Deshaun Watson uneven in first start since 2024: Week 1 stats
How did Deshaun Watson play today? Cleveland Browns veteran QB struggles vs Jacksonville Jaguars in first start of 2026.
Deshaun Watson's debut as the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback in 2026 was far from impressive, highlighting the concerns surrounding his performance since returning from a torn Achilles injury. The 30-year-old quarterback threw an interception on his third pass attempt, which was his only turnover of the game. Despite throwing for 205 yards and achieving a respectable 72.7% completion rate, Watson's overall performance was uneven.
He rushed for just 38 yards on six attempts, resulting in a 6.3 yards per carry average. The Browns suffered a significant loss in the 34-10 defeat against the Jacksonville Jaguars, extending their losing streak to 0-1. Watson's first start since tearing his Achilles tendon in October 2024 was particularly rough, as he had previously missed the entire 2025 season after re-injuring the same tendon in January of that year.
The Cleveland Browns currently have three quarterbacks on their roster: Watson, second-year player Shedeur Sanders, and rookie Taylen Green, who had been dealing with a back injury.
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