The Deshaun Watson era with the Cleveland Browns appears to be approaching its inevitable conclusion, and recent events have only solidified the sentiment that the decision to sign him for $230 million may go down as the worst in NFL history.
As the Browns prepared to face the Bengals at home, the atmosphere among the fanbase was charged with emotion. Many fans expressed their discontent by booing Watson as he took the field, a stark contrast to the enthusiastic cheers that greeted running back Nick Chubb upon his return from a long injury absence.
Watson's struggles continued when he suffered a non-contact leg injury in the second quarter, which the team fears could be a torn Achilles. This injury could sideline him for the remainder of the season and potentially mark the end of his career. His performance had already been declining, and Achilles injuries often leave players significantly diminished. As Watson was carted off the field in tears, the emotional response from the crowd was intense. For some, there was a sense of catharsis, as if karma had caught up with him. Others felt genuine sadness; despite his poor performance and the serious allegations against him, it’s never easy to witness an athlete get hurt. However, some fans reacted differently, with scattered cheers erupting when Watson went down, a response that Cleveland cornerback Greg Newsome II later condemned as “bullshit.”
The situation in Cleveland is a complex mix of disappointment, frustration, and a longing for a brighter future as the Watson era seems to be drawing to a close.