Deshaun Watson’s relationship with Cleveland Browns fans has changed dramatically from preseason to the ongoing three-game winning streak.
Cleveland improved to 3-1 on the season with a 27-24 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night, making it three wins in a row for the Browns after they dropped their season opener.
Watson addressed the shift from being booed by Browns fans during the final preseason game to receiving their support during the past few weeks, crediting God for the turnaround.
“It’s all God,” Watson said. “I just let him take the wheel, and he controls everything else. Nothing changed. I think just being able to show my character, show who I am as a person. Speak the truth, continue to pray, do everything right, and live right. Try to win games and play good football. I let him control everything else.”
Watson was booed during Cleveland’s Aug. 22 preseason game against the Buffalo Bills and later called the reaction “disrespectful.” Seven weeks later, Cleveland introduced him last before Thursday’s game to applause.
Watson said he wants to continue building that relationship as the Browns win.
“It’s a great opportunity, great moment,” Watson said. “I want to continue to ride this wave with the fanbase, and the city and the organization. We’re 3-1, and that’s a great feeling. We’re doing it for the city.”
Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Watson completed 24 of 33 passes for 268 yards, one touchdown and one interception against Pittsburgh. The quarterback led the Browns to the win by completing four consecutive passes on Cleveland’s final possession, helping set up Andre Szmyt’s winning 56-yard field goal with 10 seconds remaining.
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“It was electric. It was amazing,” Watson said. “From the time we came out pregame, it was super dope to be called out, hear the crowd and feel the energy.”
The Browns will next visit the New York Jets on Oct. 11 at 1 p.m. ET.
