Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) reacts after failing to convert on third down during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Huntington Bank Field, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio. Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK

Deshaun Watson questioned after latest ugly performance

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Sep 8, 2024 7:53 PM ET

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is once again facing questions after an ugly season-opening performance against the Dallas Cowboys.

Watson on Sunday showed little to convince anyone that he can recapture the form he had while a member of the Houston Texans. Media members highlighted multiple poor decisions throughout the game, most notably his lack of awareness regarding the Dallas pass rush.

Deshaun Watson's in-game feel just isn't there the way it was. On that fourth down, he seemed unaware, and let the rusher get to him. Not good.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) September 8, 2024

Watson’s first-half passing chart offered almost nothing downfield, with all of his completions coming within about six yards of the line of scrimmage.

This is Deshaun Watson's passing chart from the first half. pic.twitter.com/r7Gee2HQDV

— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) September 8, 2024

One viral image showed how Watson did not even seem to notice a wide-open Amari Cooper downfield on a fourth-and-4.

Not usually a screenshot guy, but this is Deshaun Watson's teammate, Amari Cooper, on 4th-and-4 pic.twitter.com/O0q1QDqLLI

— Steve Palazzolo (@StevePalazzolo_) September 8, 2024

To be fair to Watson, he was hassled by the Dallas pass rush all day. However, the numbers are still ugly, as he threw for one touchdown and a pair of interceptions while falling short of 200 yards passing.

The Browns cannot do much except hope Watson somehow recovers his old form, which he has not really demonstrated at any point since the team acquired him. His $230M contract is fully guaranteed, and when he has not been hurt, he has been ineffective. It’s tough to see where he and the team go from here.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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