Browns start Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders against Texans
Coach Todd Monken announced that Deshaun Watson will start at quarterback for the Browns in Sunday’s game against his former team, the Houston Texans, instead of Shedeur Sanders.
Deshaun Watson is set to start for the Cleveland Browns against the Houston Texans on Sunday, according to a league source. Coach Todd Monken had previously left open the possibility of starting rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders after the latter helped the Browns nearly upset the New Orleans Saints in overtime, though the team fell 23-22.
Monken praised Sanders for his composure and playmaking in that game, highlighting a 64-yard touchdown pass to KC Concepcion, a 60-yard throw to Denzel Boston, and a 39-yard touchdown connection with Harold Fannin Jr. He said, "> It’s been 10 weeks since he had reps with the ones. I thought he battled, I thought he showed composure in the pocket, getting to his checkdowns at times. He made plays with his feet and escaping. He made the scramble play to Jerry (Jeudy)."
Despite the praise, Monken opted to return to Watson, who has led the Browns to a 5-3 record and ranks second in the league with five fourth-quarter game-winning drives. In eight starts this season, Watson has completed 65.5% of his passes for 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions, and has rushed for 217 yards and one touchdown.
Watson also leads the NFL in sacks taken, with 33 despite missing last week’s game, and will face a Texans defense that is tied for the league lead in sacks. The Texans, who have improved to three wins in their last four games after an 0-4 start, rank 19th in total yards allowed.
The matchup will be Watson’s second start against Houston since being traded to Cleveland in 2022. His first such start resulted in a 27-14 loss. The Browns will also contend with a strong performance from Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has thrown ten touchdowns and two interceptions in his last three games.