Watson looks to move past fan tension ahead of Browns home opener
The short version
- Watson will start for the Browns against the Panthers on Sunday.
- He was booed by home fans in a preseason loss to the Bills and called the reaction disrespectful.
- Watson said this week that he does not try to fight with fans and wants their support.
- He kept the starting job after playing well against Tampa Bay.
Deshaun Watson says he is focused on fan support, not conflict, as he starts for Cleveland against Carolina on Sunday.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is set to start Sunday's home opener against the Carolina Panthers, his first game in front of the home crowd since he was booed during a preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills in August.
Watson completed 5 of 12 passes for 35 yards and an interception in that game, and he called the fans' reaction "disrespectful" afterward. He also pointed out that Browns fans had cheered when he tore his Achilles on the same field. Some observers argued the team should part ways with him entirely.
Instead, Cleveland kept Watson as its starter. After a season-opening loss, he performed well enough against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to hold the job for Week 3 against Carolina.
Speaking to 92.3 The Fan this week, Watson said the August episode is behind the team and that there is good energy around the group. "I don't ever try to go to war with the fans," he said, adding that he is looking forward to the crowd's support and to getting a win for the city of Cleveland.
