Watson Seeks Browns Fans’ Support Before Home Opener

Deshaun Watson is seeking support from Cleveland Browns fans before the team’s home opener against the Carolina Panthers, after being booed during the preseason and criticizing the reaction. His appeal follows a Week 2 win in which he completed 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns, but the crowd’s response at the home game remains unknown. “I never try to go at war with the fans,” Watson told reporters Wednesday, saying he was ready to feel their energy and wanted to help deliver a win for Cleveland. The Browns are scheduled to host Carolina in Week 3. The reports do not establish that the game has taken place. The tension followed an Aug. 22 exhibition game against the Buffalo Bills. Watson was booed after entering in the second half, when he completed 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards and threw an interception. He later described the boos as personal and disrespectful, then said he wanted to move forward. Watson’s next regular-season home start was expected to be his first in nearly two years. His reception in Cleveland was uncertain heading into the game, and the reports did not establish whether his recent performance had changed fans’ views.