In the long and uncertain search for stability at quarterback, the Cleveland Browns opened their preseason with more questions than answers. Deshaun Watson, returning from a serious injury that cost him a full season, and Shedeur Sanders, a young man carrying both promise and a famous name, each took their turn in a 34-10 loss to Chicago — and neither seized the moment. The audition continues, as it so often does in sport and in life, with the outcome still unwritten.
Watson, Sanders deliver mixed performances in Browns' QB audition
Competent, then vulnerable—that's the story of his half
Mark
Watson looked okay in the first half—is that enough to matter, or does the fumble at the end erase it?
Mimi
The fumble is the thing you remember, isn't it? He had rhythm early, moved the ball, but then he got sacked and lost it. That's the story of his half—competent, then vulnerable.
Mark
And Sanders was worse. Does that mean Watson's the guy?
Mimi
Not necessarily. Sanders got the second half when the Bears' defense was already rolling. Different circumstances. But he didn't make you believe either.
Mark
So this competition is still completely open?
Mimi
It has to be. Neither one showed enough to close the door on the other. That's why they're doing it again next week.
Mark
What does Monken's comment about Watson "having fun" actually mean?
Mimi
It sounds like he's trying to find the positive—Watson looked engaged, not rusty. But coaches say things like that when the tape is mixed. Fun doesn't win games.
Mark
Is there any chance they go with Gabriel?
Mimi
Unlikely. He's the third option. This is between Watson and Sanders, and it'll probably stay that way through the preseason.
The Pulse
- Watson's comeback felt real for a half — he moved the offense, completed passes with purpose, and gave Cleveland reason to believe — before a fumble and two empty possessions dimmed the optimism.
- Sanders struggled to convert when it mattered most, stalling at the goal line on fourth down, going three-and-out, and ultimately throwing an interception to end his final drive of the night.
- Chicago's defense took over after halftime, exposing the fragility of both quarterbacks and turning what began as a competitive game into a lopsided defeat.
- A $230 million contract, a famous father, and a franchise desperate for direction hang over every snap — the stakes of this competition extend far beyond a preseason box score.
- The Browns have structured the next week deliberately: Sanders starts against Buffalo and plays the first half, with joint practices giving both men more chances to separate themselves before a decision is forced.
In the long and uncertain search for stability at quarterback, the Cleveland Browns opened their preseason with more questions than answers. Deshaun Watson, returning from a serious injury that cost him a full season, and Shedeur Sanders, a young man carrying both promise and a famous name, each took their turn in a 34-10 loss to Chicago — and neither seized the moment. The audition continues, as it so often does in sport and in life, with the outcome still unwritten.
The Cleveland Browns' preseason opener against Chicago was meant to bring clarity to their quarterback competition. It brought mostly uncertainty. Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders each took their turns in a 34-10 loss to the Bears, and neither made a compelling case for the starting role.
Watson, playing his first game since rupturing his Achilles in 2024, showed flashes of competence in the first half. He completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards, helping Cleveland stay even with Chicago through halftime — including an 85-yard drive capped by a KC Concepcion touchdown. But the half ended on a sour note when Watson fumbled under pressure, and the offense went quiet. Coach Todd Monken offered measured praise afterward, though the turnover was difficult to overlook.
Sanders took over in the second half and struggled. His first drive stalled at the Chicago 5-yard line on a failed fourth-and-1. His second went nowhere. His third ended with an overthrown ball and an interception. He finished 6 of 11 for 79 yards — a stat line that offered little reassurance. Dillon Gabriel mopped up in the fourth quarter as the game slipped away entirely.
The broader weight of the competition is hard to ignore. Watson is in the final year of a $230 million contract that has defined — and burdened — the franchise for years. Sanders represents youth and possibility, though Saturday did little to confirm he's ready. Next week, Sanders gets the start against Buffalo and will play the first half, with both quarterbacks splitting first-team reps in joint practices. The competition remains genuinely open, and for now, neither man has found a way to close it.
The Cleveland Browns' preseason opener against Chicago on Saturday was supposed to answer questions about their quarterback future. Instead, it raised new ones. Both Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders took their turns under center in a 34-10 loss to the Bears, and neither man made a convincing case for the job.
Watson, playing for the first time since rupturing his Achilles in 2024, looked capable in stretches. He completed 11 of his 15 pass attempts for 126 yards during the first half, moving the offense with enough competence that Cleveland matched Chicago's score by intermission. On one early drive, he threaded three consecutive completions to help the Browns convert a first down despite a penalty and eventually settle for a field goal. A few possessions later, the offense clicked again—though Watson himself didn't score, wideout KC Concepcion punched in a 14-yard touchdown to cap an 85-yard march. But the half ended badly. Watson fumbled while being sacked, and two punts followed. Head coach Todd Monken tried to frame it charitably afterward, saying Watson "was having fun today" and "functioned at a high level," but the turnover was hard to ignore.
Sanders, the son of football legend Deion Sanders, got his audition in the second half and third quarter. He was less effective. His first drive stalled at the Chicago 5-yard line when the Browns failed to convert a fourth-and-1, turning the ball over on downs. His second possession went nowhere—three plays and out. His third and final drive lasted just over a minute into the fourth quarter before he overthrew a receiver and the Bears intercepted. Sanders finished 6 of 11 for 79 yards, a stat line that offered little encouragement.
The game itself was never close after halftime. Chicago's defense tightened, and Cleveland's offense couldn't sustain anything. Dillon Gabriel took over in the fourth quarter as the game got out of hand, a third quarterback getting his own look in what had become a full audition.
The Browns have committed to using their first two preseason games to sort out the quarterback situation. Watson is in the final year of a $230 million contract—a deal that has haunted the franchise since he signed it. Sanders represents a younger option, though his performance Saturday didn't suggest he's ready to seize the moment. Next week, Sanders will start against the Bills and play the first half, giving him another chance to make his case. Both men will also split first-team reps during joint practices with Buffalo. The competition is far from over, and so far, neither has pulled decisively ahead.
Notable Quotes
He was having fun today and that is so cool. I thought he really functioned at a high level.— Browns head coach Todd Monken on Watson's performance
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