Deshaun Watson doesn't know if he can overcome the Cleveland boos
The Browns quarterback opened up about the toll of being booed at home, saying he fights the mental battle every day, while Shedeur Sanders pushed back on the fans and Todd Monken weighed the quarterback decision.
Deshaun Watson has spent two years rehabbing his Achilles, giving back to the Cleveland community and trying to rebuild his standing with the fan base. After Saturday's preseason loss to Buffalo, he acknowledged for the first time that none of it may be enough to quiet the home crowds.
Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot): #Browns Deshaun Watson admits for the 1st time how getting cheered while down with the Achilles hurt, and how he's 'fighting the mental battle everyday' of home boos:
Speaking with reporters, Watson said hearing cheers while he was down injured actually hurt, because the goodwill never seemed to carry over once he was back on the field. He called the stadium booing disrespectful and admitted he does not know whether he can ever fully overcome it, adding that he is fighting the mental battle every single day.
His teammates noticed. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who started Saturday while the Browns sort out their depth chart, said he does not appreciate the home crowd booing Watson, a pointed show of support from the player many fans want under center.
Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot): #Browns Shedeur Sanders doesn’t appreciate the home crowd’s boos for Deshaun Watson:
Head coach Todd Monken was asked about both the booing and what it means for the looming quarterback decision. He praised Sanders' growth after the loss but did not tip his hand on where Watson fits, leaving Cleveland's most contested position battle unresolved with cutdowns a week away.
Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot): #Browns Todd Monken on Deshaun Watson’s performance, getting booed and what to do about it:
For now, the Browns keep splitting reps while Watson plays through an environment he no longer pretends is easy.