Deshaun Watson tries to make Jameis Winston Cleveland’s most popular player

Deshaun Watson tries to make Jameis Winston Cleveland’s most popular player

It wasn’t even 30 minutes. Midway through the second quarter of the Cleveland Browns opener against the Dallas Cowboys, the boo birds were out in full force and their target was Deshaun Watson.

Cleveland took a 3-0 lead on a 51-yard field goal by Dustin Hopkins, but even that score came on a short drive. The defense trapped them at the Dallas 46 and, after gaining just 13 yards, scored the opening points.

Since then, it’s been Dallas all over the place, as the teams went into halftime with the home team trailing 20-3. What’s worse is that it could have been 23-3 when Brandon Aubrey made a 66-yard field goal, but it was wiped out by a delay of the game.

Overall, the Browns have just one first down in the first half and Watson is a huge problem.

MORE: Browns QB Deshaun Watson Gets Ultimate Disrespect From NFL Analyst

He looks uncomfortable, inaccurate and has no desire to throw the ball downfield. He’s completed 7 of 15 attempts for 36 yards with one interception. It could be worse, as two passes were nearly intercepted by rookie Caelen Carson. He’s especially worrisome against pressure, a terrible sign for a team with injuries on the offensive line.

This is the third year the Browns have tried to figure it out with Watson, but it’s probably time to admit he’s not the player he was in 2020. We’ve had to look back nearly half a decade to find decent video of Watson, which begs the question: How long will he remain the starter?

Cleveland is stuck with Watson’s contract, but that doesn’t mean they have to keep using him, especially if there’s a decent option behind him.

Jameis Winston was the first overall pick in 2015 and threw for over 5,000 yards the last time he was a starter. He may have issues with turnovers, but as we saw with Joe Flacco, that can be overcome. What they can’t get past is a bloodless offense that was outgained by just 216 yards to 54.

More Browns coverage