The Cleveland Browns decided on their starting quarterback on Monday, Aug. 24. Deshaun Watson will open the season as the starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders. The quarterback has continuously underperformed during his four seasons with the organization as he enters his fifth.
Many fans are not happy with the decision the organization has made, as Watson has been inconsistent with his performances throughout his time with the Browns. Head coach Todd Monken made the decision after Watson and Shedeur Sanders competed for the QB1 job throughout the offseason.
Jun 11, 2026; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) leaves the field during minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesGreg Cosell Gets Real on Deshaun Watson’s QB IssuesIn a recent episode of the Ross Tucker Football Podcast, Greg Cosell talked about Watson’s biggest issue with his gameplay and said:
“You know, the other stuff, that’s, you know, I know a lot of people are discussing that. But, you know, obviously Watson, since he’s been back from that year off, has not really played particularly well. And I think one of the things that really stands out when you watch Watson, and it was even true in the preseason games, and the games themselves, as you know, Ross, because there are now joint practices.”
He also believes that Watson is not able to make decisions quickly on the field and said:
“There’s so many other elements that go into it than just a number of, you know, a small sample size in preseason games. But I think one of the things that really has struck me about Watson, you know, since he’s been back and it continued is he’s—I don’t think that he’s a quick decision-maker. I don’t think he sees the field with the clarity that you’d ultimately like. And again, that’s not on every single play, obviously. but I think that’s one reason why he ends up leaving the pocket a lot.”
“One of the things that REALLY stands out when you watch Watson…”@GregCosell details Browns QB Deshaun Watson’s biggest issue on latest @RossTuckerPod: https://t.co/6xXp6qu1p7pic.twitter.com/5qPwsVA2Zz
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) August 26, 2026
Cosell ended the conversation by questioning Watson’s ability to process quickly in a position that demands decisions in milliseconds. Will he be able to see things with clarity and play with higher-level anticipation and timing on a consistent basis?
The latest decision puts even more pressure on Watson as he prepares to lead the Browns into the regular season. With Sanders behind him on the depth chart, Watson will have to prove that the organization made the right decision. His performances early in the season could play an important role in determining how long he remains the team’s starting quarterback.
The quarterback was seen struggling during the Browns’ most recent preseason game against the Buffalo Bills and was repeatedly booed by fans. Some fans even called out the organization, as the franchise has significantly invested in the quarterback, making it financially difficult to cut ties with him.
Watson will now have another opportunity to prove himself as the Browns’ starting quarterback. However, if his struggles continue during the regular season, the calls for Sanders to get an opportunity could become even louder among fans.
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The post ‘Really Struck Me’: NFL Analyst Points Out Red Flags in Deshaun Watson’s Gameplay Days After Securing QB1 Role appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
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