RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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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. The Cleveland Browns stumbled to a 34-10 loss to the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Saturday in their preseason opener. But while a lot of the attention was on the efficient quarterback play from Chicago's sideline, it's the Browns' quarterback battle that remains under the spotlight — and an early front-runner may have already emerged.
Deshaun Watson started the first half and delivered a largely clean outing, finishing 11-of-15 (73.3%) for 126 yards and a 98.2 passer rating. He was sacked once early in the second quarter and lost a costly fumble, but outside of a few miscues, it was an impressive performance overall.
Shedeur Sanders entered in the second half, giving him an equal opportunity to work, albeit with the second-team offense. Unfortunately, the second-year quarterback didn't look nearly as sharp. He went just 6-of-11 (54.5%) for 79 yards, zero touchdowns, and an interception, along with an early fumble (which he recovered). Third-string quarterback Dillon Gabriel entered early in the fourth quarter and finished the game.
Head coach Todd Monken has already said that Watson and Sanders will alternate starts, so Sanders will get another opportunity next week against the Buffalo Bills back in Cleveland. Still, it's fair to assume Watson currently has the edge in the race for the starting job.
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Beyond the quarterbacks, several other offensive players stood out in Cleveland's preseason opener. First-round rookie receiver KC Concepcion hauled in three catches on four targets for 27 yards, along with a 14-yard rushing touchdown. He also returned a punt 31 yards and was one defender away from breaking it for a score, showcasing the explosiveness that made him so exciting to watch at Texas A&M. Second-year running back Dylan Sampson finished as the team's leading receiver with two catches for 43 yards, while undrafted rookie free agent Davon Booth led all rushers with 53 yards on just four carries.
After facing the Bills next weekend, the Browns will close out the preseason on Thursday, Aug. 27, against the New England Patriots — after which the picture should become clearer on who will start at quarterback for Week 1.
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