News - Deshaun Watson Unbothered by Fans, Concentrated on Browns' QB Competition

Deshaun Watson, the seasoned quarterback of the Cleveland Browns, remains unfazed by potential boos from fans during the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. Instead, Watson is committed to showcasing his competence as a potential starter. "I don't care," Watson said regarding the expected fan reaction. His focus lies in proving his ability and improving his game. Despite being uncertain about fan support, Watson has his eyes set on perfecting his skillset, understanding that the Browns' front office and Coach Todd Monken will ultimately decide his fate based on performance. This upcoming game marks Watson's first appearance at Browns' Huntington Bank Field since his Achilles injury on October 20, 2024. Having missed both the 2024 and 2025 seasons due to the injury, Watson is back in the mix, vying for the starter position against rising contender Shedeur Sanders. Watson's previous tenure in Cleveland didn't quite live up to his stellar Houston era. Despite a record of 9-10 in Cleveland, he once dazzled as a three-time Pro Bowler in Houston, where he amassed notable stats. The level of accomplishment in Cleveland has not yet matched that previous achievement. In the Browns' recent preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Watson's performance was moderate, with 126 passing yards and neither touchdowns nor interceptions. His direct competitor, Sanders, will have his opportunity to shine on Saturday, leading the team before Watson enters the game in the third quarter. As Watson finds himself in the final year of his significant five-year, $230 million contract, the battle for the starting position sharpens. Although Watson possesses a wealth of NFL experience, Sanders has proven to be a formidable opponent, making Watson's path to reaffirming his role as the starter more challenging. Success in the next two preseason games will be critical to determining Watson’s role in the upcoming season.