
Deshaun Watson had to battle hard against Shedeur Sanders during the NFL offseason as Todd Monken looked for the right quarterback to lead the Cleveland Browns in 2026. Sanders played in the final eight games of the 2025 season after Dillon Gabriel got injured. On the other hand, Watson was returning from an Achilles tendon injury that kept him out of the entire 2025 season.
Watson was able to beat out Sanders despite returning to competitive football after nearly two years away from the game. With the quarterback battle in the past, it was showtime for the veteran as the Browns played their first regular-season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. It was a crucial game for Watson as there were doubts surrounding him entering the game.
Unfortunately for Watson, it was a game that he would like to forget as soon as possible. The veteran failed to find his feet from the get-go as he threw an interception on the opening possession. The offense didn’t make his life easier as he was sacked five times over the course of the game.
Watson threw for 205 passing yards, including one touchdown and one interception. The veteran had no points in the first half, and most of his production came when the Browns were trailing heavily in the second half, with the Jaguars playing softer coverage. This led to questions about whether Sanders would get the opportunity to start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Monken has put the speculation to bed by confirming Watson’s status as the Browns’ starting quarterback.
However, criticism of Watson has ruffled his personal quarterback coach Quincy Avery’s feathers. Avery took to X to clap back at Watson’s doubters, saying, “I do understand people not liking Deshaun etc. I also don’t think you guys watched the same tape.”
I do understand people not liking Deshaun etc. I also don’t think you guys watched the same tape. I also saw things he def need to do better. But the way you guys are talking about it makes it obvious you didn’t watch it with an honest perspective.
— Quincy Avery (@QuincyAvery) September 14, 2026
“I also saw things he def need to do better. But the way you guys are talking about it makes it obvious you didn’t watch it with an honest perspective,” he added.
Avery can take a stand for Watson, but if he wants to stand a chance in the debate, Watson has to elevate his game in the upcoming Week 2 clash against the Buccaneers.
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