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The Athletic Football Show on Deshaun Watson

PodcastQuarterbacks at a crossroads in 2026
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This is the first time that I can remember where naming the starter felt like it was done out of contempt for the fan base.
Mentioned at 5:00 – 10:00

STACKED’s take

Negative signalRole

Watson named starter despite poor play and fan base frustration

The source notes that naming Deshaun Watson the Week 1 starter feels like an act of contempt toward the fan base, given his poor performance over the last three years and his history of injuries. The source argues there is no potential upside, as Watson has been an 'abject disaster' purely as a player, and the decision to start him over Dorian Thompson-Robinson or other options is demoralizing for fans.

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