Everything Deshaun Watson Said amid Shedeur Sanders QB1 Battle After Browns' Preseason Game

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was happy to simply get back into the swing of things as he stepped onto an NFL field for the first time since October 2024 on Saturday.

Watson went 11-of-15 for 126 yards in the first half of a 34-10 loss to the Chicago Bears.

"I felt good, felt excited just to be back on the field," he told reporters in his post-game press conference. "It was good to just go through pregame, get warmed up, take the field for the first time in I don't even know how long it has been."

Browns coach Todd Monken didn't open up the playbook too much as Watson's yardage came on shorter throws. According to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi, he averaged 4.4 air yards per attempt. His longest gain (43 yards) resulted from a screen to running back Dylan Sampson.

Monken may have preferred to keep his offense under wraps for the most part heading into the regular season, and Watson had to shake off a lot of rust.

The quarterback's performance and production doesn't reflect any lack of confidence in his own abilities.

"I don't think [there is] anything that I doubt in myself," he said. "That's the reason why I worked hard these last two years to get back to that. Had some challenges with some injuries and suspension, and now being able to get a full offseason and continue to work my way back up, even though it takes time. But at the same time, I don't doubt myself in any way that I can't play at a high level."

Watson is still regaining his bearings in the pocket. In the second quarter, he didn't react fast enough as Chicago defensive end Jamree Kromah came off the edge to force a fumble.

That was the lowlight of his one half under center.

During his press conference, Watson praised rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion. The 2026 first-round pick scored on a 14-yard end-around in the second quarter and had three receptions for 27 yards.

"He's a very talented player," Watson said of Concepcion. "He's going to make a lot of plays for this team, and he's going to continue to get better as the more time he plays and gets those reps."

Watson fared the best of the three quarterbacks who played for Cleveland on Saturday. Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel each threw an interception and combined to have 96 passing yards.

The starting job remains up for grabs. Monken confirmed earlier this week that Sanders will start the team's next preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, and he'll presumably be afforded a longer period of time than the three offensive series he had Saturday.

Sanders probably needs to show more than he did against the Bears. On the basis of the preseason opener, you'd bet on Watson being QB1 when the Browns get the regular season underway.