Watson’s Cleveland return ends in heavy Week 1 defeat
The Browns fell 34-10 to Jacksonville after trailing 24-0 at half-time, renewing speculation over Deshaun Watson’s position as starting quarterback.
Deshaun Watson’s return as Cleveland’s starting quarterback ended in a 34-10 defeat by the Jacksonville Jaguars, leaving the Browns’ offence under pressure after a one-sided opening week.
Cleveland recorded 272 total yards and failed to score until a touchdown with two minutes remaining. Jacksonville led 24-0 at half-time and extended the margin to 31-0 within the first three minutes of the third quarter.
Watson completed 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also fumbled in the first half, as early pressure from the Jaguars disrupted Cleveland’s passing game and limited its ability to produce big plays.
The wider offence also struggled to generate momentum. Running back Quinshon Judkins was held to 25 rushing yards, while rookie receiver K.C. Concepcion led Cleveland with four catches for 43 yards.
Fox Sports reported that the result had renewed speculation Watson could be replaced by Shedeur Sanders, potentially after Cleveland’s next game against Tampa Bay. No decision to bench Watson has been confirmed.
The Browns selected Watson over Sanders in training camp after Watson returned from a torn Achilles tendon. Sanders started seven games as a rookie last season, throwing for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions while completing 56.6 per cent of his passes.
