After Watson's rough opener, Browns to evaluate QB situation before Week 3 — SkimNews
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- Deshaun Watson will make his second straight road start for the Browns on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, after going 16-of-22 for 205 yards with one touchdown and one interception in a 34-10 Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
- The Cleveland Browns have not committed to a Week 3 starter, treating the first two games as a natural evaluation window before their home opener and signaling that Shedeur Sanders would be the next man up if a change is made.
- Coach Todd Monken initially told reporters he anticipated sticking with Watson, then said the game tape confirmed his decision, while also conceding, "We got to play better around him. We got to call it better, and he's got to play better."
- Watson improved in the second half against Jacksonville, and the Browns are weighing that late-game progress against rust from not having played in the regular season since 2024.
- The Browns hold multiple first-round picks in the 2027 draft and are positioning themselves among teams in the mix for a top college quarterback, making the two-game sample size a critical read on whether Watson or Sanders is their long-term answer.
- Week 1 frustration extended beyond Watson — Cleveland's offensive game operation drew criticism inside the building, with the source noting the performance "all around" was poor, not just the quarterback's.
Why it matters: If Watson struggles again Sunday, the Browns' path is clear: turn to Sanders and effectively concede the Watson era is over. With multiple 2027 first-round picks already in hand, this two-game window doubles as a live audition that shapes how aggressively Cleveland pursues a top college passer in next year's draft.
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