Calls Grow for Browns to Cut Deshaun Watson After Postgame Blowup
Shedeur Sanders starts for the Cleveland Browns against the Buffalo Bills Saturday. Kickoff is 1 p.m. ET at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland.
- 1 p.m. ET kickoff airs on NFL Network, WEWS Channel 5 and WIVB-CBS.
- Sanders will play the entire first half; Watson takes over in the third quarter.
- Left tackle Spencer Fano and receiver Denzel Boston will play alongside Sanders.
- Josh Allen and Buffalo's starters are expected to sit after playing in Week 1.
Why it matters: Head coach Todd Monken has not named a Week 1 starter. Saturday is what the Browns organization considers a crucial data point in the competition.
- Watson outperformed Sanders in the preseason opener: Watson went 11-for-15 for 126 yards; Sanders went 6-for-11 for 79 yards with one interception.
- Cleveland lost that opener 34-10 to the Chicago Bears.
How 6 sources split on this story
Center coverage, 5 sources: The center presents the game as a genuine, unresolved competition with tangible stakes, noting Watson's edge in Week 1 stats while keeping the outcome open.
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Newsweek5hBrowns HC Todd Monken reportedly nearing decision on starting QBWPWPXI Pittsburgh11hSteelers reveal quarterback plan for preseason finale vs. BillsLeft coverage, 1 sources: The left frames Sanders as the underdog fighting uphill — playing without a full starting offensive line against a player, Watson, described as closing in on the job.
What’s next: Monken has said the starting job will be decided through preseason performance.
- Sanders must limit turnovers; a repeat of the Bears interception could favor Watson.
- Will Sanders' performance Saturday be enough for Monken to name a Week 1 starter?
- How much will the absence of most Bills starters affect what the Browns learn about Sanders?