Browns fall 34-10 to Jaguars in season opener as Watson returns
Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson made his first start in 22 months, completing 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards, one touchdown and one interception in a 34-10 loss to Jacksonville. New head coach Todd Monken and defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg also debuted.
Deshaun Watson returned to the starting lineup for the Browns after a 22-month hiatus, but the team was defeated 34-10 by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the season opener on Sunday. Watson completed 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards, threw one touchdown and one interception, and added six rushes for 38 yards, most of his production coming after the game was out of reach.
Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw for 245 yards and four touchdowns, earning a passer rating of 150.6. The Jaguars extended their winning streak to nine games, while the Browns fell to 3-24-1 in opening-week contests since 1999.
The Browns' new head coach Todd Monken and defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg saw their debuts marred by early turnovers, including Watson’s interception on the opening drive and a strip-sack on the third series. The defense, billed as a “violent” unit, recorded no sacks and allowed three touchdowns in the first half, matching the most points the team has given up in a half since 2017.
Penalty issues also hampered Cleveland; the team incurred multiple holding, false-start and delay-of-game penalties that stalled a promising drive before halftime. Injuries to offensive lineman Zion Johnson and running back Dylan Sampson further limited the Browns' options.
Watson connected with rookie Denzel Boston for a 46-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter, but the score came after the Jaguars had already built a decisive lead. The Browns will travel to Tampa Bay next week for their second game.