Watson Calls Home Boos 'Disrespectful' as Sanders Makes His Case in Cleveland Loss
Watson said fan reaction in his first home game since tearing his Achilles felt personal, while Shedeur Sanders completed his first eight passes in what's being framed as his last real preseason audition before Cleveland names a starter.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson called Saturday's fan boos "disrespectful" in his first home game since tearing his Achilles tendon in October 2024, while backup Shedeur Sanders used what's being described as his last real preseason chance to make a case for the starting job in a 31-7 loss to Buffalo.
What did Watson say?
"I think the whole world knows it has nothing to do about the performance. It's a little [more] personal than that. So, I think it's a disrespectful thing," Watson said. "Last time I played on this field, I tore my Achilles. And that same fanbase, they cheered when I got hurt." He added, "I feel like I get more love in road games than I do home games." Coach Todd Monken responded simply: "Win, play good football, and everybody will be fine." Watson went 5 of 12 for 35 yards with an interception across four drives.
How did Sanders perform?
Sanders completed his first eight passes and finished 9 of 11 for 74 yards with a touchdown and an interception, a pass tipped and picked off by Damar Hamlin, working behind Cleveland's second-string offensive line. He showed more patience in the pocket than during his rookie season, according to reporting on the game.
When will Cleveland name a starter?
Monken is described as nearing a decision between Watson and Sanders, though no exact timeline has been announced. Watson has started just 19 games for Cleveland since 2022 due to injuries and an NFL suspension.
Players in this story
Sources
- ESPN: Browns' Watson calls fans' boos 'personal,' not based on play
Cleveland Browns betting odds
Super Bowl futures, win totals & where to bet
FanDuel Sportsbook: New-customer welcome offer. New customers only. First online real-money wager only. Any bonus is issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire; eligibility and restrictions apply. See the current offer and full terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.
21+ and present in select states. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). FanDuel is offering online sports wagering in Kansas under an agreement with Kansas Star Casino, LLC. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, KY, MI, NJ, OH, PA, IL, TN, VA, VT), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-522-4700 (WY), or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV).
Fanatics Sportsbook: Up to $1,000 in FanCash Matched Bets. New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV or WY. Apply the promotion in your bet slip and place a $1+ cash wager (min odds -200) daily for 10 consecutive days starting the day of account creation. FanCash rewards equal the qualifying wager amount (max $100 FanCash per day). FanCash issued under this promotion expires at 11:59 p.m. ET 7 days from issuance. Terms, including FanCash terms, apply - see the Fanatics Sportsbook app.
21+ and present in a state where Fanatics Sportsbook operates. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Touchdown Week may earn a commission when you sign up through our links, at no cost to you. Please bet responsibly.
