Deshaun Watson Calls Out Media’s Unrealistic Expectations After Browns’ Loss to Jaguars

Deshaun Watson threw one touchdown and one interception on his return to the Browns starting lineup as they suffered a defeat against the Jaguars.

Deshaun Watson Calls Out Media’s Unrealistic Expectations After Browns’ Loss to Jaguars

Deshaun Watson (Image via IMAGO)

Deshaun Watson’s beef with the media is back in the headlines. The Cleveland Browns quarterback took no prisoners.

Over the weekend, the Browns kicked off their 2026 NFL campaign with a defeat against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Watson played his first game in more than 600 days, and the lack of game-day practice showed.

There wasn’t much expectation for Watson to go out there and score 40 on the Jags, but given his experience, a respectable scoreline would have kept the scrutiny off his back. But Watson failed to deliver.

The Browns scored 10 points while letting in 34. Watson completed 16 of his 22 passes for 205 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Watson blamed the media for unrealistic expectations. He said with a grin via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com:

No, I think personally, I think all that is for the media. I think the media has this expectation that I’m supposed to throw 400 yards and five touchdowns every week. So until that happens, I guess it’s going to be the same situation. So again, my job is to make sure I’m operating well so we can try to get a win and keep moving forward.

Watson suffered an ACL tear in Week 7 of the 2024 season. Months later, the ACL in his other leg suffered damage while on vacation. He missed the entire 2025 season.

Shedeur Sanders won over the Browns fans. After the Browns appointed Todd Monken as head coach, many expected him to start the second-year man. But with Watson on the path to full recovery, Monken waited until the preseason to select his starting quarterback. He picked Watson over Sanders.

Former NFL defensive lineman and ESPN analyst Marcus Spears argued that the Browns owners forced Monken’s hand in selecting Watson over Sanders. After Sunday’s defeat, reporters asked Monken about the locker room atmosphere regarding Watson as the starting QB. He said:

They don’t have a choice. This isn’t a debate. I don’t ask them to make the play calls. Their job is to play… I don’t blame anyone for having their opinion, but ultimately, it’s up to us to support whoever we put out there.

All signs lead back to Watson’s infamous contract. After acquiring Watson from the Texans in exchange for six draft picks, including three first-rounders, the Browns agreed to a five-year, $230 million deal. Since then, he has won just 9 games and missed more than 40. CBS Sports‘ Greg Podell called Watson’s contract one of the worst in NFL history. However, Watson’s quarterback coach Quincy Avery still has faith in him even after his lackluster Week one outing. He wrote on X:

I do understand people not liking Deshaun, etc. I also don’t think you guys watched the same tape. I also saw things he def [defense] need to do better. But the way you guys are talking about it makes it obvious you didn’t watch it with an honest perspective.

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Deshaun Watson celebrated his birthday

Amid the tension and chaos in the Browns organization, Watson turned 31 on September 14. He celebrated with close friends.

Deshaun Watson Calls Out Media's Unrealistic Expectations After Browns' Loss to Jaguars
Deshaun Watson (Image via IMAGO)

The Pro Bowler shared photos on Instagram with a long caption. Watson wrote:

Through every high, every low, every challenge, every blessing; I’m Still here. Still standing. Still smiling. Still breathing. Still blessed. I’ve learned that peace doesn’t come from the noise around you; it comes from knowing who walks with you through it all. Today, I’m not counting the battles; I’m counting the blessings. Another year of life. Another year of growth. Another year surrounded by family and friends. 9/14! 4OVE x MoreGLORY.

Watson’s wife, Jilly Anais, commented:

Celebrating you is so easy baby! Happy Birthday Husband.

Watson attended Clemson University in college. He led the Tigers to a National championship in 2016 while bagging the best player award. The Texans drafted him 12th overall in 2017. He had two winning seasons, 2018 and 2019. However, he racked up his best numbers in 2020. That year, Watson threw for 4,823 yards with 70.2% completion, 8.9 yards per throw, 33 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions.

Watson sat out the following year after several massage parlor employees accused him of making sexual advances toward them. The Browns still traded for him in 2022. Over the next few years, he battled multiple lawsuits and settled most of them.

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