Cleveland Browns quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders demonstrated both promise and areas for improvement during the team's 34-10 preseason loss to the Chicago Bears on Saturday. The game served as an early audition for the starting role, with both players seeing significant snaps.
Watson, making his first game appearance since a 2024 Achilles tear, managed the offense in the first half. He completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards but also committed a turnover. His performance included leading the Browns to consecutive scoring drives after an initial three-and-out. One drive resulted in a field goal, aided by Watson's completions that helped overcome a penalty. Another drive ended with a rushing touchdown, though Watson's day concluded with a fumble after being sacked and two punts.
"He was having fun today, and that is so cool," Browns head coach Todd Monken commented on Watson's play. "I thought he really functioned at a high level. It was fun watching him play and watching us put the next step forward and see where we're at."
Following Watson, Sanders took over in the third quarter and played into the early part of the fourth. He completed 6 of 11 passes for 79 yards and had a turnover. Sanders guided the offense to the Chicago 5-yard line on his first possession, but the team could not convert on fourth-and-one, turning the ball over on downs. His subsequent drives resulted in a three-and-out and an interception when he overthrew a receiver.
Dillon Gabriel handled the quarterback duties in the fourth quarter for the Browns.
With the initial two preseason games designated for the quarterback competition, Sanders is scheduled to start the next game against the Buffalo Bills and will play the first half. Both Sanders and Watson are expected to split first-team repetitions during Cleveland's joint practices with the Bills.