The second week of the preseason might have finally been the moment when the Cleveland Browns had had enough. One of the most infamous trades and contract extensions in recent memory had handicapped the franchise for nearly the entire 2020s.
A disastrous showing before going after his own team’s fans has left question marks about Deshaun Watson remaining on the roster moving forward, let alone as their starting quarterback. It has also resulted in fans harkening back to one of the most hilarious roasts Stephen A. Smith has ever done.
Stephen A. Smith Was Taking No Prisoners With Deshaun Watson
Since coming to the Browns, Watson has played in just 19 games over four seasons. In those games, he’s totaled just 19 touchdowns while costing them 12 interceptions. A few years ago when Watson was healthy and struggling on the field, Smith brutally took him down.
“Deshaun Watson is awful,” Smith said. “It’s so awful that if someone wanted to arrest him for being awful, I would accept it.”
The deadpan delivery, as he seemed to believe every word he’d said, left the entire studio in stitches.
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And with Watson not improving at any point during his time with the Browns, his comments have become even more iconic. Now, given the developments surrounding the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, fans instantly went back to Smith’s comments.
As one fan gave the veteran analyst his props, he wrote, “Genuinely one of the funniest things ever said in the history of ESPN.”
Genuinely one of the funniest things ever said in the history of ESPN pic.twitter.com/W21ynr01XZ
— NFL Memes (@NFLMemes) August 23, 2026
Others, too, had immense praise for the moment, claiming, “One of the funniest things I’ve ever seen.”
One fan couldn’t believe that another human being had come up with such a statement to say on the air. Their shock was evident as they exclaimed, “Stephen A. Smith really said this on live TV.”
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The entire style and candor that he used to emphasize what he was saying was a sight to behold. As one fan revealed, “The way he says awful has me rolling every single time.”
For some, it was the pinnacle of his career: “This is the best quote of his career.”
Stephen A has been and always will be a grade A entertainer.
Guy knows more about the bee movie than ball, but top tier other than that. https://t.co/ypJToaKbTi
— Anthony (@IAm2AverageJoes) August 23, 2026
Even though he has become infamous on social media recently, some fans still have immense respect for what Smith has achieved. As one fan singled out, “Stephen A has been and always will be a grade A entertainer. Guy knows more about the Bee Movie than ball, but top tier, other than that.”
Even as fans relive the glory days from a few years ago, the Browns remain in a major bind. While all signs pointed to Watson winning the battle for the QB1 spot, his comments against Cleveland fans may have alienated the entire fan base.
As a result, naming him a starter may not go over well for the Browns. Their direction remains to be seen, but head coach Todd Monken has confirmed that an official decision is going to be made on Monday.
