Watson has delivered a much better performance against Tampa Bay than he did during Cleveland’s disastrous Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The veteran quarterback has looked more comfortable in his second start since returning from his long absence, giving head coach Todd Monken another reason to continue with Watson at the position.

The Browns’ game was interrupted late in the fourth quarter when lightning forced a suspension at Raymond James Stadium. Cleveland was leading Tampa Bay 23-19 with 2:33 remaining, leaving the Browns just minutes away from potentially securing their first victory of the season.

Could Deshaun Watson’s performance change Shedeur Sanders’ future?

Watson’s performance is particularly important because Cleveland entered Week 2 with questions surrounding the quarterback position. After a 34-10 loss to Jacksonville, the Browns indicated that they would reevaluate the situation following the Buccaneers game, creating an opportunity for Sanders if Watson failed to show significant improvement.

Instead, Watson has given the Browns a much more encouraging performance. He entered the weather delay having completed 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, including a 55-yard touchdown connection with Denzel Boston and a late 17-yard touchdown pass to Ben Whiteheart.

A Browns victory would add another important piece to the quarterback debate. Sanders won plenty of attention during training camp and the preseason, but Watson won the starting job entering the regular season. If Watson can finish strong and lead Cleveland to a road victory, Monken could have a much stronger argument for keeping the veteran in place.

That does not mean Sanders’ opportunity is gone. The Browns are expected to continue evaluating their quarterback situation after Week 2, and another strong Watson performance could either stabilize the position or simply delay a decision. With Cleveland scheduled to return home against the Carolina Panthers in Week 3, Sanders could still have a chance to make his case if Monken decides a change is necessary.

The game, which is in the latter parts of the fourth quarter, was interrupted with the Cleveland Browns holding a narrow lead in the game. It’s been a back-and-forth affair between them and the home-side Buccaneers.

Officials are monitoring weather conditions to determine when it is safe for teams to return to the field. However, when a lightning delay is the reason for suspension, it usually takes up to 30 minutes from the last lightning to get everyone back on the field.

The Browns shocked the Bucs by giving them a tough battle

At the time of the lightning delay, the Browns lead the game 23-19, but the Buccaneers had the ball and were in scoring range. However, they need a touchdown and two minutes remain in the game.

The Browns were 9-point underdogs coming into the game. Both their defense and offense overachieved what was expected from them. Deshaun Watson has 24/30 passes completed for 238 yards and two touchdowns. Wideout Denzel Boston had five catches for 95 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, the defense has held strong.

How many games have faced weather delays in 2026 NFL season?

This is the first game in the 2026 NFL season to face a weather-related delay. However, many games face rainy conditions, so there might be more delays in store.

Lightning within a specific safety radius ( 8-10 miles) of a stadium is the most common cause of a weather delay in the NFL. Football games are routinely played through heavy rain, snow, and wind. Still, the conditions must adhere to the safety rules.

The decision comes after a fierce quarterback competition throughout training camp and the preseason. Sanders pushed Deshaun Watson for the job and showed flashes that made the Browns’ decision difficult, while Dillon Gabriel also made a strong push for consideration during the battle for the quarterback room.

Ultimately, Watson won the starting job entering the regular season, and Monken is giving the veteran another opportunity in Week 2 despite a disappointing performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Watson completed 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Cleveland’s 34-10 loss, but Monken said the film showed enough positives to justify keeping him in the lineup.

Who is starting quarterback for Browns vs Buccaneers?

Deshaun Watson is starting at quarterback for the Browns against the Buccaneers, with Shedeur Sanders remaining his backup. Monken said after reviewing the Week 1 film that he still anticipates Watson being the starter, pointing to areas where the veteran can improve and noting that the offense as a whole must perform better around him.

Watson’s Week 1 performance has nevertheless increased the pressure surrounding the Browns’ quarterback situation. Cleveland struggled badly against Jacksonville, particularly during the first half, and another difficult outing in Tampa Bay could force Monken to reconsider his decision heading into Week 3.

That could open the door for Sanders to make his first NFL start in Cleveland’s Week 3 home game against the Carolina Panthers. Monken has not announced such a change, but Sanders remains the obvious alternative if the Browns decide that Watson has not done enough to keep the job after two games.

For now, however, Monken is choosing experience over the young quarterback who pushed Watson throughout the offseason. Sanders will have to wait for his opportunity, while Watson gets another chance to prove that he can lead the Browns after returning to regular-season action following his long absence.

Monken reaffirmed Deshaun Watson as the starter. However, he even went further and said “there were some really good things on film” about Watson. For Browns fans, that’s a head-scratcher.

Yes, Watson had a 46-yard TD pass to rookie Denzel Boston, but he also did nothing much. Hence, for Monken to say that film showed some good things will certainly confuse a lot of people.

Deshaun Watson’s stats in Week 1

The Browns lost 10-34 to the Jaguars, Watson had 16 completions in 22 attempts for 205 passing yards, 38 rushing yards, one TD, one interception and a 97.7 passer rating. A pedestrian performance in a one-sided loss.

Watson had somewhat good mobility but was sacked five times, including one where takes eight steps back after already being in shotgun formation, which caused a hefty loss of yards.

How does the matchup vs Bucs project?

The good thing is the Buccaneers just allowed 33 points in Week 1 and it’s up to Watson and company to try and replicate that. However, it was against a much better offense than what the Browns have.

Whether Shedeur Sanders could provide more of an upside or not against the Buccaneers remains to be seen. However, it seems that unless Watson gets injured, Sanders won’t be able to play in Week 2.

The decision came after one of the most closely watched quarterback competitions of the offseason. Sanders and Watson battled throughout training camp and the preseason for the starting job, with Sanders generating significant attention after showing flashes that made the decision much more difficult for Cleveland’s new coaching staff. In the end, however, Monken opted for the veteran and gave Watson the opportunity to lead the Browns into the regular season.

That means Sanders will have to wait for his next opportunity, despite the strong interest surrounding his development. Watson will get the start against Jacksonville, while Cleveland will evaluate whether the veteran can provide the consistency and production necessary to keep the job. For Sanders, the season opener becomes another chance to watch and prepare while waiting for an opening that could arrive sooner than expected.

When will Shedeur Sanders play for Browns?

There is already significant speculation that Shedeur Sanders could get his opportunity relatively early in the season if Deshaun Watson struggles. Multiple reports, including one from NFL insider Adam Schefter, have indicated that Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers at home could become a potential turning point for the Browns’ quarterback situation if Watson fails to perform well in Cleveland’s first two road games against Jacksonville and Tampa Bay.

That scenario would put considerable pressure on Watson from the beginning of the season. The Browns are opening with two road games, giving the veteran an immediate opportunity to prove that Monken made the right decision by selecting him over Sanders. If the offense struggles badly in those games, Cleveland could be forced to reconsider its quarterback plan before the season moves too far forward.

For Sanders, that makes Week 3 against Carolina a particularly important date to watch. Nothing guarantees that he will become the starter by then, but the possibility gives him a clear path back into the competition. If Watson struggles against the Jaguars and Buccaneers, the Browns could turn to Sanders at home against the Panthers and finally give the young quarterback his chance to show what he can do in a regular-season game.

The decision ends weeks of speculation surrounding the Browns’ quarterback depth chart, particularly after Sanders appeared to outperform Watson during the preseason.

Despite the controversy surrounding the competition, Watson ultimately retained the starting job. Sanders will begin the season as the backup, while Green has earned a spot on the roster as the team’s third quarterback with Gabriel injured.

Did the Browns cut Dillon Gabriel?

No. The Browns are not cutting Dillon Gabriel, according to a report from Jeremy Fowler. He delivered an impressive performance against the New England Patriots in the preseason finale, helping eliminate speculation that Cleveland could move on from him before the roster deadline.

That was particularly important because there had been questions about whether the Browns would keep three or four quarterbacks. Instead, Cleveland decided to retain Gabriel and avoid losing a young quarterback who showed enough potential during the preseason. His performance against New England appears to have closed the door on the possibility of a trade or release.

Who will be the Browns’ starting quarterback?

Deshaun Watson will be the Browns’ starting quarterback to begin the 2026 season. Monken ultimately chose the veteran over Shedeur Sanders. Watson’s experience and familiarity with the offense were important factors in the decision.

However, the decision does not necessarily mean Watson has complete control of the position for the entire season. The Browns have two difficult road games to begin the campaign, and a slow start could quickly put pressure on the veteran quarterback.

Who will be the Browns’ backup quarterback?

Shedeur Sanders will enter the season as the Browns’ No. 2 quarterback. That makes him one of the most intriguing backup QBs in the NFL. Sanders will be one play away from taking over an offense that generated significant attention during the offseason because of the competition between him and Watson.

His preseason performances created a strong argument for him to receive the starting job, but Monken ultimately decided that Sanders still needed more development before taking over the offense. For now, however, Sanders remains in an excellent position if anything changes with Watson.

Browns QB depth chart for 2026 season

The current Browns’ depth chart therefore appears straightforward: Deshaun Watson as QB1, Shedeur Sanders as QB2 and Taylen Green as QB3. But that order could change when Gabriel comes back from IR, which would leave Green’s future uncertain.

Watson’s performance will ultimately determine how much pressure develops behind him, while Sanders will have an opportunity to continue developing while waiting for his chance. For the Browns, the quarterback controversy may finally be over for now.

But with four quarterbacks capable of generating headlines, Cleveland’s QB situation will remain one of the most closely watched topics of the 2026 NFL season.

Sanders entered training camp competing with Deshaun Watson for the Browns’ starting QB job. Despite showing promising flashes throughout the preseason, Shedeur ultimately fell short in the evaluation process as head coach Todd Monken decided that Watson gives Cleveland the best chance to start the regular season.

That decision has generated plenty of discussion around Cleveland, particularly because Sanders appeared to outperform Watson at times during the preseason. Nevertheless, Watson is now the Browns’ QB1, while Sanders will have to wait for his next opportunity to prove he can become the franchise’s long-term answer.

Is Shedeur Sanders playing today for Browns vs Patriots?

No. Shedeur Sanders will not play for the Browns against the Patriots in the final preseason game of 2026. That means Sanders’ preseason is officially over, and he will not receive any additional game reps before the regular season begins.

His next chance could come during the regular season if circumstances change, but for now, Watson remains firmly ahead of him on the depth chart. For Sanders, the challenge now shifts from winning the QB1 competition to continuing his development and being ready if the Browns eventually need him.

Why is Shedeur Sanders not playing for Browns against Patriots?

The decision was made by Todd Monken, who believes Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson have already received enough preseason playing time for the coaching staff to properly evaluate them.

Instead of giving Sanders another opportunity, Monken wants to use the final preseason game to look at Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green. Gabriel is expected to start against New England, while Green should also receive significant playing time.

The Browns are now trying to answer a different question: how many quarterbacks will they carry on the 53-man roster? The possibility of keeping four quarterbacks remains on the table, but Cleveland must determine whether there is enough value to justify using that many roster spots.

If the Browns decide four quarterbacks are too many, Gabriel could be the player most vulnerable to being released. That makes tonight’s game particularly important for Gabriel and Green. While Sanders and Watson have already completed their preseason evaluations, the two younger quarterbacks have one final opportunity to show Monken what they can bring to the roster.

How to watch Browns vs Patriots in the USA

Browns vs Patriots will be available nationally on Prime Video in the United States. Fubo and NFL+ are others streaming options for viewers outside the New England local market.

Can I watch Browns vs Patriots for free?

Yes, eligible viewers can watch Browns vs Patriots for free with Fubo’s 5-day free trial. The platform currently offers a free-trial option for its service, which carries preseason games.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Browns vs. Patriots matchup is the final preseason game for both teams, putting the focus on roster evaluation rather than the result itself. Cleveland enters the finale at 0-2, while New England is 1-0-1 after a 24-21 comeback victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams now have one last game to evaluate players before the NFL‘s 53-man roster deadline on August 30.

For Cleveland, one of the biggest storylines is the quarterback situation. Deshaun Watson has been named the Browns’ starting quarterback for the 2026 season, but the team is still evaluating its depth behind him.

Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel have received significant preseason opportunities, while the Browns’ latest unofficial depth chart lists Watson, Sanders and Gabriel among the quarterbacks.

The Patriots are approaching the game with a different objective. Mike Vrabel has largely protected his starters during the preseason, meaning Thursday could once again provide valuable snaps for players competing for roster spots.

Rookie quarterback Behren Morton was particularly impressive in the 24-21 win over Philadelphia, leading the game-winning drive, while young players such as Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III have also made strong cases for roster consideration.

What time is the Browns vs Patriots match?

The Browns vs Patriots match kicks off on Thursday, August 27, at 8:00 PM ET. The game will be played at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio, and represents the final preseason game for both teams before the 2026 regular season.

• Eastern Time: 8:00 PM
• Central Time: 7:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 6:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 5:00 PM

Watson won the competition over Shedeur Sanders after Cleveland’s coaching staff evaluated both quarterbacks throughout training camp and the preseason. The decision generated plenty of controversy, particularly because Sanders appeared to show enough during the preseason to make a strong case for the starting job.

Now, Schefter believes Watson’s position could depend heavily on what happens during Cleveland’s first two games of the regular season. If the veteran struggles, Shedeur could receive an opportunity much earlier than expected.

Could Shedeur Sanders become the Browns’ starting QB?

Adam Schefter offered a fascinating prediction about how quickly Cleveland could change quarterbacks if Watson fails to perform. “If Deshaun Watson plays well the first two weeks on the road, he’ll continue to be the quarterback. If not, I believe there is a realistic chance that for their home opener, Shedeur Sanders is the starting quarterback of the Browns. That’ll be up to Deshaun and how he plays in the first two games.”

That puts significant pressure on Watson from the beginning of the season. The Browns will open their schedule with consecutive road games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before returning home for their Week 3 matchup.

Watson therefore may not have much room for error. If he performs well, the Browns could quickly put the quarterback controversy behind them. If he struggles, however, Sanders could become the most obvious alternative.

That possibility becomes even more intriguing because Shedeur Sanders could make his potential Browns starting debut at home against the Carolina Panthers in Week 3. He could then face another major test shortly afterward, with Cleveland scheduled to host the Pittsburgh Steelers in a primetime matchup.

Todd Monken chose Deshaun Watson

Todd Monken ultimately decided that Watson gave Cleveland the best chance to win when the regular season begins. The head coach’s evaluation appeared to focus on more than simply preseason statistics, particularly Sanders’ familiarity with the offense and his ability to operate the system.

That does not mean Sanders’ opportunity has disappeared. He remains one of the most important young players in Cleveland’s quarterback room, and a poor start from Watson could accelerate his path onto the field.

There is also a bigger picture for the Browns. Cleveland has major decisions ahead of the 2027 NFL Draft, and determining whether Sanders can develop into the franchise quarterback could have enormous implications for the organization’s future. For now, Watson has won the job. But Schefter’s prediction makes one thing clear: the quarterback competition may not actually be over.

The Browns created headlines by choosing Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders. Despite Sanders showing encouraging flashes during the preseason, head coach Todd Monken ultimately decided that Watson will lead the offense in Week 1.

The Patriots, meanwhile, are preparing for a season in which they hope to make another Super Bowl push. Drake Maye is expected to be the centerpiece of that effort, particularly after New England added star wide receiver A.J. Brown to an offense that could take a major step forward in 2026.

Who is starting QB today for Browns vs Patriots?

Dillon Gabriel will start at quarterback for the Browns against the Patriots. Todd Monken confirmed that he wants to give him more playing time after being unable to properly evaluate him during Cleveland’s first two preseason games.

Gabriel’s opportunity is particularly important because the Browns need to determine what they have behind Watson and Sanders. Giving Dillon an extended look in the final preseason game allows the coaching staff to evaluate him in a more realistic game environment.

Taylen Green is expected to take over as the backup quarterback after Gabriel’s time on the field is complete. As a result, neither Watson nor Sanders is expected to play tonight.

Who is starting QB for Patriots vs Browns?

Tommy DeVito is expected to start at quarterback for the Patriots against the Browns, with Drake Maye sitting out the final preseason game. The decision is hardly surprising considering Maye’s importance to New England.

The star quarterback is expected to lead the Patriots’ offense throughout the regular season, and there is little reason for head coach Mike Vrabel to expose him to unnecessary preseason risk. After DeVito’s work is complete, Behren Morton is expected to take over at quarterback.

On the surface, the decision has been difficult for some Browns fans to understand. Sanders showed flashes of the talent that made him one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, while Watson’s performances did not necessarily separate him from Shedeur.

However, prestigious reported Mary Kay Cabot has provided more context on why head coach Todd Monken ultimately favored Watson. According to her information, the explanation may have much more to do with what happened away from the field than what fans saw during preseason games.

What happened behind the scenes with Shedeur Sanders?

Mary Kay Cabot explained that Todd Monken has repeatedly emphasized that Shedeur Sanders still has a learning curve to navigate, particularly when it comes to mastering the Browns’ offensive system.

“Todd has been trying to tell us over and over and over again that Shedeur still needs to come up the learning curve on that kind of stuff. Todd does not like what he calls crappy football. And it’s not that Shedeur would play crappy football, but you have to have a certain amount of comfortability with the system, with the scheme to be able to run the show.”

That explanation provides an important distinction. The decision does not necessarily mean that Watson has been dramatically better than Sanders physically or that Shedeur failed to impress during preseason action.

Instead, Monken appears to be prioritizing operational consistency and familiarity with the offensive system, elements that are much harder for fans to evaluate from game highlights.

Why did Todd Monken choose Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders?

According to Mary Kay Cabot, some of the most important evidence behind the decision happened away from the spotlight. The Browns’ evaluation included what “happened in meeting rooms,” “in walkthroughs” and “in the operational details that never show up in a clip shared on social media.”

That could explain why Sanders’ strong preseason performances were not enough to win the job. A quarterback can make impressive throws and show good decision-making during limited game action while still having areas to improve when it comes to running an entire NFL offense.

For Monken, that distinction appears to have been decisive. The Browns’ head coach needs a quarterback who can operate the scheme with enough confidence and consistency to execute the entire game plan, not simply make impressive plays when given an opportunity.

Watson’s experience gives him an obvious advantage in that area. Despite the controversy surrounding his tenure in Cleveland and his inconsistent play since joining the team, he has considerably more NFL experience than Sanders.

Shedeur Sanders still has a path to the Browns QB1 job

The decision does not necessarily close the door on Sanders becoming Cleveland’s quarterback in the future. If anything, the explanation from Cabot suggests that his path to the starting job could depend on how quickly he closes the gap in his understanding of Monken’s offense.

That could be particularly important if Watson struggles once the regular season begins. The Browns have already seen enough from Sanders to know that he has the physical ability to compete, but Shedeur now has to demonstrate that he can consistently operate the offense at the level Monken expects.

For fans who believed Sanders clearly outplayed Watson in the preseason, the explanation may be frustrating. But preseason statistics and highlights only reveal part of the evaluation process.

For now, Watson has won the competition. But if Sanders continues learning the system and proves he can “run the show” without the operational mistakes Monken wants to avoid, he could eventually get another opportunity to change the Browns’ decision.