Browns Set to Evaluate Deshaun Watson After Buccaneers Clash

Critical Test for Watson

Deshaun Watson will make his second straight road start for the Cleveland Browns this Sunday. After the game, the team is expected to evaluate its quarterback situation. The two game sample size before their Week 3 home opener serves as a natural point to decide whether to stick with Watson or make a change.

If the Browns decide to bench Watson, Shedeur Sanders would be the next quarterback up. The team needs to find out if they have a franchise quarterback on their roster. If Watson is not the long term answer, the Browns need to see if Sanders is. Cleveland also holds multiple first round picks in the 2027 draft, placing them in a good position to draft a top college quarterback if needed.

Frustrations and Hope for Improvement

Watson earned the starting job for the first two weeks because of his experience and his play during training camp. However, the season opener was a major disappointment. The Browns suffered a 34-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the offensive operation left people in the building frustrated.

Watson completed 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the loss. Despite the struggles, coach Todd Monken decided to stick with Watson after reviewing the game tape. Watson did show some improvement in the second half.

Monken emphasized that the entire team needs to step up to help their quarterback. "We got to play better around him," Monken said. "We got to call it better, and he's got to play better."

The upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will heavily influence the team's next move. A strong performance and a victory will make the decision easy for Cleveland. A poor performance in another loss could trigger an immediate change.

What it means for the next game

Cleveland Browns at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL, Sun, 20 Sep): Tampa Bay Buccaneers win 78%, Cleveland Browns win 22%; projected score Tampa Bay Buccaneers 25, Cleveland Browns 16. Our safest pick: Buccaneers to win.