Lawrence Thrived, Watson Faced Pressure in Former Clemson Quarterbacks’ Matchup
The quarterback situation at Clemson has taken a familiar turn for head coach Dabo Swinney.
Once again, a veteran quarterback is competing with a freshman for the starting job. Once again, Swinney has chosen the freshman.
The latest version features senior Christopher Vizzina and freshman Tait Reynolds. Swinney named Reynolds the starter for Saturday's matchup against UNC, while Vizzina remains available despite a minor injury.
The decision echoes two previous quarterback transitions that ultimately helped define Clemson football.
Trevor Lawrence arrived in 2018 and eventually replaced Kelly Bryant, who had guided the Tigers to the College Football Playoff the previous season. Deshaun Watson faced a similar path in 2014, rotating with senior Cole Stoudt before taking control of the offense as a freshman.
More than a decade later, Lawrence and Watson have taken dramatically different paths since their days at Clemson.
Ironically, the NFL season opened with the two former national champions meeting on the field Sunday in Jacksonville.
The result, Jacksonville's 34-10 victory over Cleveland, served as a fitting snapshot of where the two quarterbacks currently stand.
Lawrence, now in his sixth NFL season, looked every bit like a quarterback comfortable in his surroundings.
After leading the Jaguars to the 2025 AFC South title, Lawrence completed 18 of 23 passes for 245 yards and four touchdowns in Sunday's season opener. His 150.6 passer rating was a career high.
"I think just the understanding of what we're doing and when certain plays go in, and I know what I'm looking for and what we're trying to get done," Lawrence said, referencing his comfort with the offense under second-year head coach and playcaller Liam Coen. "And if I don't, being able to communicate and ask the right questions."
That comfort was evident on one of his best plays of the afternoon.
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In the third quarter, Lawrence scrambled to his left before lofting a 32-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jakobi Meyers. The play carried a familiar Clemson feel, reminiscent of Lawrence rolling to his left before delivering a 25-yard touchdown pass to Justyn Ross during Clemson's 45-10 victory over Louisville in 2019.
"It was awesome to get a win in week one, but just excited now," said Lawrence, who now has 100 touchdown passes. "We got a big challenge next week, and we got to turn the page and go put together another great game plan."
That challenge will come Sunday in Denver.
Watson entered Sunday's game carrying a much different set of circumstances.
The 10th-year veteran was making his first start since Oct. 20, 2024, and the Browns are beginning a new era under head coach and playcaller Todd Monken.
Watson completed 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The interception came on Cleveland's opening drive, and Jacksonville's defense sacked Watson five times.
The performance immediately placed the quarterback under scrutiny, particularly with questions surrounding why Monken chose him over second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Monken, however, pushed back against the idea that Sunday's loss should be placed entirely on Watson.
"First off, we'll analyze everything that we do. It's not just him, okay? We're putting this on Deshaun, okay, which is unfair, okay?" stated Monken to the media after questions about Watson.
The Browns coach made it clear that outside criticism would not determine his quarterback decision.
"And whatever there is externally doesn't matter to me," Monken said. "That doesn't affect me. That has nothing to do with my decision making. Okay, my decision making is what's best for the Browns now and moving forward."
Monken acknowledged the frustration surrounding the situation but said that would not alter his approach.
Watson, meanwhile, is taking the criticism in stride.
"I mean, just keep moving forward, keep stepping forward," Watson said. "You know, keep smiling, regardless of who's against me or who's with me. I think that's more beneficial for the team in that locker room."
Watson said he received support following the loss.
"I've had a lot of support in that locker room after the game, telling me keep my head up, keep pushing forward, keep working," he said. "They're behind me, so that's always positive to see and hear."
Monken has already indicated that Watson is expected to start Sunday at Tampa Bay.
