Deshaun Watson gave the Browns their first live look at his preseason form Saturday, completing 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards in a 34-10 loss to the Chicago Bears. Watson led two scoring drives and also lost a fumble in his first game in almost two years, a notable step for a quarterback competing for the starting job in Todd Monken's first training camp since taking over in January.
Watson's return came after a long stretch away from game action. He was suspended 11 games by the NFL in 2022, then suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in 2023 and two ruptured Achilles tendon injuries the next season. His last game before Saturday came on Oct. 20, 2024.
What Watson showed
The numbers were encouraging enough for Cleveland to get a clearer evaluation. Watson helped move the offense on two scoring drives, and Monken said there were some things operationally the Browns can clean up while also noting that at moments the team threw the ball well.
Watson was direct about the chance to get back on the field. He said it was good to feel the hits, get tackled a little bit and simply play football again.
Sanders' first preseason work
Shedeur Sanders also saw action in the preseason opener. He threw an interception in the fourth quarter, then said it was the right read and the right decision even though the ball slipped and he did not execute the play.
Monken's plan, though, already points to a different setup for Cleveland's second preseason game against Buffalo. He said Sanders will start that game and Watson will begin the second half, with the Browns scheduled for a joint practice with the Bills on Thursday. Monken added that every day is important, a reminder that the competition is still very much unfolding.
For Cleveland, Saturday was less about the final score than about the first real snapshot of its quarterback picture. Watson showed enough to keep the conversation going, and Sanders got his first chance to make his case in live action. The next week should offer another important look at both quarterbacks as the Browns continue sorting out the position.
