Watson Calls Browns Fan Boos Personal

Watson and Sanders criticized Browns fans who booed Watson in a 31-7 preseason loss to Buffalo.

The Cleveland Browns fell 31-7 to the visiting Buffalo Bills in Saturday's preseason action, a lopsided result that drew negative reactions from the home crowd. Quarterback Deshaun Watson was booed repeatedly during the second half of the game, according to NBC News. Per Bleacher Report, boos were audible on the broadcast after Watson threw an interception in the third quarter. NBC News reports that Watson came off the bench because the Browns started Shedeur Sanders, who is competing with Watson for the starting job. The loss underscored ongoing uncertainty at the quarterback position for Cleveland with the regular season approaching.

After the game, Watson pushed back forcefully against the booing, calling it "disrespectful" and "personal." According to both Bleacher Report and NBC News, Watson said the reaction had nothing to do with his on-field performance. He referenced his last home appearance, when he tore his Achilles tendon on Oct. 20, 2024, and some fans cheered the injury. Watson said he thought his rehabilitation from two Achilles injuries, charity work, and community engagement would have helped win over the fanbase, but expressed frustration that it had not. NBC News reports that Watson said he feels more love in road games than at home.

The statistical performance of both competing quarterbacks offered little encouragement. Watson completed 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards and threw an interception, figures confirmed by both Bleacher Report and NBC News. Bleacher Report additionally notes that Sanders also threw an interception during the game. According to Bleacher Report, the Bills squad was led by quarterbacks Kyle Allen and Shane Buechele. The combined offensive struggles contributed to the decisive 31-7 final score. The numbers provided ammunition for fans frustrated with the quarterback situation and for those questioning whether either option is ready to lead the team into the regular season.

Despite competing with Watson for the same starting job, Shedeur Sanders publicly defended his teammate. Sanders said he did not appreciate the booing regardless of the competition, emphasizing that the players are all human beings, as reported by both Bleacher Report and NBC News. Sanders framed the issue as one of basic respect, stating that all players are out there trying to serve the franchise. His willingness to speak out added an unusual layer to an already tense quarterback battle, showing solidarity within the locker room even as the coaching staff weighs which player will lead the offense come Week 1.

Browns head coach Todd Monken struck a different tone than his quarterbacks, framing the crowd reaction as part of professional sports. According to both Bleacher Report and NBC News, Monken said, "You don't want to get booed? Let's play good football." He acknowledged that the boos come with the territory and expressed confidence that winning and stronger quarterback play would quickly change the crowd's sentiment. Bleacher Report notes that Monken also said he was proud of the way Watson has worked to return from injury. NBC News observes that Monken may now also need to consider whether Watson is mentally prepared to handle the challenge of a hostile home environment.

The Browns have not yet confirmed whether Watson or Sanders will start when the team opens the regular season Sept. 13 at the Jacksonville Jaguars. Bleacher Report reports that Monken expects to announce the starter before Thursday's preseason finale against the visiting New England Patriots. NBC News notes that Watson has started just 19 games since the Browns acquired him four years ago in a blockbuster trade and signed him to a fully guaranteed contract worth $230 million. Meanwhile, other NFL teams are also sorting out quarterback situations in preseason: The New York Times reports that the Philadelphia Eagles are still evaluating a QB2 battle between veteran Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee. Cleveland's decision, however, carries unique weight given the fractured relationship between Watson and the fanbase.