After quarterback Deshaun Watson had a so-so first half against the Bears, throwing for 126 yards, Shedeur Sanders also had a middling performance in the second half of the Browns’ first preseason game.
Sanders finished his outing 6-of-11 passing for 79 yards with an interception.
While he was slated to play just the third quarter, Sanders’ playing time extended into the fourth period with a possession that started late in the third. The Browns did not score in any of Sanders’ three series, though they came close on one of them.
Sanders’ best throw came on third-and-13 on his first drive. With pressure coming right at him, the quarterback stood in the pocket and fired a downfield strike to Luke Floriea for a 35-yard gain. But Cleveland did not cash in with points on that possession, with a fourth-and-1 run stuffed at the 5 for no gain for a turnover on downs.
Sanders’ last throw was his worst, as he airmailed a pass over the middle that was intercepted by Beanie Bishop early in the foruth quarter.
While Watson got the first reps in Cleveland’s preseason opener, Sanders is set to be the first quarterback up for next weekend’s matchup with Buffalo.
Additionally, rookie cornerback Michael Coats Jr. — who had an interception in the first half — was declared out with an ankle injury.