During the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, Deshaun Watson made his first appearance at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland since the unfortunate Achilles Tear in 2024. It was there that the home fans of the Cleveland Browns welcomed him with boos.
Watson has been locked into a QB1 battle with Shedeur Sanders throughout offseason. However, NFL Insider Jordan Schultz revealed that Watson was picked as the starter against the Jacksonville Jaguars by head coach Todd Monken, and it will be Deshaun Watson. Since the news came out, another NFL Insider has revealed Todd Monken’s motive behind this decision.
“Part of the thought process behind naming Deshaun Watson the #Browns’ starter is that they open the season with two road games (at JAX, at TB) before returning home in Week 3. That would give Watson two games to prove himself away from the fanbase. If he struggles, Shedeur Sanders could take over in front of the home crowd after the boos Watson received Saturday,” Ari Meirov stated on X.
Opening the 2026 season on the road allows Deshaun Watson to find his rhythm without facing immediate hostility from home fans. Taking on Jacksonville at EverBank Stadium and Tampa Bay at Raymond James Stadium gives a chance for the coaching staff to evaluate his performances on the road as well.
Based on how Deshaun performs in the first two games, Todd Monken and co. then can decide if they want to give Shedeur Sanders a run in their home season opener in Week 3 or continue with Deshaun Watson at Huntington Bank Field.
Watson managed only 5-of-12 passes (41.7%) completed passes for 36 yards, 0 TDs, and 1 interception across 4 drives, after his introduction in the 3rd quarter of the game against the Bills. In contrast, Shedeur Sanders started the game and moved the offense effectively. Finishing with 9-of-11 (81.8%) completed passes for 74 yards, 1 touchdown pass, and 1 interception.
In reaction to the boos he faced upon his return to the gridiron at home, Watson expressed the “disrespect” he felt after the game, saying it had “nothing to do about the performance. It’s a little bit more personal than that.”
Deshaun Watson will have 3 chances to prove his worth to the Dawg Pound before he faces them at Huntington Bank Field. The first of those will come in the Browns’ last preseason game against the Patriots on Thursday, August 27th, before the first two games of the regular season.