{
  "id": 4006719,
  "title": "Browns' Deshaun Watson Decision Looks Even Worse After Patriots Game",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/browns-deshaun-watson-decision-looks-even-worse-after-patriots-game",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-28T18:19:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/browns-deshaun-watson-decision-looks-even-worse-after-patriots-game-12381855"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Deshaun Watson was named the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback for Week 1, forcing Shedeur Sanders to sit on the bench. Despite Watson's experience and proven track record, fans and the media have criticized the decision, especially after his controversial postgame remarks last week. The Browns' decision appears even more questionable after a preseason game against the Patriots where backups Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green performed admirably. Gabriel completed 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns, while rookie Green, in his first NFL action, threw for 27 yards and rushed for 66 yards on eight carries. With four quarterbacks on the roster, the Browns must cut one by Sunday. Head coach Todd Monken stated that both Gabrel and Green played well, highlighting Green's athleticism and Gabrel's poise and efficiency. However, the team's young roster and long-term goals make it difficult to justify retaining Watson, a 30-year-old quarterback dealing with injuries and facing fan backlash.",
  "summary": "Deshaun Watson is the Browns' Week 1 starter, but backups Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green just made that decision look even worse.",
  "key_points": [
    "Deshaun Watson named Browns starting QB for Week 1.",
    "Backup Dillon Gabriel outperformed Watson in preseason game.",
    "Rookie Taylen Green excelled, rushing for 66 yards."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}