For the first time since 2024, Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson got live reps in an NFL game. But if you were expecting him to either light up the scoreboard or stink up the joint, you were left underwhelmed on both counts.
Watson got the starting nod over Shedeur Sanders for today's preseason game against the Chicago Bears. In about two quarters of action, Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards while taking one sack, but that sack resulted in a fumble recovered by the Bears.
Given that even a single interception can be the difference between getting the starting nod and riding the pine, that's not a great sign.
Retaking the lead or squandering it?
NFL fans were mixed on whether Watson really did a whole lot to really impress the coaching staff. Some feel it was more of the same while others thought his management was sufficient for him to retake the starting job.
"Touchdown drive was fine everything else was utter dog (expletive). The same Deshaun we seen for the past 5 years," one user remarked on X.
"Started really good. A few pieces of rust on him showed late. But definitely looking like QB1 for now," another argued.
"43 of these yards was on a screen pass. So he was 10/14 83 yards without it. B- Grade," wrote a third.
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"Honestly he was fine But when heated up he was average. I give him a 6/10."
"Was good until the backup OLine came in. First drive was a waste. Fannin drop second drive, TD third drive. After that the oline collapsed. Let’s see Shedeur."
It doesn't seem like Watson made a ton of headway in claiming the job, but he didn't seem to hurt his standing with the team with the performance either.
Sanders will get the starting nod in the Browns' next preseason game though. Watson could wind up seeing the job slip through his fingers before he takes another snap.
