Deshaun Watson Throws Interception on Opening Drive of 2026 Season

In the opening week of the 2026 NFL season, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson faced criticism after throwing an interception on the team's first drive against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

During the fifth play of the drive, Watson's pass intended for Jerry Jeudy was intercepted by linebacker Foyesade Oluokun, who returned it 22 yards to the Jacksonville 41-yard line. This interception marked Watson's first of the season, adding to his troubling record of 12 interceptions on 557 attempts since 2022, reflecting a 2.2 percent interception rate.

The decision to start Watson has been controversial, especially after a lackluster preseason performance where he completed only 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards and one interception. Former NFL coach Rex Ryan expressed strong disapproval of the Browns' choice to name Watson the starter, suggesting he would have cut him instead. Watson's fully guaranteed contract complicates the situation for the Browns, as releasing him would result in significant financial penalties.