The Dallas Cowboys bulldozed the Cleveland Browns in Week 1 NFL action on Sunday, 30-17, in a game that wasn’t as close as the score indicated.
The news didn’t get much better for Browns franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson, making his first start since undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery on his throwing arm last year.
Watson completed 24 of his 25 pass attempts, with a long of 29 yards. He finished the game with 169 yards passing. He threw one six-yard touchdown in garbage time along with two interceptions.
He also surrendered six sacks, some of which, it must be noted, weren’t entirely his fault.
But we’re now entering Year 3 of the Watson Era in Cleveland, and the returns aren’t looking good on the team’s historic trade for what they saw as the future of their franchise.
“Since 2006, there have been 1,752 times a quarterback threw at least 10 passes 15+ yards downfield,” wrote CBS senior writer Zach Perels. “Deshaun Watson (today) is THE ONLY ONE to not complete a single one.
The Browns’ decision to give Watson $230 million fully guaranteed could loom large in future decisions, too.
“The Cleveland Browns’ trade for and re-signing of quarterback Deshaun Watson is the single worst transaction in NFL history,” wrote CBS NFL reporter Garrett Podell.
“The only trade that comes close is the Minnesota Vikings’ acquisition of running back Herschel Walker from the Dallas Cowboys.”
The NFL world was quick to react to the news:
The Deshaun Watson trade/deal may be the worst move in the history of professional sports.
— Ari Wasserman (@AriWasserman) September 8, 2024
Deshaun Watson died on that massage table. This is someone else.
— They Got Me (@PaulTweetsRIP) September 8, 2024
Deshaun Watson just had the 6th worst passing game in NFL history with 45 minimum passing attempts. In the entire history of the football. Historically putrid.
— Jamal Johnson (@GPSeeks) September 9, 2024
As a reminder, Deshaun Watson carries a $72.9 million cap hit in 2025 AND 2026.
It’s the worst contract ever.
— Paul Hembekides (Hembo) (@PaulHembo) September 8, 2024
baker mayfield ended up better than deshaun watson this is insanely hilarious
— dope 🫨 (@dopeisalive) September 8, 2024
[CBS]
