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A BRIEF interaction between Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson and one of his offensive lineman has sparked an online frenzy.
Watson had a nightmare display in the Browns’ season-opening defeat to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday with two interceptions and six sacks.
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Midway during the game, Watson attempted to help up offensive lineman Joel Bitonio from the ground.
Bitonio swatted away Watson’s hand, rolled over and got up on his own.
The incident was captured by an eagle-eyed fan, who posted a video on social media.
“Anyone else see Bitonio refuse help from Watson after he recovers his fumble?? Not a great sign…” the fan wrote.
Read more on DeShaun Watson
Many NFL fans quickly weighed in on the issue.
“Hopefully it’s nothing…As a big man that’s a bit beat up, it’s a lot easier to get up by turning over and pushing yourself up rather than trying to get up by being pulled up from somebody,” one fan noted.
“Offensive lineman preference is rolling over and pushing themselves up I believe,” another fan said.
A third fan commented: “Looked more like overall frustration. I guess we’ll see in the next couple weeks though.”
Browns Hall of Famer Joe Thomas also commented on the incident, and said it was nothing to do with frustration with Watson.
“Whether Joel loves Deshaun or hates Deshaun I have no idea, but this video doesn’t tell you anything…” Thomas said.
“Big old offensive lineman are like turtles; we can’t get up unless we roll over and do the ‘push-up to kneel to stand routine.
“Achy backs, big bellies, lots of bracing on our knees and ankles: it’s nearly impossible to help us up like that, we just can’t bend like the skinny skill guys.
“I did that several times in my career and then people realized to not try and help me up!
“Carry on, nothing to see here…”
Regardless, it was a bad look for Watson after the Brown’s 33-17 defeat to the Cowboys.
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It was Watson’s first game since breaking a bone in his right shoulder in November.
And the QB did not impress at all as he finished 24 of 45 for just 169 yards and one touchdown.
“Yeah, he got hit way too often,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said.
“We can’t let that happen to him. He fought like crazy, and listen, the football team fought like crazy to the end.
“But bottom line is, we have to protect our quarterback better than that.”
Browns fans showed their dismay with the team by jeering them at halftime and leaving the stadium in the third quarter.
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Watson said the performance did not shake his performance.
“Hell no,” he said.
“I’ll always be Deshaun Watson, regardless of whoever else says otherwise.
“We all have days like this when you’re playing this type of game, and that’s just part of what comes with it. It comes with the territory.
“And especially in my position: much is given, much is required.”
Watson also revealed that his father died on Friday and that a former teammate passed away Saturday.
“It’s been a long week and they gave me the opportunity to go back home, but I told them I wanted to be here with my guys,” he said.
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