5 things we learned in Browns Preseason Week 1 win over Jaguars

1. Deshaun Watson looks like he hadn’t played in a year

Before the game, Deshaun Watson decided to speak with reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala and finally expressed some remorse for his actions which included 24 accusations of sexual misconduct. It won’t fix what transpired but it was a step in the right direction as he prepared to step on the field for the first time since January of 2021.

When he finally did take a snap, it was clear that there was some rust. The first play of the game saw Anthony Schwartz find an opening in the defense but Watson overthrew him by a couple of yards. He also had an underthrow to Demetric Felton on his final play of the game.

Afterward, head coach Kevin Stefanski said what we all knew, which was that Watson was shaking off some “jitters.”

After so much time without playing in live action, it was understandable that Watson would be a little rusty. Still, no one expected 1-of-5 passing for seven yards, but that’s what ended up happening.

Having said that, those numbers might be a little deceiving. Watson really only had two bad throws and on each of those occasions, he did make the right read.

As for his other passes, there were a couple of drops by Anthony Schwartz which even led to Watson showing visible frustration with the young wide receiver. Now, Watson will have to wait until Sunday, August 21 to try and put a couple of long drives together — something he probably wished he could have done on Friday.