Browns lose 34-10 to Jaguars as Watson struggles in season opener
Cleveland fell to Jacksonville 34-10, with quarterback Deshaun Watson completing 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards, a touchdown and an interception, while head coach Todd Monken said the team must address broader issues beyond the quarterback.
Cleveland opened its NFL season with a 34-10 defeat against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Quarterback Deshaun Watson completed 16 of 22 attempts for 205 yards, threw one touchdown and one interception, but his performance was marked by an early interception and several delay-of-game penalties.
Head coach Todd Monken said the team faces challenges that extend beyond Watson’s play, noting, "It’s not just him. We’re putting this on Deshaun, which is unfair." Monken added that the organization must evaluate the overall situation rather than treating the game as a week-to-week audition for the quarterback.
The loss follows a trade that brought Watson to Cleveland after two Achilles surgeries and a lengthy recovery period. Analysts highlighted concerns about Watson’s ability to establish a pocket and his timing on drop-backs, which have affected the offensive line’s protection schemes.
Cleveland’s coaching staff, which includes offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and former coordinators Bill Callahan and Ken Dorsey, has faced turnover in recent seasons. The team will look to improve its offensive execution in the upcoming weeks while considering roster adjustments.