Deshaun Watson’s return to his home field was met with a chorus of boos from Cleveland Browns fans.
Watson entered in the third quarter of Saturday’s preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills, replacing Shedeur Sanders. The hostile reception grew louder after Watson struggled to get the offense moving during his first two possessions.
The veteran quarterback completed just 1 of his first 4 passes for minus-1 yard. On a third down, the ball appeared to slip out of Watson’s hand as he fired it into the turf, drawing the loudest round of boos.
The reaction came from a crowd that was initially sparse because of an extended weather delay but gradually filled in during the third quarter.
It marked Watson’s first home appearance since suffering a torn Achilles in October 2024. Some fans cheered after Watson went down with the injury, prompting criticism from players and coaches. Watson was asked before the Bills game what kind of reception he expected from Browns fans.
“I don’t care,” Watson said.
Watson did complete his longest pass of the preseason to Malachi Corley for 20 yards. However, he tossed an ugly interception a few plays later. Watson remained in the game for the start of the fourth quarter but didn’t do anything to help his case with two rough misses — one down the sideline to Corley and another on fourth down over the middle. He finished 5-of-12 for 35 yards. He posted a 14.6 quarterback rating.
Shedeur Sanders Makes His Case Against Bills
GettyShedeur Sanders #2 of the Cleveland Browns kneels to pray prior to a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field. Sanders drew the start for the matchup, his first of the preseason.
Sanders delivered an encouraging performance before Watson took over, completing 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He finished with an 87.1 passer rating.
The second-year quarterback opened the game by completing all four of his passes for 43 yards on Cleveland’s first possession. He capped the 11-play drive with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Luke Floriea, tying the game at 7.
Sanders also converted a fourth-and-2 during the drive and showed poise despite playing behind the backup offensive line. Many of Cleveland’s established starters sat after participating in Thursday’s joint practice with Buffalo.
His lone significant mistake came during the second quarter. Sanders attempted a pass over the middle that was deflected and intercepted by safety Damar Hamlin.
It was a notable improvement from Sanders’ preseason opener against the Chicago Bears. After entering in the third quarter, he completed 6 of 11 passes for 79 yards and threw an interception in the 34-10 loss in that game.
Browns Closing in on Quarterback Decision
The preseason tilt against the Bills represented the final major audition for Watson and Sanders before head coach Todd Monken makes his decision.
“I do not anticipate the QB decision going past early of next week,” Monken said during the Browns’ pregame show on 92.3 The Fan.
Monken said earlier in the week that he was leaning toward using the finale as a dress rehearsal, although the plan was not finalized. He did note that sixth-round rookie Taylen Green would play in that game.
“Not there yet. I’m leaning towards that, but I’m not there yet,” Monken said. “We’ll see how we practice Thursday, and then we’ll see how we play Saturday.”
The Browns will have some time after the Patriots game before opening the regular season on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 13.
Deshaun Watson Met With Harsh Response in Browns Return