Deshaun Watson appeared to trot off the field and defy his head coach Kevin Stefanski(Image: FOX)

Deshaun Watson's controversial exit sparks outrage among Cleveland Browns fans

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson shared a heated moment with head coach Kevin Stefanski during Sunday's loss to the Washington Commanders

by · The Mirror

Tensions are reportedly running high in Cleveland, following a heated exchange between Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson and head coach Kevin Stefanski.

The Browns' offensive woes were epitomised by a chaotic drive that unfolded with just under 15 minutes left in the third quarter of Sunday's match. After Cleveland's defence forced its second turnover of the game, Watson took possession at the Washington Commanders' 30-yard line, trailing 24-6.

After a 19-yard completion to wide receiver Amari Cooper, the Browns found themselves with a first and goal at the two-yard line. However, any momentum they had quickly evaporated after their offence committed a false start, conceded a sack, and threw two incomplete passes.

Ahead of the crucial fourth and goal down, Watson angered fans by seemingly walking off the field despite his coach's intention to run a play. Stefanski made no attempt to hide his frustration following the miscommunication, dropping his hands to his knees and angrily removing his headset.

Browns fans took to social media to vent their frustrations, with one supporter saying, "Kevin Stefanski wanted to go for it on 4th down. Deshaun Watson proceeds to quit on his team and walk off the field," while another commented: "He's a broken man. Think it'd be better to just bench him now."

However, a different viewpoint emerged from FOX's broadcast, revealing that Watson, during a huddle, noticed an excess of Browns players on the field. Opting not to use Cleveland's second timeout in the third quarter, the 29-year-old quarterback chose to leave the field to discuss the issue with Stefanski and the coaching staff.

The mishap was one aspect of the Browns' disorganised game, which they lost 34-13 to the Commanders. Watson completed 15-of-28 pass attempts for 125 yards and a touchdown without any interceptions but suffered seven sacks by the robust Commanders' defense.

Deshaun Watson has struggled mightily to begin the season( Image: Getty Images)

With Watson at the helm, the Browns have a disappointing 1-4 record this season. In these five games, he's racked up 852 passing yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions, also carrying the ball 25 times for 131 rushing yards.

Despite a disappointing start to the season, Cleveland's coach Stefanski remains firm that there's no current talk of changing quarterbacks. We need to play better, I need to coach better, and that's really what it is, he admitted to journalists at Sunday post-game press conference.

Cleveland's patience with Watson could be tested if his difficulties continue. The Browns now confront a tough challenge to revitalize their season, facing hard games against the Philadelphia Eagles, Cincinnati Bengals, and Baltimore Ravens in the upcoming three weeks.