Browns Quarterback Race
Deshaun Watson Impresses in Browns Preseason Return, Fuels QB Competition Despite Loss
Key Points
Watson sparked Cleveland's only first-half scoring drive with an 86-yard march that ended in rookie KC Concepcion's 14-yard touchdown run, highlighting a standout sequence for Watson in his return.
Watson was strip-sacked on a fourth-and-2 that the Bears recovered, ending a Browns drive, and he also lost a fumble on another sequence, illustrating the rough edges still present in the game.
QB competition snapshot: Watson's first-half production was reported as 11-of-15 for 126 yards (ESPN listed 10-of-15 in some recaps), while Sanders finished 6-of-11 for 79 yards with an interception and Gabriel went 5-of-8 for 23 yards with an interception, underscoring a competitive mix at the position.
The Browns' offense showed a lack of downfield production, with no completions longer than 10 yards and noticeable struggles from the offensive line, according to postgame analysis of Watson's outing.
Deshaun Watson returned to NFL action for the first time since October 20, 2024, leading the Cleveland Browns through the entire first half of a 34-10 preseason loss to the Chicago Bears. Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards, sparking the team's only first-half scoring drive in a strong personal showing despite the lopsided score, according to CBS Sports.
The performance gave Browns coach Todd Monken plenty to celebrate even in defeat. Monken called Watson's return 'awesome,' saying the quarterback looked like he was having fun and operating at a high level, USA Today reported. The QB competition between Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel remains open heading into the next preseason game.
Watson Drives Cleveland's Only Scoring Sequence
Watson's best moment came on an 86-yard scoring drive that ended with rookie KC Concepcion's 14-yard touchdown run. That was the Browns' lone first-half score and a clear highlight of Watson's night. He added four rushing yards on three carries, showing he could move when needed, according to CBS Sports.
Watson's efficiency stood out compared to his backups. Sanders finished 6 of 11 for 79 yards with an interception. Gabriel went 5 of 8 for just 23 yards and also threw a pick. Neither backup matched Watson's command of the offense in the early going, Yahoo Sports reported.
Fumbles and a Strip-Sack Reveal Rough Edges
Watson's night was not without mistakes. He was strip-sacked on a fourth-and-2 play, with the Bears recovering the ball and ending a promising Browns drive. He also lost a separate fumble during the game. The turnovers were a reminder that Watson is still shaking off rust after more than nine months away from game action.
The Browns' offense also struggled to move the ball downfield. No completion went longer than 10 yards, and the offensive line showed visible problems in pass protection, according to postgame analysis. Cleveland managed just 10 total points against Chicago's defense across the full game.
Monken Calls Watson's Return a Clear Positive
Coach Todd Monken did not hide his enthusiasm after the game. He said Watson looked like he was 'having fun' and functioning at a high level despite the loss. Monken's tone suggested Watson had done enough to reassert himself as the lead option in the competition, Central Oregon Daily reported.
Watson had been sidelined since suffering Achilles injuries that cut his 2024 season short. His return to a full first half of football — without any setbacks — was itself considered a win by the coaching staff. Monken praised the way Watson carried himself on and off the field during the week leading into the game, according to Yahoo Sports Canada.
Sanders Gets the Next Start as QB Race Continues
Despite Watson's strong showing, the competition is far from over. Shedeur Sanders is scheduled to start the Browns' next preseason game. Gabriel remains in the mix as well. Cleveland is using the preseason to evaluate all three quarterbacks before naming a starter for the regular season, USA Today reported.
Watson's 34-10 loss was not pretty for the team. But his personal line — 11 completions, 126 yards, and one key scoring drive — gave the Browns a real data point to weigh. Monken now has a harder decision ahead as Cleveland tries to find its answer at the most important position on the field.
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