The NFL preseason doesn’t usually mean a ton, unless you have a heated position battle coming on, which is certainly the case with the Cleveland Browns. This offseason has been all about whether veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson or second-year player Shedeur Sanders will start for this team come September.
The Browns took on the Chicago Bears on Saturday, and it wasn’t a pretty picture for Cleveland. The Bears won this showdown, 34-10.
Even though the Browns lost, one quarterback stood out. He became a clear favorite in the race to be named his team’s starter.
Deshaun Watson had a breakout game with the Browns
Now, both of those quarterbacks are very talented. You have to have skills to get in the NFL. So, this isn’t about saying one quarterback did better or worse, really. Watson, however, stood out.
In the Browns’ preseason loss to the Bears, both players got the chance to get on the field.
Watson was set to play the full first half, and he started strong. Watson made some strong throws, including completions to KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. His best moment came on 3rd-and-4, when he recognized the blitz and found Harold Fannin Jr. with a great pass. Fannin couldn’t hang on, though, letting a big play slip away. Even though Watson struggled a bit in the second quarter, there was still lots to like about his appearance.
Sanders came into the game after halftime and made a quick impact. On his first drive, he opened with a pass to Gage Larvadain before connecting with Luke Floriea for a 35-yard gain. He stayed in rhythm from there. However, Sanders’ day took a turn the wrong way on his final few snaps. After moving the ball near midfield, he threw an interception on 3rd-and-8. It was a rough ending to an otherwise good performance.
So, there’s something to like about both of these quarterbacks. Now, there’s even more reason to watch as the preseason unfolds.