Deshaun Watson was booed by opposing Jacksonville Jaguars fans during the first preseason game. The Cleveland Browns are unimpressed.

Jacksonville – Athletically, Deshaun Watson did not leave a lasting impression in his first preseason game with the Cleveland Browns. The controversial rookie completed just one pass for seven yards on five attempts against the Jacksonville Jaguars (final score 24-13 in favour of the Browns).

All the more striking were the reactions of opposing fans to the quarterback. Watson, who has been accused of sexual assault in several cases, has been booed and received invective.

Jags fans chanting “you sick fuck” at Deshaun Watson to kick off the preseason. pic.twitter.com/5UQY8rTrHT

– Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) August 13, 2022

His teammates verbally backed him up after the game. “I think once Deshaun was taken out of the game, we got booed less, but it was an away game and the crowd boos you anyway,” All-Pro guard Joel Bitonio said.

“We’ll see how it goes. But I’m sure it’s going to be more like Cleveland playing the rest of the world than ever before. But we’ll be ready for it. “

As for how Watson himself is handling it, the offensive lineman couldn’t say, “I haven’t talked to him about it. But I’m sure it was probably a bigger issue for him not having played football for so long.” Nonetheless, he admitted, “The crowd was really loud for a preseason game in Jacksonville. “

Head Coach Stefanski wants to block out the trappings

Head coach Kevin Stefanski downplayed the reactions of opposing fans: “It’s our job to focus on the things that matter in these game environments and that’s our job and what we do. We’d be doing ourselves a disservice if we focused on everything people say about us before the game, during the game and after the game.”

With Watson set to miss the start of the season anyway due to his suspension, the focus for the rest of the pre-season will be on getting backups Jacoby Brissett and also 3rd string quarterback Joshua Dobbs into shape.

“We have to get everybody ready to play,” Stefanski said. “Deshaun certainly needs to improve in all areas. He’ll get his assignments. But I think the big part will go to Jacoby. “