The Cleveland Browns have named Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback for the upcoming NFL season, a decision that continues to spark discussion among football enthusiasts, particularly regarding his Week 1 start against the Jacksonville Jaguars over rookie Shedeur Sanders. This choice by first-year head coach Todd Monken has addressed the preseason quarterback debate for the Browns, but widespread discourse persists given Watson’s tenure in Cleveland and his performance relative to his substantial contract.
During a recent home preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, Watson faced boos from fans, which he characterized as "disrespectful" and "personal," rather than a critique of his on-field play. As Watson prepares for his first regular-season appearance since suffering an Achilles tear last season, he carries significant expectations.
Ochocinco's Warning on Watson's Job Security
Former NFL standout Chad Ochocinco recently shared his perspective, suggesting that Watson's opportunity to prove himself will be limited. Ochocinco even speculated that Watson might not retain his starting role by Week 3, when the Browns host the Carolina Panthers for their home opener.
"If they start the season 0-2 – you open with the Jaguars. Then, you have Tampa Bay, then you come home. I’m not sure you play the third game, but you’d have to start that season off either 1-1 or 2-0. Either 1-1 or 2-0. One or the other. If you start off 0-2, they’re making a move. They’re making a move before the season gets too far away from them," Ochocinco stated in a recent interview, highlighting his partnership with DraftKings ahead of this NFL season.
Ochocinco has frequently discussed the Browns' quarterback situation on his podcast, where he has consistently maintained that there was never a genuine competition for the starting job among Watson, Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, or other players on the depth chart.
"It was never a quarterback competition. It never was. At no point in any game is the $46 million man competing for a job and would lose to the younger player based on salary," Ochocinco said. "As an owner and person writing the check, Deshaun Watson was always going to be the starting quarterback no matter what. Now, it’s his job to lose now going forward, and his leash is going to be very short."
Performance and Fan Sentiment
Ochocinco also acknowledged the reasons behind the Cleveland fanbase's frustrations with Watson. Since his high-profile trade from the Houston Texans, which included a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract, Watson has played only 19 games over three seasons. This period has been marked by injuries and an 11-game NFL suspension in 2022. During these games, the Browns' record stands at 9-10, with a 1-6 record in his most recent appearances last season. His statistics with the Browns include 19 touchdowns against 12 interceptions, a 61.2% completion rate for 3,365 yards, and a passer rating of 80.7.
This contrasts sharply with his four seasons with the Texans, where he earned three Pro Bowl selections and led the league with 4,823 passing yards in 2020, achieving a passer rating of 104.5.
"The fans are upset, the fans are booing because they have nothing to cheer for," Ochocinco explained. "You haven’t given them anything to cheer for in general. So, the bad taste that’s left in their mouths are the issues that came with you from Houston on top of coming here to Cleveland. You’ve given them nothing to cheer for, therefore that’s why they’re gonna feel the way they feel."
Ochocinco emphasized that successful performance and victories are the ultimate remedy for any discontent. He expressed hope that Watson could rise to the challenge.
"But one thing can happen: performing and winning cures all," he said. "Listen, they come out the gate, somehow find a way to beat Jacksonville, find a way to beat Tampa, and you go into Cleveland the first home game 2-0. Man, they will cheer their a—off. You’re gonna hear cheering and eruptions of cheering for Deshaun that he’s never heard before. Honestly, I’m hoping he does."
"Winning cures all. It doesn’t matter what you did. You’re the quarterback of their team. If you start out the gate 1-1 at best – 2-0 best scenario – they’re going to love you in Cleveland despite what you’ve done. They’ll love you because you’re winning – something they haven’t had consistently for a very long time."
Achieving victories against playoff contenders in Weeks 1 and 2 will be a challenging task for Watson and the Browns. However, Ochocinco sees no alternative for Watson to maintain his starting position, even at the outset of a new campaign.
Ochocinco's Collaboration with DraftKings
The article also highlighted Ochocinco's enthusiasm for the return of football and his collaboration with DraftKings. He noted that "DraftKings Gameday," scheduled for September 2, marks a significant event, celebrating the first football season where DraftKings Sports & Casino is available across all 50 states. As part of this initiative to engage fans for the new season, DraftKings plans to offer free gasoline to passenger vehicles, while supplies last, at select service stations in Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, and Detroit. Specific locations and event timings are expected to be announced separately.
"For me, I think it’s fun because who else would do something like this outside of DraftKings. This is a great touch for NFL fans to start the season," Ochocinco commented. "We’re giving you free gas, so when your respective team plays, you’re fueled up to go. And word of mouth will be, ‘You won’t believe this? You know what DraftKings did? I was able to save money and get tickets to go to a game because they paid for my gas.’ That makes sense."
The "DraftKings Gameday" event will also feature exclusive promotions for customers, a personalized in-app experience, various in-person activations, a charitable contribution through the DraftKings SERVES program, and a new advertising campaign featuring celebrities Kevin Hart and Nick Jonas.
"It’s all about the fan experience, so some of the offers and luxuries throughout the season is what sets us apart from everybody else. I’m happy to be a part of them," Ochocinco concluded.
