On November 23, 2025, Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns’ veteran quarterback, made his first road trip of the 2025 season—not to play, but to guide. At Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, Watson stood on the sideline, crutches beside him, watching as Shedeur Sanders, the 22-year-old rookie, took his first NFL snap against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Browns won 24-10. It was the first time a Cleveland quarterback had won his debut start since 1995. And Watson? He didn’t throw a single pass. But he might’ve thrown the game’s most important one—literally and figuratively.
Why Watson Was There
Watson hasn’t played a full season since 2021. After tearing his right Achilles on October 20, 2024, against the Cincinnati Bengals, he re-tore it just three months later in Miami, a freak ankle roll during rehab. His second surgery, performed by Dr. Bob Anderson in Charlotte, North Carolina, in January 2025, left him sidelined. He’s played just 19 games in four seasons with Cleveland, despite a fully guaranteed $230 million contract signed in 2022. But he hasn’t left the building. Not mentally. Not emotionally.Head coach Kevin Stefanski put it plainly after the game: “Deshaun has been with us every step of the way this season. He has done a great job in the meeting room being that veteran that can impart some of the experiences he has had throughout his career. He has been invaluable.”
Watson’s presence in Las Vegas wasn’t symbolic—it was strategic. Sanders, a fifth-round pick (144th overall), had thrown just 4 of 16 passes for 47 yards in his emergency Week 11 debut against Baltimore after starter Dillon Gabriel entered concussion protocol. The Browns didn’t want him overwhelmed. They wanted him to feel.
The Rookie’s Learning Style
Shedeur Sanders doesn’t learn by watching film alone. He learns by moving. By feeling the rhythm of the offensive line, by reading the defender’s hips before the snap, by adjusting routes mid-play.“I’m more of a feel type of person,” Sanders told reporters on November 20. “I got to be out there, feel it. I got to move around. I’m not just, ‘Imma just watch it, it’s just going to happen.’ No—I got to be in it.”
That’s why the Browns’ game plan was built for him: short, quick passes. Screen plays. Simple reads. The first 15 offensive plays were designed to get Sanders into rhythm. And it worked. He completed 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The big play? A 66-yard screen to running back Dylan Sampson that turned into a touchdown. Sanders didn’t just throw it—he knew exactly where Sampson would be before the ball left his hand.
Watson’s Sideline Role
Video of Watson on the sideline went viral. Not because he was cheering. Not because he was clapping. But because he was coaching.He leaned over, pointed at the Raiders’ secondary, mimed a coverage shift with his hands, then tapped Sanders on the shoulder. Moments later, Sanders audibled to a slant route—and hit it. The Browns’ offensive coordinator later confirmed Watson had identified the Raiders’ nickel package two plays before the snap.
“He saw what they were doing before I did,” Sanders admitted post-game. “I didn’t even notice the safety shifting. He just tapped me. Said, ‘Slant. Now.’ And it was there.”
Three anonymous Browns sources told Sportskeeda that Sanders’ preparation had improved dramatically after three straight weeks as the top QB in practice. “We know what it will take to get him ready,” one said. “He’s not a normal number 2. You know he needs it. The goal is to win, not stick to some industry process.”
The Bigger Picture
This win improved Cleveland’s record to 5-7. It was their first since October 20, 2025, against Miami. The Raiders fell to 3-9, continuing their season-long freefall. But beyond the standings, this game was about legacy.Watson, a three-time Pro Bowler who led the NFL in passing yards in 2021 with Houston, has become something unexpected: a mentor in exile. He’s worked daily with both Sanders and Gabriel in the film room, even when he couldn’t stand for more than 10 minutes. He’s shared stories of his own rookie season in 2017, his battles with pressure, his mistakes in Denver, his comebacks after criticism.
And Sanders? He’s not just learning plays. He’s learning resilience.
What’s Next
Gabriel remains in concussion protocol. No timeline has been set. Sanders is now the starter—at least through Week 14. The Browns have no immediate plans to bring in another QB. Watson’s rehab continues, but his role has evolved. He’s not just a quarterback anymore. He’s a bridge.There’s a quiet confidence now in Cleveland’s locker room. Not because Watson is back on the field. But because he’s still in the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Deshaun Watson’s injury impact his role with the Browns?
After tearing his Achilles twice in 2024 and undergoing surgery in January 2025, Watson hasn’t played since Week 1 of the 2024 season. But instead of stepping away, he became a full-time mentor, attending every practice, film session, and road trip—even traveling to Las Vegas to guide rookie Shedeur Sanders. His presence in the meeting room and on the sideline has been described by head coach Kevin Stefanski as “invaluable,” helping shape the team’s young QBs despite his physical limitations.
Why was Shedeur Sanders chosen to start over other backups?
With starter Dillon Gabriel in concussion protocol, the Browns had two options: start Sanders or bring in a veteran. They chose Sanders because of his rapid progress in practice, his strong grasp of the offense, and his “feel” for the game. Coaches noted he’d improved significantly after three straight weeks as the top QB in drills. His learning style—needing to move and experience plays firsthand—aligned with the game plan designed to minimize complexity and maximize confidence.
What made the Browns’ offensive game plan effective for Sanders?
The Browns designed the offense around quick, high-percentage throws: screens, slants, and check-downs. They avoided deep drops and complex reads. The first 15 plays were specifically scripted to build rhythm. This matched Sanders’ Combine feedback, where he emphasized learning by doing rather than memorizing. The 66-yard screen to Dylan Sampson was a perfect example—simple in design, explosive in execution, and exactly what Sanders needed to feel in control.
How does this win compare to past rookie QB debuts for the Browns?
The last time a Cleveland quarterback won his first NFL start was in 1995, when Vinny Testaverde led the Browns to a 27-10 win over the New England Patriots. Since then, the team has struggled with QB transitions, including the infamous 2018 draft of Baker Mayfield, who won his debut but faced years of inconsistency. Sanders’ 24-10 win over the Raiders is the first such victory in 30 years, marking a rare moment of stability and promise for a franchise that’s had 14 different starting QBs since 2010.
Is Deshaun Watson likely to return to play in 2025?
It’s unlikely. Watson’s second Achilles tear was severe, and his recovery timeline extends into 2026. The Browns have not indicated he’ll return this season. His focus remains on mentoring Sanders and Gabriel. Still, his leadership has redefined his value to the team—not as a starter, but as a cornerstone of their future. His presence alone has elevated the entire quarterback room.
What does this mean for the Browns’ long-term quarterback plans?
The Browns are clearly betting on Sanders as their future. With Watson mentoring him and Gabriel recovering from concussion protocol, the team has shown patience and investment in youth. If Sanders continues this trajectory, Cleveland could have a stable QB situation for the next five years. Watson’s role as a bridge between eras—past and future—may be his most enduring legacy, even if he never throws another NFL pass.