Cleveland Browns fans finally got a glimpse of Deshaun Watson in game action for the first time in nearly two years, and head coach Todd Monken was all smiles afterward. The quarterback's comeback from back-to-back Achilles tears took a major step forward in the team's preseason opener, with Monken labeling the outing as 'awesome.'
Watson played the entire first half against the Chicago Bears, completing 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards and leading the offense to 10 points during his time on the field. He also added three rushing attempts, though one ended in a fumble—a reminder that rust is still present after such a long layoff.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Monken was effusive in his praise for the veteran signal-caller. 'It was awesome. It was so cool to watch him play,' Monken said. 'I get all of the frustration—fans, himself. But for him to come back and work as he did is an unbelievable credit to him. And then to go out there—he was having fun today and that is so cool. I thought he really functioned at a high level.'
While the head coach was thrilled with Watson's overall performance, he didn't shy away from pointing out areas that need polish. 'There's a lot to clean up,' Monken admitted, specifically referencing the team's clock management issues. 'We don't want to be taking timeouts, we sure as heck can't take delay of games. But it was fun watching him play and watching us put the next step forward and see where we are at.'
The Browns' quarterback room is suddenly crowded with intrigue. Rookie Shedeur Sanders also saw action, going 6-of-11 for 79 yards with an interception—one of three turnovers by Cleveland quarterbacks on the night. Despite the rookie's struggles, Monken confirmed that the plan to start Sanders in next week's game remains unchanged.
How Sanders performs in that contest could carry significant weight in the organization's decision on who starts the regular season. With Watson's health and effectiveness still a question mark after his injuries, the Browns are wisely using every preseason snap to evaluate their options.
For now, though, the focus is on the positive: Watson is back, he's moving well, and he's enjoying the game again. That alone is a win for a franchise that has invested heavily in his recovery. The preseason games may not count in the standings, but for Watson and the Browns, this one carried significant weight.
As the team prepares for its next exhibition matchup, all eyes will be on how Watson builds on this performance and whether Sanders can make his case. The quarterback competition is far from settled, but Monken's enthusiasm suggests the Browns are feeling optimistic about their options.
