# Alex Smith torches Deshaun Watson's fan complaint

> A former NFL quarterback says Watson has no standing to complain about Cleveland booing him.
- Title: Alex Smith torches Deshaun Watson's fan complaint · Newsweek
- Summary: A former NFL quarterback says Watson has no standing to complain about Cleveland booing him. If you want a fan base to cheer, give them a reason first.
- Keywords: nfl, cleveland browns, deshaun watson, alex smith, quarterbacks, Alex, Smith, torches, Deshaun, Watson's, fan, complaint
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/sports/nfl/alex-smith-puts-delusional-deshaun-watson-on-blast-for-ripping-browns-fans-12436774
- Author: Michael Gallagher
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nfl, cleveland browns, deshaun watson, alex smith, quarterbacks
## The comment that started it
Before being named Cleveland's starter, Deshaun Watson said Browns fans cheered when he tore his Achilles at home. He suggested he would rather play 17 road games.

> Last time I played on this field, I tore my Achilles, and that same fan base cheered when I got hurt.
## Named the starter anyway
Cleveland handed Watson the QB1 job weeks later, a decision that surprised people given how fresh his criticism of the home crowd still was.
## The walk-back
Watson said his emotions got the best of him. Offensive coordinator Monken defended the remarks. Plenty of people outside the building did not let it go.
## Alex Smith goes off
On ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown, the former 49ers and Chiefs quarterback called Watson out of touch and asked what he had actually done to earn any cheers.

> It's so delusional, like how out of touch do you have to be if you're Deshaun?
## The contract is the point
Smith said he understands dreading home games on a bad team, but not whining about it while holding the largest guaranteed contract in league history.

> I don't get the whining, no one wants to hear it. Go give them something to cheer about.
## The numbers back the boos
In the opener against Jacksonville, Watson went 4 of 8 for 29 yards with an interception, a 19.3 passer rating and two sacks. Shedeur Sanders is waiting.
## Key takeaway

If you want a fan base to cheer, give them a reason first.