Head coach Todd Monken has officially handed Deshaun Watson the QB1 job for Week 1. However, that decision has already split the Cleveland Browns fans into two camps. On top of that, his strained relationship with the Cleveland faithful continues to create another problem.
When Watson entered Cleveland’s preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills in the second half, sections of the home crowd immediately greeted him with boos. Watson later criticized the fans for their reaction, which only added fuel to the situation.
Now, three-time Super Bowl champion Mark Schlereth has questioned whether Watson has the mental toughness to handle it.
Mark Schlereth Calls Out Deshaun Watson’s Mental Toughness Ahead of the Regular Season
On the latest episode of “The Stinkin Truth Podcast,” Schlereth explained why he doubts Watson can hold the starting job for the entire season.
He pointed directly at Watson’s ability to deal with pressure and criticism.
“I can’t imagine him retaining that job for 17 weeks, whether it’s a lack of performance or mentally not being able to handle the pressure of being booed,” he said. “I mean, he came out and said, ‘Man, it’d be better if we just played 17 weeks on the road.’ Dude, are you that soft? Are you that soft? I mean, you better shut down any social media you have. Maybe you already have.”
Watson did little to silence those concerns against Buffalo. He completed only 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards and threw an interception during Cleveland’s 31-7 loss.
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Afterward, Watson called the crowd’s treatment “disrespectful” and “personal.” Watson argued that the hostility goes beyond his play and claimed he sometimes receives more support on the road than at home.
Schlereth, however, believes a quarterback must accept that criticism comes with the job.
“Don’t turn on the phone or the TV, like just living under a rock in fantasyland,” he said. “You’re that freaking soft that you can’t handle the criticism. You understand this is professional sports. Get good or get gone. That’s how it works. And so that part concerns me.”
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The frustration around Deshaun Watson goes beyond his recent struggles. Cleveland Browns fans still remember the massive price the team paid to acquire him from the Houston Texans in 2022. Cleveland sent three first-round picks, a third-round pick, and two fourth-round picks for the quarterback.
Then, the Browns doubled down with a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract that carried a $46 million salary.
But that investment has produced very little. Watson has started just 19 games across four years in Cleveland, with injuries repeatedly limiting his time on the field.
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A torn Achilles ended Watson’s 2024 season. That year, PFN’s QB Impact Metric gave him a 59.9 grade, the lowest mark among quarterbacks. He then missed the entire 2025 season.
Now, despite all those setbacks, Watson remains QB1. Still, Mark Schlereth believes Shedeur Sanders could get a chance if things change.
“But I would imagine for Shedeur fans, he’s going to play,” he said. “He’s going to get his opportunity at some point in the season.”
However, that outcome remains uncertain, especially with analysts already floating the possibility of a trade involving the young quarterback.
