Following his performance in Week 1, a lot of people had negative things to say about Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns. He didn’t produce enough for his squad during his first start in years, according to them, and the Browns should be questioning his role on the team.
Pete Prisco agrees that Watson didn’t play well during the Browns’ disappointing defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he doesn’t think the blame belongs solely on him.
Speaking on NFL on CBS, Prisco stood up for Watson and reminded viewers that the entire offensive line had problems.
“Deshaun Watson was not good, but the team was awful. He had five guys on the offensive line starting in new spots. Two of them were rookies, and one of them was a college tackle who played guard. By the way, he was the best offensive lineman on their team that day—Austin Barber from Florida. I think it was going to be tough sledding no matter what happened, and they got dominated. But to put it all on Watson. Was he good? No. But to put it all on him? You can’t do that,” Prisco said.
"Was [Deshaun Watson] good? No. But to put it all on him? You can't do that."@PriscoCBS on Browns sticking with Deshaun at QB. pic.twitter.com/rijR7kROUX
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) September 15, 2026
It is true that the team’s offensive line has multiple newcomers, and they are all finding their footing on this team. Spencer Fano, Zion Johnson, Tytus Howard, and Elgton Jenkins are all figuring out what it means to play for the Browns, and some of them are trying their hands at new positions under the guidance of Todd Monken.
However, everything and everyone centers around Watson, who is tasked with leading the offense. He is the lynchpin that holds everything together. On top of that, he has years of experience, and that was supposed to be one of the main reasons why his supporters felt he was the right choice to be QB1 in 2026.
Things have gotten off to a rough start, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. But the situation will probably only improve if Watson performs better in the weeks ahead.
Everyone has to figure out their issues and take a step forward, but Watson will remain the centerpiece of this team, at least for now.
NEXT: Todd Monken Isn't Worried About Baker Mayfield's Grudge
