The Cleveland Browns’ decision to name Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback for Week 1 has generated plenty of national reaction. Speaking on First Take, Orlovsky did not hold back his genuine shock at the timing of the announcement, coming less than 48 hours after Watson’s emotional press conference in which he admitted he did not know if he could overcome the boos from Browns fans and called the reaction disrespectful.
Orlovsky did not mince words when explaining his reaction to the decision.
“I am shocked. I feel awful for the fans of the Cleveland Browns. I have no idea you could witness what you witnessed in that press conference, and then it not be a part of your evaluation and decision. I think the world of Todd Monken. I think he’s a great coach. I think the world of Andrew Berry. I think he’s put together really good football teams. I have no idea how they could make this decision. To have him have that interaction and make the comments that he made in a football fanbase like Cleveland, and to sit there and be like, don’t boo me, and it’s more than just performance. The tone deaf element of that and then to name him the starting quarterback less than 48 hours out of it, I truly feel awful for that fanbase,” Orlovsky said.
"I am shocked. I feel awful for the fans of the Cleveland Browns."@danorlovsky7 reacts to Deshaun Watson being named the starting QB 🏈 pic.twitter.com/6LB5fAvxjJ
— First Take (@FirstTake) August 24, 2026
The broader context of this reaction ties back to years of scrutiny that have followed Watson since before his arrival in Cleveland, including the allegations and settled civil suits from his time in Houston. There is a growing sentiment among some national analysts who similarly question whether Watson possesses the self awareness needed to handle the pressure of the starting job in Cleveland.
Whether Watson can silence this level of national skepticism will now play out on the field, starting with road matchups against Jacksonville and Tampa Bay before a return to Huntington Bank Field in Week 3.
NEXT: Browns Already Given Notable Odds For Week 1 Matchup
