With a final decision on the Cleveland Browns’ Week 1 starting quarterback supposedly coming as early as Monday, today’s preseason game against the Buffalo Bills was the best opportunity for both Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders to make a strong impression. Watson certainly made an impression – just not the kind he wanted.
Sanders got the starting nod this time and had an up-and-down first half, going 9-of-11 for 74 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Then Watson got the ball in the second half and the momentum completely stalled.
After taking over in the third quarter, Watson’s first two drives netted negative yards. He finally managed to get a little offense on the third drive, only to toss an interception off a tipped high throw.
The home crowd in Cleveland booed Watson as the offense came off the field.
Is it over for Watson?
Fans on X began questioning whether Watson played himself out of the starting job:
“Shedeur deserves to be QB1. No excuse for Watson to be playing like this against cut candidates,” one user on X declared.
“The fall-off of Deshaun Watson will be studied for centuries. Kid had it all man… he was a franchise QB and then he started thinking with the wrong head…” wrote another.
“Personally, I would go with Sanders because I think the team will actually play for him,” a third remarked.
“I do not get the decision to start Watson. They’re going to be bad either way, might as well play the guy the fans want to see.”
“Worst Trade in NFL history…”
© Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
It’s a testament to how quickly opinions can change during the preseason. Just a few days ago, Watson seemingly had the starting job locked up with one of the best throws any Browns QB has made all year. That throw took place in practice though, not against live opposition.
Will Watson wind up riding the bench for the Browns this season?
