Cleveland Browns Deshaun Watson
Former NFL Star Keeps It Real With His Deshaun Watson Observation 1
September 21, 2026 NFL, Cleveland Browns, Featured
Robert Griffin III has offered a blunt assessment of the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation following Deshaun Watson’s difficult return to regular-season action. The former NFL quarterback believes the team should turn to Shedeur Sanders after Watson struggled during the team’s season-opening loss.
Watson entered the 2026 season as Cleveland’s starter after winning a closely contested offseason competition with Sanders. Head coach Todd Monken ultimately selected the veteran after evaluating both quarterbacks throughout offseason workouts, training camp and the preseason.
Sep 13, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) in the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn ImagesSep 13, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) in the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
Sep 13, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) in the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
The decision immediately faced greater scrutiny after Watson’s performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He completed 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards, one touchdown and one interception, but Cleveland struggled offensively in a 34-10 defeat after falling behind 24-0 by halftime. Watson also endured five sacks as the Browns failed to establish consistent momentum.
Griffin’s assessment focused on the way Cleveland operated during the loss, suggesting the team appeared reluctant to rely on Watson to generate offense. His comments added another prominent voice to the growing discussion surrounding whether the Browns should reconsider their quarterback plans after only one regular-season game.
Former NFL QB Robert Griffin III Urges Cleveland Browns to Replace Deshaun Watson With Shedeur Sanders
NFL, Robert Griffin IIINFL, Robert Griffin III
Dec 2, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Robert Griffin III (3) scrambles with the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Griffin said Sanders should be starting for Cleveland after seeing how Watson is performing. This can be seen in a post he made on his official X account.
The Cleveland Browns need to start Shedeur Sanders at QB.
They played and coached against the Jaguars like they didn’t believe they had a chance to win with Deshaun Watson at QB. pic.twitter.com/pWmR0kJzxs
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 17, 2026
Sanders remains positioned as the obvious alternative if Cleveland decides to make a change. The second-year quarterback was part of the competition throughout the offseason and preseason, and his presence gives the Browns a younger option while Watson attempts to regain his form after nearly two years away from regular-season football.
The quarterback situation could become even more significant as Cleveland continues its early-season schedule. With Watson under pressure to produce and Sanders waiting behind him, the Browns face an important evaluation period that could determine whether their original plan remains intact or the team eventually turns to its younger quarterback.