Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears face off in preseason opener

The Cleveland Browns lost 34-10 to the Chicago Bears in their preseason opener at Soldier Field, a game that highlighted the ongoing quarterback competition between veteran Deshaun Watson and second-year player Shedeur Sanders.

Watson, playing his first game in nearly two years following injuries, completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards and led two scoring drives, though he also lost a fumble. Sanders entered in the third quarter, completing 6 of 11 passes for 79 yards and throwing an interception. Browns head coach Todd Monken described the competition as ‘pretty balanced’ and stated it would be ‘unfair not to give Shedeur that same opportunity’ in the next preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.

Sanders recently issued an apology to reporters regarding previous tense interactions about the competition, stating he wanted to avoid creating team division. Meanwhile, the Bears utilized the game to evaluate depth, with Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum seeing action while starter Caleb Williams rested.