Deshaun Watson Hit With Harsh Reality Check in Week 1 Disaster vs. Cowboys

No quarterback in the NFL is under more scrutiny than Deshaun Watson. That's what happens when you give a quarterback a $230 million fully guaranteed contract. The Cleveland Browns need Watson to perform like a star based on that contract.

Unfortunately, his 2024 season has started the same way as his 2023 season. Watson had a terrible performance in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys. He completed just 53% of his passes for 169 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.

Browns fans made sure to let Watson know how they felt about his performance. After both of the Browns quarterback's interceptions, Watson was heavily booed by the fans.

"Watson is getting booed after every incompletion," Ben Axelrod said. "This is going to be an ugly scene if he doesn't turn it around."

The Browns signed Watson to an unprecedented $230 million contract, all of which was guaranteed. Cleveland signed him to that contract anticipating him to continue performing at a high level. Prior to his holdout with the Houston Texans, he was one of the better young quarterbacks in the league.

However, Watson hasn't shown that level consistently enough for the Browns. In just six games last season, Watson threw for 1,115 yards with seven touchdowns to 4 interceptions with a 61% completion rate. He was constantly booed like he was in the first game of the 2024 season.

Watson's Week 1 debacle was painful to watch for Browns fans. Aside from the two interceptions, the Browns quarterback was also sacked six times and missed badly on some of his throws.

Watson's performance this season will continue to be watched with a keen eye. Should the Browns quarterback continue to struggle, it will be fascinating to see what the team does with him.