Watson Tapped for Browns' Preseason Opener
· news
Watson’s Return Raises More Questions Than Answers
The Cleveland Browns’ decision to start Deshaun Watson in their preseason opener against the Chicago Bears is a calculated risk that raises questions about his fitness for duty and the team’s approach to rebuilding.
Watson’s Achilles tendon injury, sustained in October 2024, has been an issue since then. His ability to recover from such a significant injury is crucial to the Browns’ hopes for a turnaround this year. However, Watson’s limited playing time since being traded to Cleveland in 2022 raises concerns about whether he’s ready to take on the demands of an NFL season.
Watson’s numbers tell a story: he has played in only 19 games over that span, with a Total QBR of 33.1 that would rank last among qualifying quarterbacks if he had enough starts to qualify. This is not exactly a glowing endorsement for a player who was once considered one of the league’s top talents.
Watson views the preseason as “a great opportunity” to prove himself, but his words also betray a hint of desperation. He knows this is his chance to seize it and prove his doubters wrong. The Browns’ coaching staff and front office, however, seem willing to put their faith in Watson despite his limited durability.
Shedeur Sanders, the team’s young quarterback prospect, continues to wait in the wings. With impressive pre-snap and post-snap development, Sanders is seen as the potential future of the franchise. His 18.9 QBR in his rookie season may not be flashy, but it’s a more promising start than Watson’s has shown.
The Browns’ approach to rebuilding raises questions about their priorities. Are they willing to take a chance on Watson’s fragile health, or are they hedging their bets with Sanders? The answer will come soon enough, but for now, the uncertainty surrounding Watson’s return is adding to the drama of an already uncertain season.
The decision to play whomever starts at quarterback for one half and then have them sit out the third quarter may seem like a creative way to manage playing time. However, it also smacks of desperation – as if they’re trying to make Watson’s return seem more impactful than it actually is.
The Browns’ season will be defined by uncertainty, just as much as any other factor. Will Watson prove himself to be a vital cog in the team’s machine, or will his injuries finally catch up with him? The preseason opener against the Bears may provide some answers, but it’s also likely to raise more questions than it settles.
The NFL is a league of what-ifs and maybes, and the Browns’ situation takes this uncertainty to new heights. Watson’s return is just one aspect of a broader narrative that will unfold over the course of the season. As the team looks to rebuild and reclaim their place in the league, they’ll need to be prepared for every possibility – including the very real chance that Watson’s injuries may prove too much to overcome.
As Watson takes the field against the Bears on Saturday, he’ll do so with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The same can be said for the Browns’ coaching staff and front office, who are putting everything on the line in support of their quarterback. The question is: will it pay off?
Reader Views
- CMColumnist M. Reid · opinion columnist
The Browns' decision to start Watson in the preseason opener feels like a Hail Mary pass from a quarterback with a shaky arm - and not just because of his Achilles injury. It's a risk that comes with potentially high rewards, but also with the prospect of another season-ending setback. What's more concerning is that this gamble might be forcing the team to compromise on their long-term plans for Shedeur Sanders, a talent that could bring stability and growth to the franchise.
- ADAnalyst D. Park · policy analyst
The Browns' decision to start Watson in their preseason opener may be more about desperation than calculated risk. By throwing him into the fire so early, they're essentially testing his durability without giving Sanders any meaningful reps. This approach could either pay off with a healthy Watson or backfire spectacularly, putting even more pressure on the quarterback's already fragile shoulders. The bigger question is whether this gamble will ultimately be worth it – or just another example of the Browns' chronic inability to develop their own talent.
- EKEditor K. Wells · editor
The Browns' decision to start Watson in the preseason opener sets up a ticking time bomb. If he suffers another injury, the team's season is essentially over before it begins. It's not just about his fitness for duty, but also about whether the coaching staff and front office are willing to accept a long-term risk for short-term gain. Shedeur Sanders' potential future value is being sacrificed on the altar of desperation, and it's hard to see how this benefits the franchise in the long run.