Browns Preseason Week 1: Highs, Lows, and the Quarterback Battle
The Cleveland Browns’ first preseason game against the Chicago Bears served as a vivid reminder that the road to the regular season is rarely a smooth one. While the scoreboard may not have favored the Browns, the matchup provided a crucial testing ground for a roster filled with both seasoned veterans and hungry rookies vying for their place in the sun. In a game characterized by fluctuating energy and varying levels of execution, there were clear winners who solidified their standing and losers who left fans and coaching staff with lingering concerns.
The Deshaun Watson Question
At the center of every conversation regarding the Browns, naturally, is Deshaun Watson. Entering the game, the primary objective for the coaching staff was clear: how would Watson function in live action after a long layoff? According to reports, Watson played the bulk of the first half, and his performance provided some much-needed optimism. Head coach Todd Monken noted that Watson functioned at a “high level” early on, showing a level of comfort that has been rare during his time in Cleveland.
Statistically, Watson delivered a solid performance, going 11-of-15 for 126 yards and achieving a respectable 98 quarterback rating. He demonstrated a willingness to use his legs, a trademark of his playmaking style, though he still occasionally displayed a habit of tucking the ball to scramble too early, leading him straight into the defense. Despite a turnover, Watson appeared as the most prepared and effective signal-caller of the group during the time he was on the field. The overarching goal was to see if he was truly passionate about reclaiming his role as a starter, and his preparation and performance suggested he has the drive to do exactly that.
Rookies Making Their Mark
While the veterans took the early stage, the future of the franchise was also on display. Wide receiver Casey Concepcion emerged as a definitive winner from this game. Despite limited snaps, he brought an element of “electricity” that the Browns have been sorely missing. His ability to stay on his feet, paired with his elusiveness and strong hands, turned a simple jet sweep into a highlight-reel touchdown. It is easy to see why the front office was so enamored with him during the draft process, and he is quickly proving that he can be a dynamic playmaker.
Another noteworthy success story came from UDFA cornerback Michael Coats Jr. In a position group where depth is absolutely critical, Coats seized his opportunity with a diving interception that demonstrated both instincts and athleticism. For an undrafted player fighting for a roster spot, making a big play in a live game is the ultimate way to catch a coach’s eye. His performance was a vital reminder that for every established star, there is a hungry rookie ready to seize the moment.
Honorable mention goes to running back Devon Booth, who displayed significant “juice” and burst during his four carries, totaling 53 yards. While the current running back room is incredibly crowded—making his path to the final roster difficult—his ability to produce explosive plays has certainly put him on the radar as a player with high potential.
The Struggle Down the Depth Chart
However, the game was not without its pitfalls. If Deshaun Watson was the bright spot for the quarterback position, Dylan Gabriel was arguably the darkest. His performance was a significant disappointment, completing only five of eight passes for 23 yards and managing a brutal 27 quarterback rating. His interception was particularly jarring, as it was a poor decision that likely hampers his trade value and raises questions about his viability as a backup option.
Furthermore, the secondary, already missing key starters like Denzel Ward, struggled significantly against Chicago’s backup and third-string units. Giving up 34 points in a preseason game is rarely a good sign, and it highlighted a lack of depth that could prove disastrous if injuries plague the starters during the regular season. Missed tackles, specifically one by Chris Edmonds that led to a significant touchdown, underscored the need for better consistency and discipline in the defensive backfield.
Offensive line play also came under scrutiny, particularly with Austin Barber. Getting beaten badly on a key fourth-down play—resulting in a strip-sack on Watson—was a low point, and his subsequent exit with trainers only added to the narrative of a difficult outing. For a player who was the subject of much debate during the draft, the transition to the professional level is clearly going to take time and patience.
Looking Ahead: The Competition Continues
The competition for the quarterback role remains the primary subplot to watch. The team is already preparing to shift gears for their next preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, where the rotation will be altered to allow Shedeur Sanders to play the first half, while Watson is set to take the third quarter. Sanders, who had a strong start to his drive before throwing a costly interception—which he attributed to the ball slipping—will be under immense pressure to show that he can lead the offense with efficiency.
The upcoming game is essentially an audition. With Watson currently holding the edge for the Week 1 starter role, the onus is on his peers to “ball out” and force the coaching staff to reconsider their pecking order. For the Browns, this preseason is not just about wins and losses; it is about building a cohesive unit and identifying which players can be trusted when the games eventually count in the standings.
As the team continues to refine its operation—addressing issues like delays of game and tightening up defensive assignments—the focus remains squarely on development. There were flashes of brilliance and moments of frustration, but that is the nature of the preseason. The path forward for the Browns involves balancing the high expectations of their fan base with the reality of integrating new talent and building depth. Fans will undoubtedly be watching next Saturday with keen interest, eager to see if the lessons from the Chicago loss have been learned and if the competition for key roster spots will yield a more consistent, polished product.
The Browns have the pieces to be competitive, but as Saturday proved, there is plenty of work to be done. Whether it is Watson continuing to build his confidence, rookies like Concepcion looking for more opportunities, or the defense searching for reliability, every snap matters. The upcoming week of practice will be crucial, as the coaching staff looks to iron out the inconsistencies that plagued them against the Bears and prepare for the next challenge on the horizon. The Browns’ journey has only just begun, and the coming weeks will determine the identity of this 2026 squad.
