Browns Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders put up a…
Both Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders produced some good and some unhealthy during their respective drives for the Browns on Saturday, with Cleveland’s preseason opener doubling as an audition for its ongoing quarterback competitors.
Watson, the controversial quarterback logging his first snaps in a sport since tearing his Achilles in 2024, received the first-half reps and went 11-for-15 with 126 yards and a turnover before Sanders adopted — and accomplished 6 of 11 passes for 79 yards with a turnover while taking part in the third quarter and the opening 80 seconds of the ultimate body.
Dillon Gabriel then took the snaps in the fourth quarter of the Browns’ 34-10 loss to the Bears in Chicago.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) appears to cross the ball against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via GWN Connect
The Browns have been truly tied with Chicago at halftime, as Watson and the Cleveland offense went three-and-out on the opening possession before consecutive scoring drives.
During the first one, as the Browns drove for a subject purpose, Watson, in the ultimate yr of a brutal $230 million deal, accomplished three consecutive passes to help Cleveland overcome a tripping penalty and convert a first down.
The drive stalled after reaching the Bears’ 37-yard line, though, and pressured the Browns to settle for three factors.
Then, wideout KC Concepcion rushed for a 14-yard landing to cap a 10-play, 85-yard drive, but Watson’s day ended on a bitter be aware with a fumble while getting sacked and two punts to end the half.
“He was having fun today,” Browns head coach Todd Monken said, “and that is so cool. I thought he really functioned at a high level. … It was fun watching him play and watching us put the next step forward and see where we’re at.”
Shedeur Sanders of the Cleveland Browns removes his helmet and returns to the bench during the third quarter of a preseason sport against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Saturday, August 15, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois. Getty Images
When Sanders took over, he helped the Browns advance to the Chicago 5-yard line during his first drive, but the offense couldn’t convert a fourth-and-1 — turning it over on downs.
Sanders’ next drive was a three-and-out, and his last possession of the afternoon ended when the Bears intercepted his cross when he overthrew a receiver just over a minute into the fourth quarter.
And with the Browns utilizing their first two preseason video games for their quarterback competitors, Sanders will start next week’s sport against the Bills and play the first half, according to ESPN.
Both Sanders and Watson will break up first-team reps during Cleveland’s joint practices with the Bills.
Stay up to date with the latest trending topics! Visit our web site daily for the freshest Sports news and content, rigorously curated to keep you informed.
