The Cleveland Browns' decision to stick with Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback has ignited a firestorm, and ESPN's Dan Orlovsky is adding fuel to the flames. The former NFL quarterback turned analyst didn't mince words on 'First Take,' suggesting that the only way for fans to make their voices heard is to stay away from the stadium.
"I'm being dead serious when I say this, Browns fans should not go to games," Orlovsky said. "At some point there has to be a tipping point. To watch that press conference and to hear him say, 'I get more love in road games,' what would you expect the love to come from? You went there."
The controversy began after Watson's second preseason outing, where he was roundly booed by the home crowd. His postgame press conference only made things worse, as he challenged the fans' loyalty. The backlash was swift, and Watson later issued a public apology, but the damage may already be done.
Despite the outcry, head coach Todd Monken named Watson the starter over rookie Shedeur Sanders, a move that baffled many, including Orlovsky. "I am shocked. I feel awful for the fans of the Cleveland Browns," he said, echoing the sentiments of a fanbase that has grown increasingly frustrated with the team's direction.
Orlovsky didn't stop there. He pointed out that Watson's performance on the field hasn't justified the support, let alone the massive contract he received. "Now the organization chose to give you all the money, sure, but you've played in 19 games. And then you have the performance. And you're standing there in the press conference with this attitude of entitlement, in a way, of 'You guys should continue to support me,' and it's like, as a fan, we've done this song and dance. And the performance hasn't been good either," he continued. "If I was a Browns fan, I'm not going to the home games. No."
The decision to start Watson over Sanders has sparked outrage among fans, many of whom believe the team is prioritizing a struggling veteran over a promising rookie. The situation has become a media circus, with fans demanding Sanders' exit from the chaos altogether.
For now, the Browns will open the season with Watson under center, and the first two games are on the road. The real test will come in Week 3, when Cleveland hosts its home opener. Whether fans heed Orlovsky's advice and stay away remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the relationship between Watson and the Dawg Pound is at an all-time low.
As the season approaches, the pressure is on Watson to prove he can win back the fans. But with Orlovsky and others urging a boycott, the Browns may face an empty stadium if they don't turn things around quickly.
