Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns opened the 2026 season with plenty of questions surrounding their quarterback room, and Sunday’s loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars didn’t offer many answers. Cleveland managed just 10 points in a 34-10 defeat, a number that stood out considering 10 NFL teams scored at least 30 points in Week 1.
Watson, whose preseason battle with Shedeur Sanders dominated headlines all summer, finished the afternoon 16-of-22 for 205 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Despite the shaky outing, head coach Todd Monken confirmed this week that Watson will remain the starter for Week 2. The 30-year-old said Wednesday that his focus is now on getting Cleveland its first win of the season, brushing off the noise from a rough opener.
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
That noise hasn’t gone away, and as Monken walked through the tunnel with his players after Sunday’s loss, Browns fans made their preference clear, chanting “We want Shedeur” loud enough to carry over the broadcast.
The frustration only grew Wednesday when Watson pushed back on the idea that he needs a strong Week 2 showing to hold the job before Cleveland’s Week 3 home opener, calling that expectation media-driven.
“I think the media has this expectation that I’m supposed to throw for 400 yards and 5 touchdowns every week,” Watson said (h/t Ari Meirov), and NFL fans had plenty to say in response.
“Imagine explaining the state of Deshaun Watson and Dabo Swinney’s 2026 careers to someone in 2018,” one fan said.
“This guy literally couldn’t give an [expletive] at this point, last year of his contract, money in the bank, and complete contempt for the fans,” another added. “Not a Browns fan, but I sympathize with them – why would you give someone this unmotivated and uninterested the most important job on the field?”
“No buddy they just want you to be better Jacoby Brissett but I am starting to think it’s disrespectful to Jacoby to compare you to him 🤷🏿♂️,” another fan wrote.
“Problem is, he’s not going to get a win,” one fan pointed at a problem. “Dude sees an opposing helmet and runs for his life. Like he wants to get hurt again so he doesn’t have to play anymore. Got his money and he’s done. Don’t wish injury upon anyone but if you don’t wanna play then don’t play.”
“Nobody said 400 and 5. Let’s start with ‘move the chains.’ 💀,” another fan shared.
“Maybe let’s try 200 yards and 2 touchdowns first,” one wrote.
The Cleveland Browns will play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL regular season next Sunday.
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