Shedeur Sanders throws TD pass in final chance to win starting QB job but Bills batter Browns 31-7

CLEVELAND — As thunder rumbled around Huntington Bank Field following Saturday's game, the Browns' confusing quarterback competition grew stormier.

Shedeur Sanders threw a touchdown pass and made good decisions in the Browns’ 31-7 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills in perhaps his last chance to convince coach Todd Monken that he — and not Deshaun Watson — should be Cleveland's starting quarterback.

Sanders, competing with Watson to be the No. 1 QB and start against Jacksonville on Sept. 13, completed his first eight passes. He finished 9 of 11 for 74 yards with an interception on a ball he threw behind tight end Jermaine Terry, got tipped and picked by Damar Hamlin.

Watson played poorly in the second half and was booed repeatedly by Cleveland's sparse crowd. Afterward, the 30-year-old, who has been a polarizing figure almost since his arrival in a 2022 trade, fired back at his detractors.

“I think the whole world knows. It has nothing to do about the performance. It’s a little bit more personal than that,” said Watson, who was playing his first home game since tearing his Achilles tendon in 2024. ”I think that’s a disrespectful thing.”

Watson dismissed the possibility that if he played better he would be treated more fairly.

"Last time I played on this field, I tore my Achilles. And that same fan base, they cheered when I got hurt,” Watson said, referring to the game against Cincinnati on Oct. 20, 2024.

Watson played into the fourth quarter and went 5 of 12 for 35 yards with an interception. He started last week's exhibition opener as the Browns (0-2) lost in Chicago.

Monken is nearing a decision on whether to start Watson, who due to his injuries and an NFL suspension, has started just 19 games for Cleveland since 2022 or go with Sanders, the wildly popular fifth-round pick who showed potential last season.

Monken said he wanted to watch game tape and talk to his staff before making any announcements. The Browns have been criticized for allowing Watson to compete for the job, given that he's injury prone, a pariah to many fans and Sanders has shown growth.

Monken, though, believes the competition has been good.

“I really am jacked with how we did it,” the 60-year-old said. "Some other people might not see it that way, but in order to make an educated decision on both players, we needed to see them both practice and play. That’s just part of it.

“It’s not the easiest or most ideal, but it gives us the best opportunity to see who gives us, when we got to Jacksonville, the best chance to win and score points. Because ultimately, that’s what matters."

Most of the Bills' starters sit against the Browns

The Bills (2-0) rested Josh Allen and most of their starters. Buffalo first-year coach Joe Brady was pleased enough with what he saw in Thursday's joint practice against the Browns from Allen and the other regulars to give them the day off.

Kyle Allen may have secured his role as the No. 2 quarterback with a solid performance. He completed 10 of 12 passes for 128 yards in the first half. His 9-yard TD pass to Mecole Hardman Jr. gave Buffalo a 14-7 lead.

Buffalo's Shane Buechele had a 71-yard scoring pass to Ja'Mori Maclin in the third quarter. Buechele also had a 5-yard TD run.

Following a 64-minute weather delay, Sanders was flawless on Cleveland's first drive, capping by connecting with wide receiver Luke Floriea for an 8-yard TD.

Bills send condolences to Ed Oliver and his family

Before kickoff, the Bills issued a statement offering condolences to defensive end Ed Oliver on the death of his 2-year-old son.

Oliver has been away from Buffalo's facility for periods this summer in the aftermath of his son, also named Ed, drowning in June at a residential pool in Houston.

“Ever since I found out the news, I can’t fathom what he’s going through," Brady said. "As a coach and a father, there really aren’t words to describe it. It’s all about us loving him and giving him the privacy that he deserves.

“It’s hard when I see him. I don’t have the words, but all I can do is support him in whatever way he needs.”

The 28-year-old Oliver is in his eighth season with Buffalo.

Wright Injury

The Browns have not given an update on starting defensive end Alex Wright, who appeared to sustain a serious lower leg injury Thursday.

Wright is being counted on to help offset the loss of superstar Myles Garrett, traded to the Los Angeles Rams. The Browns signed Wright to a three-year, $33 million contract during the offseason.

Cleveland doesn't have much quality or experienced depth at the end spot and may need to sign a free agent or make a trade. The Browns gave third-year defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. a look against the Bills. He got a sack in the first quarter.

Injuries

Browns WR Isaiah Bond was checked for a concussion and cleared, and WR Malachi Corley went into the medical tent in the fourth quarter.

Up next

Bills: Host Pittsburgh on Thursday.

Browns: Host New England on Thursday.