Deshaun Watson sends message to Browns fans who may boo him vs. Panthers

The last time that Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson took a snap in front of Browns fans at Cleveland's Huntington Bank Field, he was repeatedly booed during a home preseason game against the Buffalo Bills in August. 

Some think pockets of Browns fans could again give Watson a not-so-warm welcome when he steps onto the field for Cleveland's regular-season home opener versus the 1-1 Carolina Panthers this coming Sunday. While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Watson once again tried to put a potential controversy involving paying customers to bed.

Deshaun Watson doesn't want "to go to war with" Browns fans

"I don't – never try to go to war with the fans," Watson said, per Nick Pedone of Cleveland Football Report. "So the biggest thing is, 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. That's my motto. Keep moving forward, find ways to win on Sunday, take advantage of the opposing team and get a W."

Watson initially ripped Cleveland fans for what he referred to as "disrespectful" conduct during the Bills game. However, he later attempted to walk those comments back and insisted he understood the "frustration" felt by supporters who view him as one of the biggest flops in Browns history. 

Watson reportedly was in serious danger of losing the Cleveland QB1 job to second-year pro Shedeur Sanders following the club's 34-10 Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 13. However, Watson then completed 24-of-30 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns en route to guiding the Browns to a 23-19 win at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this past Sunday. 

Is Deshaun Watson better prepared for what he may experience in Cleveland? 

During Wednesday's media availability, Watson was asked if he feels better prepared for the reception he may get in downtown Cleveland on the final Sunday of September. 

"We're past that," Watson responded. "That's back in the day. I don't want to backtrack on anything. 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."

History shows that Watson should be able to win at least some Cleveland fans over if he plays well against Carolina and in the Week 4 home game against the rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Oct. 1. Shortly after Watson offered his comments on Wednesday, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Browns as 2.5-point home underdogs against the Panthers.