Browns Will Start Deshaun Watson In Preseason Week 1
A closer look at Cleveland's QB situation
Matthew Horner - Aug 11, 2022, 7:26pm EDTWatson To Get The Start Friday vs. Jaguars
Deshaun Watson, the highly-scrutinized former All-Pro, is listed as the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns' preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday.
It doesn't really come as a shock, as the preseason doesn't count toward suspensions, and Watson will still be the starter for them whenever he can actually play. He was given a six-game regular-season suspension, but as any NFL fan knows, the league certainly wasn't going to let him get away with that short of a sentence. They appealed the longevity of the suspension, hoping to get a longer one. Nonetheless, Friday will mark Watson's first game with the Browns since Cleveland acquired him in a trade with the Houston Texans.
It actually is possible that he misses the start still, as the appeal could be granted before the game, and extend into the preseason. If that happens, who will be the starter for Cleveland in Game 1? The acquisition of Watson signaled the end of the Baker Mayfield era when Cleveland traded the former No. 1 pick to the Carolina Panthers. He won't be around to save the day, but they don't have the worst options in the world as a backup. Former Indianapolis Colts starter Jacoby Brissett is the backup quarterback and will start in the regular season when Watson misses time. He should see time in this preseason game. Brissett isn't spectacular, and he isn't going to wow anyone with his play, but he is serviceable. In fact, you could say that the Browns have one of the best quarterback rooms in the league with Watson as a starter and Brissett backing him up.
Watson To Get The Start Friday vs. Jaguars
Deshaun Watson, the highly-scrutinized former All-Pro, is listed as the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns' preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday.
It doesn't really come as a shock, as the preseason doesn't count toward suspensions, and Watson will still be the starter for them whenever he can actually play. He was given a six-game regular-season suspension, but as any NFL fan knows, the league certainly wasn't going to let him get away with that short of a sentence. They appealed the longevity of the suspension, hoping to get a longer one. Nonetheless, Friday will mark Watson's first game with the Browns since Cleveland acquired him in a trade with the Houston Texans.
It actually is possible that he misses the start still, as the appeal could be granted before the game, and extend into the preseason. If that happens, who will be the starter for Cleveland in Game 1? The acquisition of Watson signaled the end of the Baker Mayfield era when Cleveland traded the former No. 1 pick to the Carolina Panthers. He won't be around to save the day, but they don't have the worst options in the world as a backup. Former Indianapolis Colts starter Jacoby Brissett is the backup quarterback and will start in the regular season when Watson misses time. He should see time in this preseason game. Brissett isn't spectacular, and he isn't going to wow anyone with his play, but he is serviceable. In fact, you could say that the Browns have one of the best quarterback rooms in the league with Watson as a starter and Brissett backing him up.
After Brissett, Cleveland has former Pittsburgh Steeler backup Josh Dobbs, as well as former top-10 pick Josh Rosen. Rosen should get some playing time, as everyone wants to see if he's worthy of another chance after being labeled a draft bust.
There are rumors out there that, should the NFL win their appeal and extend Watson's suspension, Cleveland will look into trading for San Francisco 49ers QB Jimmy Garroppolo. That is just a rumor, but it would make sense for both teams to get a deal like that done.
As usual, the quarterback position in Cleveland presents a lot of drama and intrigue. Honestly, I am going to have fun just keeping an eye on this all season, but for this game, it is pretty straightforward. The Browns are slight favorites in this one, with a total in the high 30s. Click any of the exclusive offers below to bet this preseason game risk-free!
