{
  "id": 2668359,
  "title": "Shedeur Sanders vs. Deshaun Watson: Browns fans boo controversial veteran as QB battle rages",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/shedeur-sanders-vs-deshaun-watson-browns-fans-boo-controversial",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-22T22:53:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/shedeur-sanders-vs-deshaun-watson-225326307.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Title: Cleveland Browns Fans Boo Deshaun Watson Despite QB Battle with Shedeur Sanders\n\nAs the Cleveland Browns prepare to begin the 2026 season, fans have not been pleased with the team's quarterback situation. Quarterback Deshaun Watson, who signed a five-year, $230 million contract with the Browns, has faced criticism from fans after throwing an interception during a 31-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Saturday.\n\nWatson's contract has been called into question, especially after his 2022 suspension for sexual assault and misconduct allegations. His performance with the Browns has been disappointing, as he has yet to reach the 3,800-yard or 26-touchdown marks he achieved during his three seasons with the Houston Texans.\n\nIn preseason, Watson and rookie backup Shedeur Sanders have struggled, with neither quarterback reaching over 200 yards passing. The duo has produced more interceptions than touchdowns, creating uncertainty about who should take over as the starting quarterback.\n\nBrowns fans expressed their discontent with Watson during the game against the Bills, booing him after he overthrew a pass intended for wide receiver Gage Larvadain. Watson acknowledged the boos, stating that they were personal and not related to his performance. He believes that fans cheered for him last season when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon.\n\nHead coach Todd Monken defended Watson, stating that he is proud of his work and that the team needs to improve overall. Monken urged fans to focus on playing good football and emphasized that a win would alleviate the need for booing.",
  "summary": "With Week 1 rapidly approaching in Cleveland, Todd Monken and Co. have questions to answer about their QB play.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Shedeur Sanders states case as Browns starter: Instant analysis, grade",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/shedeur-sanders-states-case-as-browns-starter-instant-analysis-grade",
        "published": "2026-08-22T19:42:19.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Newsweek",
        "title": "Deshaun Watson Sounds off on 'Disrespectful' Browns Fans Booing Him",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/deshaun-watson-sounds-off-on-disrespectful-browns-fans-booing-him",
        "published": "2026-08-23T00:15:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}