After a prolonged offseason quarterback battle, the Cleveland Browns opted to begin Deshaun Watson in Week 1. It went d.
Watson turned the ball over twice and was sacked 5 occasions within the s in opposition to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Regardless of these struggles, nevertheless, Watson was named the crew’s quarterback for its Week 2 recreation in opposition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
It’s a vital recreation for Watson, who should battle the narrative of taking over former Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield through the contest. It’s additionally Watson’s final likelihood to point out Browns followers one thing earlier than he — presumably — makes his first dwelling begin of the season.
When requested whether or not Watson feels strain to place up massive numbers in Week 2 to melt the blow of enjoying in entrance of the house crowd in Week 3, Watson stated he believes the excessive expectations being positioned on him are a a.
“Personally, I feel all that’s for the media. I feel the media has this expectation that I’m speculated to throw for 400 yards and 5 touchdowns each week. Till that occurs, I suppose it’s going to be the identical scenario. My job is to verify I’m working nicely so we are able to attempt to get a win and maintain transferring ahead from there.”
Whereas Watson was fast to put in writing off the thought, it wasn’t way back that he was booed by hometown followers. Watson ought to do not forget that nicely, as y with the way in which the followers greeted him through the crew’s second preseason recreation. Browns followers booed as Watson took the sphere. Followers booed even tougher after he threw an interception within the recreation.
Provided that response, there’s some strain on Watson to get it collectively forward of the Browns’ first dwelling recreation in Week 3. If he enters that recreation because the crew’s starter after two straight duds, Browns followers would possibly activate Watson the second he steps foot on the sphere.
Watson’s off-the-field points — which embody t by a variety of ladies — mixed along with his on-field struggles have put a highlight on the crew’s determination to experience with the veteran starter over the a lot youthful Shedeur Sanders.
Watson was — partially — picked for the beginning function on account of his skill to run the crew’s offense with out points. That didn’t come to fruition in Week 1, nevertheless.
Todd Monken on Week 1 operational points on offense.
"I didn’t anticipate that. I actually didn’t.
"The operation, as a lot because it was disappointing, was not the explanation we misplaced."
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) 6
Following Watson’s struggles in that recreation, there was a query as as to whether the crew would flip to him once more in Week 2. However head coach Todd Monken gave Watson a vote of confidence Monday, saying there “m.”
Regardless of that vote of confidence, Watson’s grasp on the beginning function is probably going tenuous. One other tough begin might put the Browns at 0-2 forward of the crew’s first dwelling recreation. If fan boos affected Watson within the preseason, it’s robust to think about the quarterback will deal with issues higher as soon as the video games truly imply one thing.
And if he can’t give Browns followers one thing to cheer in Week 2, these boos are going to rain down at a raucous stage in Week 3.
