NFL quarterbacks are a unique fraternity, as only they know the demands of holding arguably the most important position in all of professional sports. That gives them a perspective that all of the commentators, analysts, and fans simply do not have.
Even though they are highly competitive, they can empathize with each other, particularly when it comes to injuries. That is why many around the league are watching Deshaun Watson’s pursuit of the Cleveland Browns’ starting job this preseason.
Coming out of a joint practice against Cleveland, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen got honest about Watson’s return to action after being sidelined for almost two years.
“Just glad to see him out there. I know how frustrating that can be to not be out there with your teammates and your brothers and continuing to fight to get back healthy, to get back on the field. And when you get there and then it happens again … so to have that mental resolve. Not a lot of people have that. It’s good to see him healthy again,” Allen said.
Allen can’t truly relate to what Watson has gone through to continue his career. The former NFL MVP has missed just four games over his eight-year career, all as a rookie. Watson has missed at least 10 games in each of his four years with Cleveland, playing in just 19 of a possible 68.
But after overcoming shoulder and Achilles injuries suffered since 2023, Watson is in line to become the Browns’ starting quarterback this season. He looks to have a solid lead ahead of Shedeur Sanders in their ongoing competition, which will take its next step in the preseason game against the Bills on Saturday.
After Watson started the first preseason game against the Chicago Bears last week, Sanders will get the nod against Buffalo and is expected to play the entire first half. Watson is scheduled to enter in the third quarter, and the fan reaction at Huntington Bank Field will be something to watch.
With Watson and Sanders almost evenly splitting reps in 11-on-11 action during the joint practice, the competition did not change very much. According to Cleveland.com, Watson was 12-for-17 with one touchdown and one interception, highlighted by a long completion to KC Concepcion. Sanders was 13-for-23 with no TDs and no interceptions, throwing short passes that were mocked by one Bills defender.
After Saturday, it is possible head coach Todd Monken will name his Week 1 starter in order to protect him in the final preseason game against the New England Patriots on Thursday.
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