This was a grand success for Watson because he got on the field in a preseason game against the Chicago Bears (funny how that ties in) and he outran Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel in fleeing the bear.No, Watson wasn't great in his one half of play.But he didn't have to be because he was way better than the other two guys.DESHAUN WATSON, SHEDEUR SANDERS GIVE BROWNS A PRESEASON QUARTERBACK BATTLE WORTH WATCHINGCleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson rushes the ball past Chicago Bears defensive tackle Kentavius Street during the first half at Soldier Field in Chicago on Aug.
15, 2026.(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)"Definitely a good moment for myself," is how Watson described his outing.And it was, in that it marked his first game action since he suffered not one but two Achilles tears in October of '24 and then early in 2025.Watson even left the field as he entered: in one piece, which was a victory for the often-injured player.But beyond that, Watson was neither terrible nor great during the game.And that made him seem outstanding by comparison to Sanders, with whom he's competing for a starting job, and Gabriel, the team's No.
3 quarterback at the moment.Todd Monken talks with the media after being introduced as head coach of the Cleveland Browns during a press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on Feb.3, 2026 in Berea, Ohio.
(Nick Cammett/Getty Images)"Oh, it was awesome," Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken overstated when asked about Watson's outing."I mean, it was so cool to watch him play.
I get all of the frustration by fans, himself, but for him to come back and work like he did is an unbelievable credit to him."And then to go out there; he was having fun today.And that is so cool.
And I thought he really functioned at a high level."Sure.Watson completed 11 of 15 passes.Good.The Browns scored with him in the game.
Good.But he didn't throw a TD.And did turn the ball over once on a fumble.Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders will each get...