The Cleveland Browns have named Deshaun Watson their starting quarterback for Week 1, ending their preseason competition with rookie Shedeur Sanders.
The Browns announced the decision on X, writing, “Deshaun Watson has been named the starting quarterback.”
The announcement came less than 48 hours after Watson was booed during Cleveland’s 31-7 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills. Watson completed 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards and threw one interception during the second half.
NFL Network’s Kyle Brandt reacted to Cleveland’s decision on X. Brandt questioned the timing after Watson’s recent performance and his public comments about Browns fans.
“Has spent the last 5 years either bad, pouting, injured, or suspended,” Brandt wrote. “Openly engages and antagonizes the fan base, right after another poor showing.”
Brandt then highlighted how quickly Cleveland made its decision. “Less than 48 hours later: ‘You’re our guy.’ Browns fans I don’t know how you do it,” he added.
In the preseason, Watson has 16 completions on 27 attempts for 162 yards. He recorded no touchdowns and one interception, with an average of 59.3% completion rate.
His first outing against Chicago was much stronger. Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards, while his second appearance raised more concerns.
Watson also faced questions after calling the Browns fans’ boos “disrespectful” and “personal.” “The whole world knows it has nothing to do about the performance,” Watson said after the Buffalo game.
Via Imagn Images
Watson also recalled Browns fans cheering after his 2024 Achilles injury. “That same fanbase, they cheered when I got hurt,” Watson said. “So what does that have to do with anything about performance? When a person gets hurt, especially for your own city, and they cheer?”
Cleveland’s decision shows the coaching staff values Watson’s experience and readiness. Sanders performed well, but Watson now enters the season with the starting job.
The Browns open against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 13. Watson now has an opportunity to answer critics through his performance.
