CLEVELAND — The rain and lightning couldn't permanently keep the Browns off the field Friday night for their lone home game of the 2023 preseason, and most of the team's starters even got to see some action.
That included quarterback Deshaun Watson, who played one series and looked impressive in the process.
After Cleveland's defense forced a Commanders punt, Watson and the Browns took over at their own 28-yard line, and the QB got things started with a short 6-yard pass to newcomer Elijah Moore. Another 5-yard completion to Jordan Akins followed before Moore — lined up at running back in the shotgun — took off for 18 yards down the sideline to get the Browns into Washington territory.
It was a harbinger of things to come for Watson, who in truth did more damage with his legs than his arm tonight. He finished the evening with 20 yards on three carries, including an eight-yard scramble that made it first-and-goal at the 10.
Unfortunately, the Browns couldn't make it into the end zone, as John Kelly II was eventually stuffed on fourth-and-goal. Watson was relieved by Joshua Dobbs from there, exiting after completing all three of his passes and posting 32 total yards.
All eyes were on Watson entering tonight's contest, as he had looked very underwhelming in the only six games he played last season. The former first-round pick was suspended 11 games by the NFL amid allegations of sexual misconduct and assault, though he was not criminally charged in any of the cases and has settled all but one of the civil lawsuits against him.
Along with Watson, the Browns' starting defense also turned in a solid performance, forcing a safety on their second series and also getting a sack of Commanders quarterback Sam Howell. Unfortunately, the unit also allowed a 26-yard touchdown pass from Howell to Jahan Dotson.
Notable Browns starters who sat out tonight included Nick Chubb, Joel Bitonio, and Myles Garrett.
