Updated
Updated · NFL.com · Aug 22
Browns Delay Week 1 QB Call After Sanders TD Drive, Watson Goes 5-of-12
Updated
Updated · NFL.com · Aug 22

Browns Delay Week 1 QB Call After Sanders TD Drive, Watson Goes 5-of-12

3 articles · Updated · NFL.com · Aug 22

Summary

  • Todd Monken said he still will not name Cleveland's starting quarterback, opting to review Saturday's tape after the Browns' 31-7 preseason loss to Buffalo.
  • Shedeur Sanders led one touchdown drive in four non-kneel-down possessions but also threw an interception, while Deshaun Watson went 5-of-12 for 36 yards with an interception in his first Cleveland appearance since a 2024 season-ending injury.
  • Monken praised Sanders' confidence and quicker decision-making, but said the offense as a whole played poorly and stressed the staff still needs to sort out who should get starter-level reps.
  • Browns fans loudly booed Watson during scoreless drives, prompting Watson to call the reaction "disrespectful" and Sanders to say he did not respect the booing either.
  • Cleveland plays New England on Thursday, leaving Monken little time to decide whether Sanders or Watson will start and how much either will play.

Insights

Will the Browns dare to bench their highly paid veteran Deshaun Watson for young standout Shedeur Sanders in Week 1?
Could the relentless fan backlash against Deshaun Watson force the Browns to hand the offense over to Shedeur Sanders?
How might Cleveland's completely overhauled offensive line secretly dictate the winner of this intense preseason quarterback battle?