LeSean McCoy Makes Explosive Deshaun Watson Accusation After Browns QB’s Turnover-Filled Performance

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LeSean McCoy Makes Explosive Deshaun Watson Accusation After Browns QB’s Turnover-Filled Performance

Heena Singh · Gridiron Heroics

Mon, Sep 14, 2026 ·

3 min read

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The Cleveland Browns' decision to start Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders already faced plenty of criticism. After Sunday's 34-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars , that debate became even louder.

Watson struggled to move the offense early, and his most meaningful production came after the Jaguars had built an overwhelming lead. The performance frustrated fans and analysts alike, with former NFL running back LeSean McCo y taking his criticism to an extreme.

LeSean McCoy Questions Deshaun Watson After Browns' Disastrous Opener

Philadelphia Eagles LeSean McCoy — Feb 9, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Former running back LeSean McCoy speaks during the Legends NFL Party. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Speaking on Speakeasy, McCoy questioned whether Watson 's turnover-filled outing deserved closer scrutiny. He raised the possibility of point-shaving while discussing the Browns quarterback's mistakes, including an early interception and a fumble.

"Deshaun Watson needs to be under investigation for point-shaving because we've been seeing it. We've watched Terry Rozier do it. We're watching it in basketball. It's happening in football. You think he's rich? He's trying to get richer. Check with a bookie near you. Deshaun Watson is on the loose. The way I'm watching you play the game, what do you want me to say about that? You're throwing picks to him. You fumble the ball here. What do you want me to say?"

McCoy's comments were allegations and not evidence of any wrongdoing by Watson. Nevertheless, it proved once again how badly his return to regular-season play was taken.

Watson completed 16 out of 22 passes, totaling 205 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Although his numbers got a boost due to a late 46-yard touchdown to Denzel Boston, most of those yards were compiled when Jacksonville was in full control. The Jaguars managed to score on six of their seven possessions and were up 24-0 at halftime.

In total, the Browns' offense accumulated five first downs during the first half of the game and could not capitalize on any of the first four third-down plays. Watson was unable to create some kind of rhythm, and the Browns failed to execute.

The QB performance also intensified the pressure surrounding the Browns' offseason decision. Watson won the starting job over Sanders; however, the choice was already unpopular with parts of the fan base. A second straight poor showing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could make the situation even more uncomfortable before the Browns return home in Week 3.

Head coach Todd Monken did not commit to Watson for the next game, though he also pushed back against the idea that the loss was entirely the quarterback's fault.

Monken also said the team's operation w as not clean enough, pointing to problems with substitutions, getting in and out of the huddle and the overall execution. He insisted that outside criticism would not dictate his decisions.

The Browns will now travel to Tampa Bay looking for a response. Another flat performance could force Monken and the organization to seriously reconsider their quarterback plans.

LeSean McCoy Questions Deshaun Watson After Browns' Disastrous Opener

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