​Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was hammered with boos by the home crowd. GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – AUGUST 22: Shedeur Sanders #2 of the Cleveland Browns kneels to pray prior to a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field on August 22, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) GettyDeshaun Watson’s return to his home field was met with a chorus of boos from Cleveland Browns fans.Watson entered in the third quarter of Saturday’s preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills, replacing Shedeur Sanders. The hostile reception grew louder after Watson struggled to get the offense moving during his first two possessions.The veteran quarterback completed just 1 of his first 4 passes for minus-1 yard. On a third down, the ball appeared to slip out of Watson’s hand as he fired it into the turf, drawing the loudest round of boos.Deshaun Watson is getting booed after nearly every play in Cleveland. He’s probably going to be named the starter in a few days. Other than the Luka trade, I’ve never seen a franchise actively rebel against its own fanbase like this. Why isn’t this a bigger story?— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) August 22, 2026The reaction came from a crowd that was initially sparse because of an extended weather delay but gradually filled in during the third quarter.It marked Watson’s first home appearance since suffering a torn Achilles in October 2024. Some fans cheered after Watson went down with the injury, prompting criticism from players and coaches. Watson was asked before the Bills game what kind of reception he expected from Browns fans.“I don’t care,” Watson said.Watson did complete his longest pass of the preseason to Malachi Corley for 20 yards. However, he tossed an ugly interception a few plays later. Watson remained in the game for the start of the fourth quarter but didn’t do anything to help his case with two rough misses — one down the sideline to Corley and another on fourth down over the middle. He finished 5-of-12 for 35 yards. He posted a 14.6 quarterback rating.Shedeur Sanders Makes His Case Against BillsGettyShedeur Sanders #2 of the Cleveland Browns kneels to pray prior to a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field. Sanders drew the start for the matchup, his first of the preseason.Sanders delivered an encouraging performance before Watson took over, completing 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He finished with an 87.1 passer rating.The second-year quarterback opened the game by completing all four of his passes for 43 yards on Cleveland’s first possession. He capped the 11-play drive with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Luke Floriea, tying the game at 7.
View this post on Instagram
Sanders also converted a fourth-and-2 during the drive and showed poise despite playing behind the backup offensive line. Many of Cleveland’s established starters sat after participating in Thursday’s join