Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson faces boos during preseason appearance
Deshaun Watson was booed by Cleveland fans as he struggled in a preseason game, highlighting the tense reception he may face in the regular season.
Deshaun Watson entered a preseason game at Huntington Bank Field to audible boos from the Cleveland crowd. The negative reaction continued through the third quarter as the quarterback completed limited plays. Watson's first two drives resulted in three-and-out possessions, and he threw an interception on his third series before ending a fourth drive with an incomplete fourth-down pass.
The Browns acquired Watson in a trade that involved multiple high draft picks and a five-year, $230 million contract. Since joining the team, Watson has appeared in 19 games over four seasons. The league suspended him for the first 11 games of the 2023 season following allegations of sexual misconduct involving several massage therapists.
Analysts note that the crowd’s response may persist into the regular season, including the team's first home game in Week Three, should Watson start.