The Browns were expected to have a strong 2024, competing in the AFC North. However, they have had a slow start, going 1-2 in the first three weeks of the season ahead of a Week 4 matchup against the Raiders.
Las Vegas ruled out their best offensive player, Davante Adams, and their best defensive player, Maxx Crosby, ahead of the game. It was still a road matchup, but many expected Cleveland to get a win. Things looked good after jumping out to a 10-0 lead, but the Browns watched it disappear as the game progressed, ultimately falling 20-16.
Even without Crosby coming at him, Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was consistently under pressure. He was sacked three times and often hurried, affecting his play. Watson got frustrated and had his frustrations boil over on the field, and it spilled over to the sidelines.
Here's everything that happened between him and his teammates.
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Deshaun Watson argues with teammates
Watson is seen yelling at his teammates on the field in the second quarter. He targets his offensive lineman, Dawand Jones (No. 79), specifically, and you can tell how upset he is at the missed assignment.
The Browns go to the sideline, and Watson is still jawing at his offensive line. The only difference is that it isn't only Watson. Backup quarterback Jameis Winston also yells at the linemen, including at Jones, and veteran offensive guard Germain Ifedi has to push Winston away.
The broadcast then showed a close-up of Watson in Jones' ear. Jones is sitting on the bench looking forward, and Watson is standing behind the bench, leaning over and right next to his lineman's ear. We don't get a sense of what he is saying or even how it is being perceived, but Watson eventually pats Jones on the chest as a way to say, "Let's go," and they get ready for their next offensive drive.
Cleveland suffering another loss doesn't figure to help remedy the frustrations, but the Browns must figure out a way to smooth things over before the season goes completely down the drain.
Post-game comments
Watson hasn't spoken about the incidents to the media yet. Winston was asked about it and said the following via ESPN reporter Daniel Oyefusi :
"No frustration. It’s just a standard that we all hold ourselves up to, and we all got to be accountable to that. We got a standard. We got to be accountable to that standard. And let's go. It’s all encouragement. That’s all I'm doing when I'm out there, is encouraging my guys to go higher, and be better."
After the game, Jones was asked about the outburst from Watson and Winston. He first took accountability for hi blown block that caused the outburst. He reportedly also said he didn't have an issue with the way his quarterbacks responded.
Deshaun Watson stats today
Despite the constant pressure, Watson was mostly accurate in Week 4. He had only five completions going into the fourth quarter, and the box score shows an interception. The pass hit wide receiver Amari Cooper in the shoulder/chest area and popped up in the air. It was absolutely a ball Cooper should have had, but Watson gets dinged for it.
| Completions | Attempts | Passing Yards | Passing Touchdowns | Interceptions | Sacks |
| Deshaun Watson Week 4 | 24 | 32 | 176 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
Deshaun Watson contract
Watson signed a five-year, $230 million contract ahead of the 2022 season. It came after he was acquired from the Texans, and the entire contract is guaranteed. This presents a big problem for the Cleveland front office, with Watson underperforming early in the season and often dealing with injuries.
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