders. He expects to announce his QB1 on Monday.
View this post on Instagram“I still have a few things to weigh out,” Monken said. “We anticipate naming the starter tomorrow.”
Monken defended Watson for speaking honestly while acknowledging the quarterback was frustrated by his performance.
“We all want to be appreciated. He spoke from the heart, and I don’t ever blame someone that speaks from the heart,” Monken said. “If someone were to ask if I feel like he doesn’t have confidence, I don’t see that.”
The Browns will instead evaluate the entire competition rather than allowing one game or press conference to determine the outcome.
“I think even with yesterday, we have to take in the full body of work,” Monken said. “That’s just one opportunity that they had on the field, both of them. Just like the week before was an opportunity. Just like the practices against the Bills were an opportunity to showcase their ability and other’s ability and where they’re at this point and where we’re at as an offense.”
Sanders strengthened his case against Buffalo, completing 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He opened the game with eight consecutive completions and showed improved command of the offense.
Browns Face Another QB DecisionGettyBrowns rookieTaylen Green will play in the team’s preseason finale.
Naming a starter will resolve only one part of Cleveland’s complicated quarterback picture. The Browns have Watson, Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green on the roster. Carrying all four into the regular season would be unusual and leave one fewer spot available elsewhere on the 53-man roster.
Watson and Sanders are not expected to play in Thursday’s preseason finale against the New England Patriots. Gabriel will start, with Green also receiving a significant opportunity. Green has yet to play during the preseason after receiving limited work throughout training camp.
“I’m excited to see Taylen Green play,” Monken said. “I want to see him play and give him an opportunity to build on what he showed in the limited reps that he did get against the Bills.”
The Browns open the regular season on September 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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