The Cleveland Browns got off to a rough start in their 2026 season, with quarterback Deshaun Watson committing his first turnover of the year just five snaps into the game. The Browns received the ball first against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday afternoon in Florida, where the sun was shining brightly. Watson started strong, completing a 14-yard pass and a 9-yard pass on his first two throws, and Cleveland was all the way up to the Jaguars' 33-yard line on its first four plays of the game.
However, disaster struck on the fifth snap of the season. Watson dropped back to pass and failed to notice Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun dropping back into coverage. Oluokun intercepted Watson and brought the ball back to the Jaguars' 41-yard line. The interception gave the Jaguars a boost, and quarterback Trevor Lawrence quickly capitalized on the turnover by finding a diving Parker Washington for a 30-yard touchdown in the first quarter.
Watson's turnover was a setback for the Browns, who have been dealing with controversy in the lead-up to the season. During the preseason, Browns fans booed Watson, prompting a tense exchange between the quarterback and the media. Watson later apologized for his remarks, but the incident has cast a shadow over the team's start to the season.
The Browns' decision to start Watson amid the controversy has been questioned by some, including former NFL coach Rex Ryan. Ryan, who appeared on ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown," said that he would not have started Watson and might have even cut him. Shedeur Sanders, a quarterback waiting in the wings for the Browns, could be an option if Watson's performance continues to struggle.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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