Deshaun Watson likely secures Browns starting job after preseason opener

Despite a team loss, veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson likely secured his role as the Week 1 starter for the Cleveland Browns following the team's preseason opener against the Chicago Bears on August 15, 2026.

Watson, entering his age-30 season, appeared far more prepared than the team's younger options. He finished the day 11-of-15 for 126 yards, leading the team in overall passing yardage. According to Morning Journal, the game served as Watson's first appearance since tearing his right Achilles tendon 22 months prior in a game against the Bengals. He also demonstrated that his surgically repaired shoulder is functional.

Watson's performance included four passes of double-digit yardage, with his most notable play being a screen pass to backup running back Dylan Sampson that resulted in a 43-yard gain, including 47 yards after the catch. He also connected with rookie first-round pick KC Concepcion on a back-shoulder throw in the first quarter.

However, Watson's day was not without errors. He struggled during a two-minute drill at the end of the first half while surrounded by backup players. His most significant mistake occurred with 10:47 remaining in the second quarter when he was strip-sacked on fourth-and-2 from the Chicago 40. Bears defender Jamree Kromah caused and recovered the fumble after beating right tackle Austin Barber.

While Watson looked ready for the regular season, the Browns' 2025 draftees, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, struggled during the second half. The duo combined for 102 yards, with both throwing an interception to Chicago's Beanie Bishop Jr.

Sanders, who quarterbacked the third quarter, finished 6-of-11 for 79 yards. His outing was marked by volatility; he threw a 24-yard pass to Gage Larvadain on his first play and a 35-yard strike to Luke Floriea while under pressure from three defenders. But Sanders also fumbled on his second snap and saw two passes batted down at the line. His day ended with an overthrown pass intended for Malachi Corley, which was intercepted by Bishop Jr.

Dillon Gabriel replaced Sanders in the fourth quarter with 12:26 remaining. Gabriel managed only 23 yards, with his longest completion spanning seven yards to receiver Kole Wilson.

The quarterback struggles were mirrored by a wider team collapse. After jumping to a 10-0 lead, the Browns surrendered 34 unanswered points to lose 34-10. The Bears outgained Cleveland 430 yards to 314 yards.

Rookie KC Concepcion provided a bright spot for the offense, scoring a 14-yard touchdown on an end-around in the first play of the second quarter and returning a punt 31 yards. On defense, undrafted rookie cornerback Michael Coats Jr. Recorded an interception, though he later left the game with an ankle injury. Cornerback Nate Evans also exited with a quad injury.

The game marked the first NFL game for Todd Monken as a head coach. The Browns' defensive starters played only one series, and the running game struggled early, with Quinshon Judkins netting only 9 yards on four carries.

The Browns will next participate in a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills in Berea on August 20. This will be followed by their second preseason game on August 22 at Huntington Bank Field, where Shedeur Sanders is scheduled to start.