January 1, Watson’s Comeback: Two Rivals Choke While Veteran Shows Up

Wyatt’s Take

• Deshaun Watson played his first NFL game since 2024 after two Achilles tears — and didn’t embarrass himself like his competition did
• Rookie Shedeur Sanders and backup Dillon Gabriel both threw picks and fumbled against third-stringers while Watson looked competent
• The Browns’ quarterback battle continues, but Watson just proved he’s still got more left than the kids nipping at his heels

You know the old joke about outrunning a bear in the woods? You don’t have to be faster than the bear — just faster than your buddy.

That’s exactly what happened to Deshaun Watson on Saturday. The veteran quarterback returned to the field for the first time since 2024, and while he wasn’t perfect, he looked like Tom Brady compared to the guys behind him on the depth chart.

Watson got through a half of preseason action against the Chicago Bears without falling apart. That’s a win when you’re coming back from not one but two Achilles tears over the past two seasons.

“Definitely a good moment for myself,” Watson said after the game.

Good is right. Watson stayed healthy, moved the offense, and most importantly, didn’t self-destruct like Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel did when their numbers were called.

Watson completed 11 of 15 passes and helped put points on the board. No touchdowns, sure, and he did cough up one fumble.

But he looked like a seasoned professional compared to what came after him.

Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken didn’t hide his excitement about seeing Watson back on the field.

“Oh, it was awesome,” Monken said. “I mean, it was so cool to watch him play. I get all of the frustration by fans, himself, but for him to come back and work like he did is an unbelievable credit to him.”

“And then to go out there; he was having fun today. And that is so cool. And I thought he really functioned at a high level.”

Now, let’s be clear — Watson’s performance was solid, not spectacular. He started hot, completing 10 of his first 11 passes before that fumble seemed to rattle him a bit.

After the turnover, he only completed one of his final four attempts. But here’s the thing: Sanders and Gabriel made Watson look like a Hall of Famer by comparison.

Sanders threw an interception, fumbled a snap (didn’t lose it, but cost the team a down), and finished with a brutal 39.6 passer rating. Gabriel wasn’t much better with a 27.1 passer rating and his own pick.

Both were playing against backups and reserves. Both struggled mightily.

Watson, meanwhile, kept his composure and showed he can still run an NFL offense after two years of injury hell.

“I don’t think that’s anything that I doubted myself,” Watson said. “That’s the reason why I’ve worked hard these last two years, you know, to get back to that.”

“I had some, some challenges with some injuries and suspension and, you know, now being able to get a full offseason and continue to work my way back up. It takes time.”

“But I don’t doubt myself in any way that I can’t play at a high level.”

Monken announced that Sanders will start next week against the Buffalo Bills and play the first half. Watson will take the third quarter, and Gabriel gets the fourth.

The Browns’ quarterback competition rolls on. But after Saturday, Watson just reminded everyone that experience and composure still matter in this league.

Wyatt Matters

This is what separates the men from the boys in professional football. Watson came back from two devastating injuries and didn’t blink under the lights. Meanwhile, the young guns wilted when it was their turn. Hard work, grit, and keeping your head on straight when things get tough — that’s what wins jobs and games. The kids will learn, or they won’t. But right now, the veteran just schooled them on what it takes.