Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down the Browns' preseason opener against Chicago and conclude the quarterback competition is effectively over, with Deshaun Watson set to start Week 1. They point to how the practice schedule was arranged (Shedeur Sanders starting the preseason game but without first-team reps) as a clear signal, and note Watson's performance was solid if unspectacular given his 600-plus days away from football. They also dig into Todd Monken's visibly proud reaction to Watson's outing, reading it as the coach protecting and championing a quarterback everyone had written off, while acknowledging Sanders flashed real arm talent on his deep strike to Luke Floreia even as Monken flagged mechanical issues to clean up.
Are You Ready to Name Deshaun Watson the Starter?
Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns calls a play during a preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on August 15, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images
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By The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima
Published Aug 17, 2026, 06:33 AM ETUpdated Aug 17, 2026, 06:32 AM ET
The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima
The only place to talk about the Cleveland sports scene weekday mornings is with Ken Carman and Anthony Lima from 6-10a! The show guides you through…
