Deshaun Watson’s Browns return sparks brutal criticism as coach Quincy Avery fires back at his loudest NFL critics
Deshaun Watson ’s return to the Cleveland Browns starting lineup ended with a 34-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, five sacks and an early interception. NFL Next Gen Stats showed Watson completed only 1 of 5 passes that traveled at least 10 yards through the air in the first half, when Cleveland fell behind 24-0. Yet Watson also led the Browns in rushing with 38 yards. He finished with 205 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception. His touchdown came on a 46-yard pass to Denzel Boston late in the game, when the result was already largely decided. The Browns now have that work ahead of them before their Week 2 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The numbers, therefore, offered a mixed picture of a night that was mostly difficult for Cleveland.
Instead, he argued that the criticism had gone too far and said people needed to look closely at what happened on the field. Head coach Todd Monken said Cleveland would study the entire performance before moving forward, making it clear that Watson would be part of that review. Monken also said it would be unfair to judge one player without reviewing the full tape.
The quarterback had been away from an NFL regular-season start for nearly two years, so the poor showing quickly brought strong criticism. Still, Watson’s longtime private coach, Quincy Avery, pushed back at those judging the quarterback, saying the game tape showed more than the numbers suggested. Avery did not pretend Watson played a perfect game. There were problems for Watson. Jacksonville picked him off on Cleveland’s opening drive, and the Jaguars finished with five sacks. The criticism did not come only from outside the Browns.