The Cleveland Browns are poised to name their starting quarterback for Week 1 of the regular season by Monday, following a closely watched preseason performance that featured both Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders under center.
Coach Todd Monken is expected to finalize his decision on the team’s opening-day starter after evaluating recent practices and preseason game tape, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The Browns will host the New England Patriots in their final preseason game on Thursday, Aug. 27, before the regular season begins.
-- Immediate Action & Core Facts --
Watson, Sanders Split Preseason Time in Loss to Bills
In Saturday’s preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, Watson and Sanders both saw action in a 31-7 loss. Watson completed 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards with no touchdowns and an interception, while Sanders finished 9 of 11 for 74 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Watson started the game, while Sanders entered in the second half.
Monken Hints at Imminent QB Decision
Fowler reported that Monken plans to review all available data—including tape from the past two weeks of practices and both preseason performances—before making a final call. The decision is expected to be announced no later than Monday.
-- Deeper Dive & Context --
Watson’s Recent Performance and Fan Reaction
Watson, who has not played a regular-season snap since suffering two Achilles tendon tears, led the Browns’ only two scoring drives in last week’s preseason game against the Chicago Bears. He completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards, a 98.2 passer rating, and a rushing touchdown, per NFL Next Gen Stats. Despite this, fans at Huntington Bank Field booed Watson during Saturday’s game, a reaction he described as “disrespectful.”
Watson addressed the booing in postgame remarks, stating: “I think the biggest thing is, I think you guys know too, I think the whole world knows, it has nothing to do with the performance. It’s a little bit personal than that. I think that’s a disrespectful thing.” He added that he would keep his personal feelings about the fan reaction private.
Sanders’ Stronger Preseason Showing
Sanders, a rookie, outperformed Watson in Saturday’s game, throwing for 74 yards and a touchdown on 9 of 11 attempts. In last week’s game, Sanders entered in the second half and completed 6 of 11 passes for 79 yards and an interception, finishing with a 39.6 passer rating compared to Watson’s 98.2.
Coaching Philosophy and Decision Timeline
Monken has repeatedly emphasized that the decision will be based on “all available information,” including practice performance, preseason stats, and situational football. The Browns’ coaching staff will convene on Sunday to finalize their evaluation before making an announcement.
Contract and Performance Context
Watson signed a $230 million contract with the Browns in 2022 but has thrown 19 touchdown passes in 19 games during his tenure. He has missed significant time due to injury, including two Achilles tears and a shoulder injury. Sanders, meanwhile, is a rookie who has shown promise but has not yet played in a regular-season NFL game.
-- Key Takeaways --
- The Browns are expected to name their Week 1 starter by Monday.
- Watson led the Browns’ only scoring drives in last week’s preseason game but faced fan boos in Saturday’s loss.
- Sanders outperformed Watson in Saturday’s game but has not yet played a full half with the first-team offense.
- Monken’s decision will be based on a combination of preseason performance, practice reps, and situational football.