The Browns’ quarterback competition isn’t just dragging on for the sake of drama. Deshaun Watson’s preseason opener made a strong case for why Cleveland kept the door open and gave Shedeur Sanders real work, too.
Watson opened Saturday’s game against the Chicago Bears, and the outing offered a familiar mix of efficiency and unease. He finished 11 of 15 for 126 yards and lost a fumble on a strip sack. There were quick throws that looked sharp, but also moments that were hard to ignore: Watson got jumpy in the pocket, bounced a pass into the dirt while aiming at an open receiver, and forced another throw into traffic.
He also had a brief injury scare after taking a hit that left him flexing his hand and getting checked out after hitting his funny bone on another player. The good news for Cleveland was that he came away fine health-wise. The less reassuring part is that the rough edges on the field felt very much like Watson.
That matters because all signs still point to Watson eventually getting the nod as the starter. The Browns have been criticized for not settling the battle sooner, with some arguing the delay could hurt preparation for the season. But Saturday showed the other side of the equation: if Watson is the guy, Cleveland may still need Sanders before long.
That’s why the work Sanders has gotten already could pay off. The Browns are set to keep the competition rolling into the second week of the preseason, with Sanders starting against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. If Watson struggles or gets hurt during the 2026 season, Cleveland would rather have Sanders ready after spending the offseason with the team and getting reps with the top unit.
Watson’s preseason performance didn’t settle the job. If anything, it explained why the Browns haven’t rushed to shut the door on the rest of the room.
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