Fernando Mendoza's comfortable NFL debut for the Cleveland Browns

You know what, maybe it makes sense that Watson's the starter over whatever this is The Cleveland Browns officially named Deshaun Watson their starting quarterback for the regular-season opener, prioritizing his veteran experience and massive financial contract after a tightly contested training camp. However, a compelling case could have been made for starting Shedeur Sanders instead to inject long-term upside into the offense. Sanders displayed admirable dedication during the offseason and showed steady growth in his footwork and command under coordinator Todd Monken. Furthermore, Watson is returning from severe injuries, including a twice-torn Achilles tendon, and has faced mounting friction and heavy scrutiny from the local fanbase. Starting Sanders would have avoided the volatile optics surrounding Watson while immediately pivoting toward the franchise's future. Giving the keys to the younger quarterback would have allowed Cleveland to build foundational experience without waiting for a veteran regression.