Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho sharply criticized Deshaun Watson following the Cleveland Browns’ 34-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1. Acho expressed disgust with Watson’s performance, questioning the team’s preparation and the impact on Browns fans.
The Browns’ loss saw them fall behind 31-0 before scoring a late touchdown. Watson completed 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while also taking five sacks. Forty-six of his passing yards came on a touchdown pass with under two minutes remaining, after the game’s outcome was already decided. Acho, during a segment on Speakeasy, stated, “I'm not just surprised. I am disgusted with how bad Deshaun played today.” He described Watson’s performance as “an aberration to the game of football.”
Acho specifically questioned Watson’s deep drops from the shotgun formation and highlighted an interception on the opening possession, as well as a near-turnover on the next series. “Deshaun, did y'all not practice together?” Acho asked. “Cleveland offense, did y'all not have any training camp? What the hell did we watch?” He further argued that rookie quarterbacks often appear “more composed” than Watson did on Sunday.
The poor performance has reignited debate surrounding Shedeur Sanders, who lost the starting quarterback competition to Watson. Watson signed a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract with the Browns in 2022. Acho believes that given the size of Watson’s contract, Browns fans should not have to endure such performances. Despite the criticism, Browns coach Todd Monken stated he expects Watson to start in Week 2 against Tampa Bay, citing positive plays to build upon. Watson currently has a 64.5 grade in PFN's QB Impact Rating, ranking him No. 27 among qualifying quarterbacks.
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