Rich Eisen gives brutal verdict after Browns' Deshaun Watson decision

Deshaun Watson rejects performance explanation

Watson dismissed the suggestion that his play contributed to the boos. He argued that the reaction was personal, pointing to fans who cheered when he tore his Achilles tendon in October 2024.

Eisen agreed that cheering an injured player was indefensible. However, he strongly rejected Watson’s claim that performance had nothing to do with the hostility.

“It absolutely is performance based,” Eisen said. “...It sounds like he just won’t be held accountable, or hold himself accountable for his actions, which is the fault line with Deshaun Watson.”

Eisen then described Watson’s apparent refusal to reconcile with that criticism as another “bright, shiny red light.”

That is the larger problem confronting Cleveland. Watson is not merely attempting to recover from a devastating injury and revive a career that has badly deteriorated. He is trying to lead a fan base that appears ready to turn on him after every mistake.

Watson even suggested the Browns could essentially face “17 away games” because he receives more support on the road than he does in Cleveland.

Monken provided a far simpler solution: Play better football, win games and change the reaction.

Browns cannot hide Deshaun Watson forever

Cleveland opens its regular season with road games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That gives Watson two opportunities to settle into the offense before returning home.

It also creates an especially uncomfortable possibility.

Eisen warned that former Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield would “love nothing more” than to help send Cleveland home with an 0-2 record. A dreadful start would leave Watson walking into a stadium filled with fans who have already shown how little patience remains.

The Browns named Watson their starter because they still hope the quarterback they acquired can be salvaged. His latest performance offered another reason to wonder whether they are chasing someone who disappeared years ago.