Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson looked nothing like his normal self during his awful performance in Sunday's Week 1 win over the Dallas Cowboys.
Cleveland was blown out 33-17 at home, and Watson struggled to find an offensive rhythm throughout the game.
There was some skepticism about the 28-year-old Watson entering this season, as the Browns offense thrived last season under veteran Joe Flacco after Watson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.
Flacco is currently with the Colts, but calls to replace Watson are already beginning to emerge.
“I've thought a lot about Jameis. [Winston]”, Posted by ESPN's Dan Orlovsky About X.
The Browns signed Winston in March, and the former first-round draft pick is an attractive option given the potential he's shown so far, even if turnover concerns always come with it.
Watson lacked pocket awareness throughout the game and made multiple errant passes despite the pressure he faced.
“Deshaun Watson's in-game feel isn't what it used to be” Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer He said of X: “On fourth down, he didn't seem to notice and the rusher got to him. Not good.”
According to the Associated Press, Watson sat quietly alone in the locker room after the game and was consoled by general manager Andrew Berry.
It's been a heartbreaking week for Watson ahead of the match.
His father died on Friday and his former Clemson University teammate, Diondre Overton, was murdered on Saturday.
“Football is definitely something we take very seriously, it's our jobs, it's our careers,” Watson said. Associated Press“But there's more to it than this. It's been a long week and they gave me the opportunity to go home, but I told them I wanted to be here with my guys.”
Watson finished with a 24-45 record, one touchdown and two interceptions, while the Cowboys focused their defense on a poor Browns team.
Fans booed Watson and the team throughout their poor performance in Week 1.
“Browns fans have been booing Watson ever since he got to Cleveland,” a Cleveland sports radio host said. Posted by Anthony Lima of 92.3 The Fan About X. “This is the most unique relationship a team's fans have with a high-priced QB. He has 16 games to turn this around. If he doesn't, this will be the biggest 'failed' story in the history of professional sports.”
Watson's contract greatly complicates any decisions the team makes going forward.
The fully guaranteed contract means he can't be released without making the NFL's highest salary-cap hit of $72.9 million in 2025 next season.
“You can't trade him. You can't waive him.” Henry McKenna, Fox Sports Posted by X. “So if we bench him, we're going to have to keep him on the suspended list for the whole year, like a scarlet letter.”
Cleveland travels to Jacksonville in Week 2 to face a porous Jaguars defense as Watson tries to bounce back.
