Deshaun Watson was having a decent afternoon on Sunday until he made a mind-boggling play that sent shockwaves across the NFL. He was 13-of-16 for 103 yards and a touchdown without an interception, but all of that went out the window during the second quarter.
Win, lose or otherwise, Watson’s Week 3 game will be remembered by just one terrible play.
Cleveland, facing Tennessee at home, had 1st-and-10 at its own 49-yard-line. Watson took the snap, faked the handoff on the play-action, and rolled out to his right.
As he did, the Titans defense swarmed into the backfield and cut off his primary target. With nowhere to go, it appeared as though Watson was going to be sacked for a loss of about five.
Considering that it was first down, there were worse things that could have happened. And that’s exactly what happened.
Watson turned back away from the line of scrimmage while being wrestled to the ground by a pair of defenders. Elijah Moore recognized the broken play and moved to where his quarterback was able to reach him.
There was just one problem…
Deshaun Watson did not reach him.
Instead, the 28-year-old quarter launched a desperation throw — backward — in the general direction of his receiver. The ball went flying past Moore about 10 yards back and constituted what is undoubtedly the worst fumble of the year.
If that wasn’t embarrassing enough, Watson was shaken up on the play and had to be helped off of the field. Fortunately for the Browns, their quarterback was able to return shortly thereafter and threw a touchdown just a few plays later.
Still, though, what the heck was Watson thinking?!