08/24/26 06:11:00
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08/24 18:10 CDT Deshaun Watson named Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback
over Shedeur Sanders
Deshaun Watson named Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders
By JOE REEDY
AP Sports Writer
BEREA, Ohio (AP) --- Not many thought Deshaun Watson had a chance of reclaiming
the starting quarterback job with the Cleveland Browns over the past 22 months.
Since Watson ruptured his right Achilles tendon the first time in a Week 7 game
in 2024, owner Jimmy Haslam had said during last year's owners' meetings that
the Browns "took a big swing and miss" when they sent three first-round picks
to Houston for the controversial quarterback in 2022.
After Shedeur Sanders had a solid first half in last Saturday's 31-7 loss to
Buffalo, a frustrated Watson said the boos from the crowd were "personal" and
showed "disrespect" after he took the field in Cleveland for the first time in
22 months.
Despite the hurdles and a close competition with Sanders, Watson will be the
Browns' starting quarterback for their Sept. 13 opener at the Jacksonville
Jaguars.
Coach Todd Monken made the announcement Monday after informing Watson and
Sanders.
"I took in the full body of work over the course of the offseason to training
camp to the games, the joint practice, and ultimately felt like to start the
season on the road, Deshaun gave us the best chance to move the ball and score
points. I mean, that's really what it's about," Monken said. "I felt that way
going into the last game, but wasn't sure. And after we talked as a staff and
we re-looked at everything, we're going to go that direction."
Watson, a 10-year veteran, split reps with Sanders with the first unit
throughout the offseason, training camp and the preseason.
The decision to start him will not be popular with Browns fans, who have booed
Watson repeatedly during his time in Cleveland, and have put a lot of support
behind Sanders since he was drafted last year.
Monken reiterated that fan sentiment and Watson's comments did not play a role
in his decision.
"Ultimately, the fans want us to win. That's our job as coaches, why we're
hired to try and put the best product on the field. And when we don't, then I
understand their frustration. But ultimately they don't decide who plays. I
mean, who would I be if I let someone outside of the building decide who
plays?" Monken said.
Watson has started only 19 games for Cleveland since being acquired from
Houston and signing a fully guaranteed $230 million contract that will perhaps
go down as one of the worst trades and contracts in NFL history. He is 9-10
with the Browns, with 19 touchdown passes, 12 interceptions and an 80.7 passer
rating.
In 2022, Watson missed the first 11 games because of a league suspension
resulting from his alleged sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions.
He made six starts in 2023 before a season-ending shoulder injury and started
seven in 2024 before the first of two Achilles tendon injuries.
After Monken's announcement, Watson took responsibility for his comments by
saying his emotions got the better of him.
"I'm not a big talker anyway. I think people that know me and around the
organization, I just felt like it was what was on my heart," he said. "It was
never intended to go at a certain person, fan base or a certain crowd. It was
just, this is how I feel. And once I got it off my chest, I felt better and now
I can move forward from it."
Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards and directed two scoring drives
working with other starters and the second team during the first half of the
preseason opener at Chicago.
"There's a lot of things, too, that me and (Monken) talking personally that we
haven't showcased. We haven't showcased my full talent and ability to run in
his offense. Being able to run, getting outside the pocket, being able to do
some other QB-driven stuff. So I'm excited to see what we can cook up, getting
ready for Week 1," Watson said.
Watson has a 7-1 record against the Jaguars with nine touchdown passes and
three interceptions. His last win with the Browns was an 18-13 victory over
Jacksonville on Sept. 15, 2024, during which he completed 22 of 34 passes for
186 yards.
After facing Jacksonville, the Browns are at Tampa Bay on Sept. 20 to face
former quarterback Baker Mayfield, who was released after Cleveland traded for
Watson. The Browns' first home game is Sept. 27 against Carolina.
Sanders has shown steady improvement throughout the offseason. He started the
final seven games of his rookie season, going 3-4 with seven touchdowns and 10
interceptions.
Sanders went 9 of 11 for 74 yards with a touchdown and interception during the
first half against the Bills last weekend. He completed his first eight throws
before he was picked off by Damar Hamlin on a pass he threw behind tight end
Jermaine Terry.
He was 6 of 11 for 79 yards with an interception in the second half against the
Bears.
Sanders' biggest improvement has been his ability to stand in the pocket as
well as move up when he needs to, along with better footwork and
decision-making.
Even though Sanders will be on the sideline for the opener, he is likely to
start at some point this season.
"I think he has come to understand the long game. What are we really in this
for? What am I in it for? To have the Browns be an organization that people
aspire to be. The long game. Where do we want to be in the long term?" Monken
said.
Watson and Sanders will not play in Thursday's final preseason game against the
New England Patriots. Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green will get the snaps
as they compete for the third QB spot.
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