A reporter gave Deshaun Watson Opportunity to talk directly browns Fans before Sunday’s home opener against the Carolina Panthers. The question was simple: Did he have anything to say to them?
Watson’s answer began with the tension between them. “I never tried to start a war with the fans,” he said, before adding that he was ready to receive their support and energy. He hopes to bring a win to Cleveland and maintain the good feeling from last week.
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That answer may frustrate supporters who want to hear him admit his views. In a preseason game against Buffalo, Cleveland fans booed Watson after he completed 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards and an interception. He initially called the reaction “disrespectful” and “personal” before saying his emotions got the best of him.
Asked about the incident on Wednesday, Watson said the team was getting over it. He talked about looking to the future, building energy in the locker room and focusing on Carolina. He didn’t take the opportunity to say he understood why fans were frustrated. This is his response, not evidence of his private feelings.
Watson is also having a stronger season now. He threw for 238 yards Cleveland beat Tampa Bay 23-19 on Sunday, scoring two touchdowns to give the Browns their first win of the season. A road win can change the mood; facing a booing home crowd is a different test.
Fans don’t have to forget about the preseason, because Watson said that’s a thing of the past. He’ll have a chance to speak with the Browns again when they take the field at Huntington Bank Stadium on Sept. 27. This time, his performance against the Panthers may be more important than the promise of another win.