Both the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns are managing the season in the absence of their star quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Deshaun Watson, respectively. Regardless of the game time, the fans have discovered unique aspects differentiating the mentalities of the two injured quarterbacks.
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On one hand, Joe Burrow is not able to play due to his season-ending wrist injury. He underwent a successful surgery on November 27. The Bengals confirmed a positive outcome, stating he is expected to make a complete recovery. Despite the setback, Burrow demonstrated resilience by supporting his team from the sideline, studying plays, and helping backup Jake Browning. All wearing a noticeable bandage around his right wrist and arm.
On the other hand, Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending injury in his right shoulder, a displaced fracture in the right glenoid. The Browns quarterback underwent a successful surgery to repair the bone but is also dealing with a high ankle sprain. Deshaun was also seen supporting his team in their game against the Rams, initially on the sidelines and later from a luxury box as the game started. But that didn’t stop the internet from making comments.
LEADERSHIP: The difference between Joe Burrow and Deshaun Watson is HUGE.
Burrow is on the sidelines helping out his backup, helping his team win games.
Watson is sitting in a luxury box without a care in the world.
(h/t @Jamrock_216) pic.twitter.com/EsqrFSSvIa
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) December 5, 2023
NFL Fans Have Mixed Reactions on Joe Burrow and Deshaun Watson’s Contrasting Sideline Support
Fans’ reactions varied to Deshaun Watson and Joe Burrow’s contrasting approaches. While Watson opted for the luxury box, Burrow actively stayed on the sideline. Some speculate Deshaun’s confidence in his backup, contrasts with Burrow’s desire to contribute to the team’s offense. Let’s see how fans exhibited their diverse opinions on these quarterback personalities. Some defended him, calling it “pure hate,” while others criticized his perceived lack of support, linking it to a “Deshaun First” attitude.
Nah bro I’m a bengals fan and this is just pure hate
— cray (@crayon34tf) December 5, 2023
100%…. Shameful Watson up in the clouds in a luxury box not supporting his guys. Very fitting of his “Deshaun First” attitude…
— Bengalorian (@thebengalorian) December 5, 2023
Bro Watson was on the field all the way up until kick off, as was Nick Chubb. These narratives are WILDDD!
— Cintrix (@CintrixIRL) December 5, 2023
Yall be posting some of the dumbest things. Why be on the sideline risking getting ran into by someone on the sideline.
— Tytus Howard (@tyhoward71) December 5, 2023
Burrow is liked by his teammates that’s why
— Everything Shohei (@ItsShoTime17) December 5, 2023
‘MLFootball‘s Twitter account highlighted the stark contrast between Joe Burrow and Deshaun Watson. Burrow can be seen actively supporting his team from the sidelines and Watson can be seen watching the game from his luxury box with his sunglasses on. In response, fans expressed both support and criticism for Deshaun Watson.