Deshaun Watson booed in Cleveland return as Browns fall 31-7 to Bills
Deshaun Watson went 3-of-8 with an interception and heard it from the home crowd, while Todd Monken's quarterback decision now waits only on Sunday's staff review.
The boos came early and often. Deshaun Watson's preseason return in front of the Cleveland home crowd turned sour Saturday — three-and-outs to open the second half, then a third-series interception on an overthrown ball — and the fans at the stadium let him hear about it as the Browns fell 31-7 to the Bills.
Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo): Deshaun Watson picked on a tipped high throw. He’s 3-for-8 for 24 yards and this INT. Todd Monken set to make a decision on his starting QB early next week.
Watson finished 3-of-8 for 24 yards with the pick. Fox 8's John Sabol tracked the arc in real time: two empty possessions out of halftime before the interception ended the third series.
John Sabol (@John_Sabol): #Browns offense went 3 and out twice to start the 2nd half and then Deshaun Watson threw a pick on the 3rd series. Well over thrown ball. Watson: 3/8, 24 yards, 1 INT so far… @fox8news
Todd Monken was asked afterward about both the performance and the crowd's reaction, and did not sugarcoat how the jeers land even for a veteran: "It sucks. I don't wanna get booed. Comes with the territory. You don't wanna get booed, play good football ... Because it can turn just like that."
Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi): Browns coach Todd Monken on Deshaun Watson’s play today and the home crowd booing him: “It sucks. I don’t wanna get booed. Comes with the territory. You don’t wanna get booed, play good football. … Because it can turn just like that.”
Mary Kay Cabot, who had the scene from the stadium, noted Monken addressed the booing directly when meeting reporters.
Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot): #Browns Todd Monken on Deshaun Watson’s performance, getting booed and what to do about it:
Where this leaves the depth chart is now a matter of days, not weeks. Monken is set to decide on his starting quarterback early next week after huddling with his staff Sunday to review the full body of work from Watson and Shedeur Sanders — whose own afternoon offered a sharper contrast: a flawless opening touchdown drive before a later tipped interception.