Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is optimistic he'll receive a warm reception at Huntington Bank Field for the team's home opener against the Carolina Panthers.
"The biggest thing, I don't (ever) try to go at war with the fans," Watson said Wednesday, according to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. "So, I think the biggest thing is (I'm) just ready for support, ready to feel their energy, ready to get this big (win) for the city of Cleveland and continue this great feeling that we have this week."
Watson struggled in a home preseason contest against Buffalo, completing 5 of 12 passes for 35 yards and one interception in four second-half drives against the Bills' backup defense. The 31-year-old was booed in his first home game since tearing his Achilles in October 2024.
"I think the whole world knows it has nothing to do about the performance," Watson said postgame. "It's a little bit (more) personal than that, so I think that's a disrespectful thing."
The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback later apologized for his comments.
"My emotions got the best of me. My comments weren't intending to go at any of the fans around the city because there's been a lot of great fans that have been supporting me," Watson said after being named Cleveland's starting quarterback.
Watson enjoyed a bounce-back performance in the Browns' 23-19 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week. He completed 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns, including the go-ahead score.
The Clemson product has been limited to 21 games due to a suspension and injuries since the Browns acquired him in March 2022 and signed him to a $230-million contract. Watson is playing out the final year of his deal.
The Browns' victory last weekend marked Watson's first win as a starter since Week 2 of the 2024 season.
Cleveland was reportedly expected to re-evaluate its quarterback situation after the first two games of the regular season. Watson won the starting job in training camp over Shedeur Sanders.
"I'm happy for Deshaun, the way he's played, and I expect improvement, and I expect continued improvement," head coach Todd Monken said Monday, per Oyefusi.
The Browns host the Panthers at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
