Deshaun Watson’s early days at Cleveland Browns training camp have been rocky, with the veteran quarterback struggling to regain his footing in his quest to reclaim the starting job. On the first full practice of the 2026 season, Watson was intercepted twice by Denzel Ward and Damarri Mathis, while second-year player Shedeur Sanders showcased better accuracy and composure, according to multiple reports. The competition between the two signal a pivotal moment for the Browns as they seek stability at the quarterback position.
Watson’s Struggles and Sanders’ Efficiency
Watson’s performance on July 29, 2026, raised concerns among fans and analysts alike. Despite taking all first-team reps, he completed just 12 of 22 passes with two interceptions, while Sanders finished 16 of 19 without a turnover, according to ESPN Cleveland. The contrast was stark: Watson’s passes were often inaccurate, with one interception coming off a great play by Ward on a designed rollout, and another resulting from a late throw on a dig route.
We anticipate alternating.
First of all, all four quarterbacks are going to compete,
Monken said, per USA Today. Watson’s struggles were not entirely unexpected, given his absence from the field since October 2024 due to a torn Achilles tendon. However, the early setbacks underscore the challenge he faces in proving he is still the team’s best option.
Monken’s Strategy and the Path to a Starter
Monken outlined a clear plan for the quarterback competition, stating that reps would be divided based on the depth chart. In a perfect world… I would prefer the ones get 50 percent (of reps), the twos get 33 percent, and the threes get 17 percent,
he said, as reported by Nytimes. While this framework provides a guideline, Monken stressed that the final decision would hinge on performance. Their play decides who the starter is,
he added, echoing sentiments from Heavy.com.
The Browns’ approach reflects the uncertainty surrounding Watson’s health and Sanders’ potential. Watson, under the final year of a $230 million contract, faces pressure to prove he can return to his pre-injury form. Sanders, meanwhile, is looking to build on his rookie season, during which he made seven starts. The coaching staff’s decision to alternate reps between the two quarterbacks highlights the lack of a clear frontrunner, with both players having opportunities to gain favor in the coming weeks.
What Comes Next for the Browns’ QB Race
As training camp progresses, the Browns will closely monitor how Watson and Sanders adapt to the new offensive system under Monken. However, Watson’s experience and track record with the team remain significant factors. Monken hinted that the competition could trend toward a decision as the camp continues, noting that as you start to see less rotation, if you start to see individual players at every position get more reps with the ones, it’s a pretty good sign they’re a one,
according to BrownsNation.
For Watson, the challenge is to regain the confidence of the coaching staff and fans, while Sanders aims to solidify his place. With the first game of the regular season just over a month away, the pressure on both players to perform is mounting, and the outcome of this competition could shape the Browns’ season.
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