Deshaun Watson is ready to feel the love from Cleveland Browns fans for Sunday’s home opener against the Carolina Panthers. After a preseason game at Huntington Bank Field where he was booed by his own supporters, the quarterback is now actively seeking their ‘energy’ and ‘support.’ This comes right after he delivered one of his best games in a Browns uniform in Week 2, a crucial turning point for both him and the team.
From Boos to Touchdowns: Watson’s Cleveland Comeback
Remember that preseason game against the Buffalo Bills? Yeah, it was a rough one for Watson. Fans let him hear it, loud and clear, and he called that response “disrespectful” and “personal” at the time, admitting his reaction was “borne out of emotions.” Talk about a rough start to the relationship! But things shifted dramatically in Week 2. The Browns pulled off a 23-19 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Watson was straight-up dealing. He threw for 238 passing yards and notched two touchdowns, showing exactly what he can bring to the field when he’s locked in.
Now, Watson is putting the past in the rearview mirror. He is not trying to “go to war with the fans,” stating via 92.3 The Fan that he’s “ready for support, ready to feel their energy, ready to get this big dub for the city of Cleveland and continue this great feeling that we have this week.” He’s clearly focused on building momentum, adding, “That’s my motto. Keep moving forward, finding ways to win on Sunday and take advantage of the opposing team and get a W.” That’s the mindset you want from your signal-caller, right?
No Backtracking: Why Every Sunday Matters
Watson is all about forward progress. He wants nothing to do with rehashing that rough preseason reception. “We’ve passed that,” he said, making it clear. “That’s back in the day. I don’t want to backtrack on anything.” You can feel the new energy he’s talking about within the locker room and the city itself. “We’re moving forward, there’s great energy now, there’s great energy this week within the locker room, within this city, so let’s continue to build on that.” This isn’t just talk. It’s about a player putting his performance where his mouth is and trying to unify a fanbase that had every right to be frustrated. He’s looking to come home against a “good opponent” in Carolina and “get a W” in front of their “great fans.”
The Browns do not get much rest after Sunday’s opener, either. They will host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night, a huge divisional matchup, before getting a few extra days off ahead of visiting the New York Jets in Week 5. Watson knows his play dictates his future under center, especially with Shedeur Sanders waiting to get another opportunity. Every snap, every pass, every Sunday is a prove-it moment right now. Let’s see if he can keep that positive energy rolling and turn those boos into cheers.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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