Deshaun Watson will remain the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback. According to Ian Rapoport, Browns coach Todd Monken told reporters that Watson is expected to start on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, based on his film review.
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A fan said, “Dude wants to lose his job asap.”
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Another added, “Tanking at its finest. But a surprise awaits them when Arch Manning says NO to them when they draft him first.”
One wrote, “The script is scripting.. Deshaun is gonna put up two stinkers and sanders starts the first home game😂
Another asked, “After losing 34-10, I don’t know how you watch that film and decide Watson deserves the start. Cleveland’s offense needs something different.”
One stated, “Genuinely Goodell needs to step in and force the haslam to sell the team, their blatantly tanking and it’s not even week 8.”
One chimed in, writing, “Did he watch the film blindfolded?!?!”
Deshaun Watson started the Cleveland Browns‘ season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The three-time former Pro Bowler is in his fifth season with the Browns, and he’s potentially playing for his NFL future in 2026.
Watson amassed a stat line of 205 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, alongside six carries for 38 rushing yards in Week 1. He’ll remain ahead of Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel for the time being, with the Browns looking to record their first victory of the 2026 regular season.
What’s next for Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders?
In Week 1, Deshaun Watson started his first game since getting hurt in Week 7 of the 2024 season. The Clemson Tigers product connected with wide receiver Denzel Boston for his first touchdown pass of the campaign but was picked off by Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun for an opening-drive interception.
Next up for Watson is the showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers lost their first game of the season, so Watson will fancy his chances of piling on more misery on Baker Mayfield and Co.
Shedeur Sanders was in a tight battle with Watson for the QB1 job. The Colorado Buffaloes product narrowly missed out on the starting job after Todd Monken opted to utilize Watson’s experience in the first game of the season.
Sanders has started Year 2 as the Browns’ priority backup for Watson. It’s a significantly better spot than this time last year when he was the team’s QB4 behind Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and Gabriel. However, a decent rookie campaign helped improve Sanders’ spot in the pecking order.
Next up for Shedeur Sanders is potentially a bench role against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, he must stay alert, as he’s the next man up if Deshaun Watson gets injured or is pulled from the lineup.
Edited by Nick Igbokwe