The relationship between Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns fanbase reached a low point when fans booed him as he was carted away after injuring his Achilles tendon. He’s got a lot to make up for this year, after all, as he hasn’t ever played a full season for the Cleveland Browns. Watson remains unfazed by how fans think of him. But Asante Samuel cautioned him against that attitude.
“Deshaun Watson says he doesn’t care what kind of reaction he’ll get from Browns fans,” Samuel said on the Say What Needs To Be Said podcast. “And that’s where the issue becomes a problem. I don’t care how mentally tough you think you are. Getting booed by the home crowd is mentally challenging to anyone. Getting booed by 80,000 people isn’t a good feeling at all. It will have an effect on his mental health.
“If Deshaun Watson can turn that negative energy into positive energy, everything will be fine. Because I just don’t see how you fall off like that and can’t figure out how to make the correct read and anticipate throws, throw a spiral, get the football down the field. I just don’t see how quarterbacks forget to do that stuff. We don’t expect Deshaun Watson to play much at all in this game.”
Every rep that Watson takes carries significance. A misstep, turnover, or stalled drive just adds to the crowd’s frustration. And that’s what Samuel noticed during Watson’s performance in the preseason game against the Chicago Bears. Even though he completed 11 of his 15 passes, Watson didn’t go beyond ten yards in his completions. He was not picked off or sacked, but he didn’t add any scores.
Yet, Watson believes his mental fortitude can block out the noise.
“I just want to prove I’m capable of being the starter,” Watson confessed. “My main focus is just trying to improve… The biggest thing I’m proud of is my mental. Being able to block out the noise, be able to keep smiling through everything, and being able to control my own narrative. So I think that’s the biggest thing, just my mentality. Keeping it at peace, keeping it fresh.”
Fans have a reason to be angry at Watson. He is going to make $230 million guaranteed from his time at Cleveland. But so far, his record stands at 9-10, and he has thrown for only 3,365 yards. That’s less than the 4,823 yards he threw while in Houston during the 2020 season.
Watson also sparked some concern among fans with his training camp performance. He only had a few good days of practice, scoring seven touchdowns in one. But he had also thrown nine interceptions in 12 practices. That’s not the kind of show fans would want to spend their money on.
Remaining focused on what matters is a prerequisite for any NFL starting quarterback. But being unwelcome at one’s own home stadium is a different battle. Watson may project an unshakable mindset. But if the struggles continue and boos rain down, his ability to withstand that psychological weight will likely determine his performance.