The chatter around Deshaun Watson hasn’t really let up in Cleveland, and now it’s spilling into the Browns’ home opener against the 1-1 Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The question hanging over the game isn’t just how Watson will play - it’s whether the crowd will greet him with boos.
That possibility became a talking point all week on Cleveland sports-talk radio, especially after Watson recently said he did not want "to go to war with the fans" following his earlier criticism of some supporters for what he called "disrespectful" behavior tied to being booed during an August home preseason game.
On Thursday, Browns offensive coordinator Travis Switzer was asked what it might mean for Watson to step into that kind of atmosphere. Switzer kept the focus on preparation and the work Watson has put in behind the scenes.
"I think it’s just focusing on the process, and that’s all I’ve really seen Deshaun do since I’ve been around him," Switzer said about trying to keep Watson's confidence high following the signal-caller's controversial comments, per the Browns' website." He’s focusing on his preparation and what it takes to win.
There’s a lot of things and preparation that go into being able to win a football game in the NFL on Sundays. And that’s something that, from the time I’ve been around him, he’s been awesome with.
He really prepares, and I think that’s what gives him the confidence, and that’s why we’re also like, 'Let it rip, you know, you do prepare, man, you’re ready.'"
Watson’s status has been a moving target over the last couple of weeks. After he was named Cleveland’s Week 1 starter, he tried to dial back the comments about the preseason boos against the Buffalo Bills on Aug.
- Then, with some around the team and around town wondering on Sept. 18 whether second-year pro Shedeur Sanders would get the nod against Carolina, Watson answered with a strong showing in the Browns’ 23-19 win at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept.
- He completed 24-of-30 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns.
That performance has changed the conversation about Cleveland’s quarterback situation. Watson is now expected to remain the starter through at least the Week 4 home game against the rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Oct. 1, as long as he stays healthy. Switzer said the staff isn’t loading Watson up with any special messaging after that Buccaneers game.
"I think you just continue to do similar things, right, and continue to put our trust in him, which we always have, and just allow him to go play," Switzer added. "We’ve been encouraging him to go let it rip, and he’s been doing that, which has been really fun to watch."
For now, the spotlight stays fixed on Sunday. If Watson can quiet the crowd with his play against Carolina, it could shape the feel of the afternoon for everyone in the building. As of Friday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Browns as 2.5-point home underdogs against the Panthers.
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