Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns (Photo via @Rob_Shenanigans Twitter)
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
he’s getting the boot like seriously, he played AWFUL.
— Optify 🦁 (@optifyy_) September 9, 2024
They don’t like Watson fr
— Pick 6 Pack (@Pick6PackFB) September 9, 2024
Because tho Oline is tired of blocking for him while he runs around doing nothing. They are gonna get hurt and penalized if he doesn’t get rid of the ball fast enough
— CynthiaMarie (@cyndiyork) September 9, 2024
Nope bad sign
— Robert Cannon (@Cannonballz82) September 9, 2024
Bitonio slapping Watson’s hand away says all you need to know.
— Brad Heter (@BHeat33) September 9, 2024
I always had a feeling that Bitonio wasn’t happy about them signing Watson.
— Only pawn in game of life (@Mongo5817) September 9, 2024
Trash teammate Trash QB
— (🔴 LIVE ) AllDayAJT (@AllDayAJT) 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.
