NFL fans are convinced that the Cleveland Browns are done with quarterback Deshaun Watson after noticing an interesting reaction from his teammate during Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Deshaun Watson and the Browns were no match for the Cowboys in their season opener on Sunday. The final score was 33-17, but the game was practically over midway through the third quarter when the Cowboys went up 27-3 on a KaVontae Turpin punt return.
Watson had arguably the worst outing of his career in Sunday’s lopsided defeat, completing just 24 of 45 pass attempts for 169 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Watson was sacked six times in the loss.
If Watson’s outing wasn’t bad enough, you also have to wonder if he’s lost the trust of his teammates. Fans noticed on X/Twitter that guard Joel Bitonio refused Watson’s assistance up after recovering a fumble in the fourth quarter:
Here’s a better view. I don’t know. Does Bitonio slap Watson’s hand away when Watson tries to help him up? It does look like it. https://t.co/ohSsNt23vZ pic.twitter.com/VoQZPA6MvC
— Roberto Shenanigans (@Rob_Shenanigans) September 9, 2024
Naturally, fans are now wondering if Bitonio and his teammates are done entirely with Deshaun Watson:
TRENDING: #Browns longtime vet Joel Bitonio REFUSED help from Deshaun Watson after recovering a fumble.
👀
SEEMS LIKE WATSON’s TEAMMATES DO NOT LIKE HIM.
(🎥@JohnnyNicks216)
pic.twitter.com/3PfGCGp0kG— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) September 9, 2024
TRENDING: #Browns longtime vet Joel Bitonio REFUSED help from Deshaun Watson after recovering a fumble.
👀
SEEMS LIKE WATSON’s TEAMMATES DO NOT LIKE HIM.
(🎥@JohnnyNicks216)
pic.twitter.com/3PfGCGp0kG— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) September 9, 2024
They don’t like Watson fr
— Pick 6 Pack (@Pick6PackFB) September 9, 2024
Anyone else see Bitonio refuse help from Watson after he recovers his fumble?? Not a great sign… @KenCarman @reflog #Browns pic.twitter.com/V4t1Wg9dHQ
— Hugh Jassol (@JohnnyNicks216) September 8, 2024
Anyone else see Bitonio refuse help from Watson after he recovers his fumble?? Not a great sign… @KenCarman @reflog #Browns pic.twitter.com/V4t1Wg9dHQ
— Hugh Jassol (@JohnnyNicks216) September 8, 2024
Honest, raw unfiltered thoughts on todays game. ⬇️
Let it all out #Browns fans.
What’s the vibe? How do we feel moving forward? pic.twitter.com/Ej3DBWFem2
— MoreForYouCleveland (@MoreForYou_CLE) September 8, 2024
A video has surfaced that appears to show #Browns veteran OL Joel Bitonio refusing to accept a hand from Deshaun Watson as he was on the ground.
(via: @JohnnyNicks216) pic.twitter.com/yskXxWnW91
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) September 9, 2024
Even if Watson’s teammates don’t have confidence in him right now, head coach Kevin Stefanski isn’t going to consider a quarterback change just yet. The Browns gave Watson $230 million in guaranteed money after acquiring him via trade with the Houston Texans two years ago, so Stefanski will continue looking for solutions.
The 0-1 Browns will try to rebound next Sunday when they visit Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Deshaun Watson Has To Be On A Short Leash
The Cleveland Browns have to keep Watson on a short leash when you consider that 2023 Comeback Player of the Year Joe Flacco ran the offense much better a year ago following the former’s season-ending shoulder surgery.
With former passing yards champion Jameis Winston on the roster, Stefanski may have to consider a change if Watson doesn’t find his game in the next couple of weeks.
