Cleveland Browns Name Deshaun Watson Starting Quarterback for Week 1
The Cleveland Browns have officially named veteran Deshaun Watson their starting quarterback for the September 13 regular-season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Todd Monken confirmed the decision following a training camp competition with Shedeur Sanders, noting that Watson gives the offense the best chance to move the ball and score points.
Fantasy & Market Impact
Weighing the Full Body of Work in Training Camp
The quarterback battle in Cleveland reached its conclusion after a summer of split first-team reps between Watson and Sanders.
Watson started the preseason opener against the Chicago Bears, completing 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards while leading scoring drives that culminated in a field goal and a rookie jet-sweep touchdown. However, inconsistency plagued his later outings, including a difficult preseason appearance against the Buffalo Bills where he finished 5 of 12 for 36 yards and an interception against reserve units.
Monken emphasized that the decision is not a week-by-week proposition. Instead, the coaching staff will direct all energy toward game-planning for Jacksonville as Watson returns to the field for his first meaningful action since suffering an Achilles tear on October 10, 2024, followed by a subsequent re-tear in January 2025.
| Quarterback | Opponent | Passing Line | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deshaun Watson | vs. Chicago Bears | 11 / 15, 126 YDS | Started opener; led multiple scoring drives before a strip-sack. |
| Deshaun Watson | vs. Buffalo Bills | 5 / 12, 36 YDS, 1 INT | Played second half and third quarter; faced heavy boos from home crowd. |
| Shedeur Sanders | Preseason Rotation | Split 1st-Team Reps | Praised by staff for closing the developmental gap throughout camp. |
Addressing Post-Game Comments and Fan Friction
The timing of the announcement follows intense media scrutiny surrounding Watson’s post-game remarks after the preseason matchup against Buffalo. Following a night where he was intercepted and booed by home supporters while playing deep into the second half, Watson characterized the hostile reception as personal rather than performance-driven.
CBS Sports reported that Watson addressed those comments directly during his media availability, offering an opening-statement apology. “I think just human nature, just myself being very emotional, putting a lot of time these last two years to get back… I thought I was gonna get a little different response,” Watson told reporters, acknowledging the heavy franchise investment and the understandable frustration of the fanbase regarding his injury-plagued tenure.
Monken maintained that the player’s emotional remarks did not influence the evaluation process. With the decision finalized, the organization aims to pivot entirely toward the regular-season installation, relying on a veteran presence to navigate a tough opening road test in Florida.
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