RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from Newsweek — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
See the full story · 2 sources
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. Over the weekend, the Cleveland Browns got their first look at both Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders in live NFL action, and it quickly became clear who's leading the race for QB1.
Watson played the first half against the Chicago Bears last Saturday, going 10 of 16 for 126 yards and leading both of the Browns' scoring drives: a 50-yard field goal from Andre Szmyt and a 14-yard rushing touchdown from KC Concepcion. Sanders came on in the third quarter and looked considerably worse, finishing 6 of 11 for 79 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception.
While Sanders is set to start the Browns' next preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday in Cleveland, ESPN NFL insider Daniel Graziano believes Watson may have already won the job.
"Todd Monken, the new head coach, has said all along that he wants to give each of these guys an equal opportunity to win the job. So Deshaun Watson started the first preseason game last weekend in Chicago. Shedeur Sanders will get the start this weekend at home against Buffalo. After that, I would anticipate Monken will make an announcement about his Week 1 starter," Graziano said. "To this point, everything we've heard out of Cleveland throughout the summer has been that Watson has been in the lead and is probably the favorite to win the job. Can Sanders do something Saturday to change that? Entirely possible, but right now it feels like Watson is in the driver's seat in this competition in Cleveland."
More news : Bills Turn to Former Buccaneers DT to Bolster Defensive Line
Watson hasn't appeared in a regular-season NFL game since October 2024 and has since torn his Achilles twice. But he's also the more established veteran with years of starting experience, making him the more obvious choice to start Week 1.
Sanders, by comparison, appeared in eight games last season and put up inconsistent numbers, finishing with 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, completing 56.6% of his passes and posting a passer rating of 68.1.
More news : 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan Reveals Real Reason Behind Christian McCaffrey’s Absence
More news : Chargers’ Mike McDaniel Says Justin Herbert Has Exceeded Expectations So Far
It feels like unless Sanders lights it up against Buffalo on Saturday, Watson will win the starting job — especially when you consider what it could mean for both players if this doesn't work out.
If Watson starts the year and gets benched midway through, the Browns could move on relatively easily, and his resume would likely still earn him another shot elsewhere, even in a backup role. If Sanders were to start and get benched, though, it could be far more damaging to his career.
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.