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Browns Training Camp QB Battle Heats Up: Watson Faces Challenge

Browns Training Camp Heats Up with Intense QB Competition

As the Cleveland Browns kicked off their 2025 training camp in Berea, Ohio, the spotlight has firmly landed on the quarterback room, where a brewing competition promises to shape the team's fortunes for the upcoming season. With Deshaun Watson entering his fourth year with the franchise, questions about his consistency and health linger, setting the stage for what could be one of the most intriguing position battles in the NFL. The Browns, coming off a disappointing 8-9 campaign in 2024 that saw them miss the playoffs, are desperate for stability under center. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has emphasized that no job is guaranteed, opening the door for backups to challenge Watson's hold on the starting role.

From the outset of camp, Watson has shown flashes of the elite talent that made him a three-time Pro Bowler with the Houston Texans. His arm strength remains a standout feature, as evidenced by several deep throws during 7-on-7 drills that connected with wide receivers Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore. One particular play drew cheers from the assembled fans: a 50-yard bomb to Moore that threaded through double coverage, reminiscent of Watson's peak form. However, inconsistencies have crept in, particularly with his footwork and decision-making under pressure. During team scrimmages, Watson has occasionally held onto the ball too long, leading to sacks or hurried throws. Stefanski noted after a practice session that Watson is still shaking off rust from a shoulder injury that sidelined him for parts of last season. "Deshaun is our guy, but he's got to earn it every day," Stefanski said. "We're pushing him to refine those details that separate good from great."

Challenging Watson is a trio of quarterbacks who each bring unique skill sets to the table. Jameis Winston, the veteran signed last offseason as a high-upside backup, has been turning heads with his gunslinger mentality. Winston, now 31, has impressed with his ability to improvise and extend plays, a trait that could complement the Browns' run-heavy offense led by Nick Chubb. In one red-zone drill, Winston evaded a blitz and delivered a touchdown pass to tight end David Njoku on the run, showcasing the kind of playmaking that earned him the No. 1 overall pick status back in 2015. His chemistry with the receiving corps is building, and he's been vocal about his readiness to step in if needed. "I've learned from the best, and I'm here to compete," Winston told reporters. "This team has the pieces; we just need the right spark at QB."

Not far behind is Tyler Huntley, the former Baltimore Ravens backup who joined the Browns in free agency. Huntley, known for his mobility and quick release, has been a revelation in camp, particularly in read-option schemes that play to his strengths. His accuracy on short-to-intermediate routes has been pinpoint, with a completion rate that rivals Watson's in early practices. One highlight was a series of throws during 11-on-11 work where Huntley orchestrated a two-minute drill, culminating in a game-winning field goal setup. At 27, Huntley represents a younger, more athletic alternative, and his experience starting games for the Ravens (including a playoff appearance) adds credibility to his bid. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz praised Huntley's elusiveness, saying, "He makes you work for every tackle. That's the kind of quarterback who can change games."

Rounding out the competition is Dorian Thompson-Robinson, the 2023 fifth-round pick out of UCLA who has shown marked improvement in his third camp. Thompson-Robinson, or DTR as he's known, has bulked up and refined his mechanics, leading to better velocity on his passes. He's been particularly effective in the intermediate game, hitting slants and curls with precision. During a recent padded practice, he led a drive that included a 25-yard strike to rookie wideout Cedric Tillman, drawing applause from teammates. Still, his inexperience shows in moments of hesitation, and he's working on pocket presence to avoid the turnovers that plagued his limited starts last year. "DTR has grown a lot," Stefanski observed. "He's hungry, and that's what we love to see."

The competition isn't just about individual performances; it's intertwined with the Browns' overall offensive strategy. Offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, in his second year, has implemented a scheme that emphasizes play-action and deep shots, which suits Watson's strengths but also exposes his vulnerabilities if the offensive line falters. The line, bolstered by the return of Jack Conklin at right tackle and the addition of a first-round draft pick at guard, has held up well so far, giving quarterbacks time to operate. However, simulated pressure drills have revealed cracks, especially for Watson, who has been sacked more frequently than his competitors in those scenarios.

Beyond the on-field action, the psychological aspect of the competition is palpable. Watson, whose massive contract and off-field issues have been a constant narrative, appears motivated to silence doubters. He's been the first to arrive and last to leave practices, mentoring the younger QBs while asserting his dominance. Winston, with his infectious energy, has fostered a competitive yet supportive room dynamic, often seen hyping up Thompson-Robinson after a good throw. Huntley brings a quiet intensity, drawing from his underdog story in Baltimore. This camaraderie could be a double-edged sword: while it builds team chemistry, it also heightens the stakes if Stefanski has to make a tough call.

As camp progresses, key storylines will emerge. How will Watson respond to adversity, such as the inevitable interceptions or physical hits in joint practices with teams like the Philadelphia Eagles later this month? Can Winston curb his turnover-prone tendencies, which have defined much of his career? Will Huntley's mobility translate against faster defenses, and can Thompson-Robinson leapfrog the veterans for meaningful reps? The Browns' preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers will provide the first real test, with Stefanski planning to rotate quarterbacks extensively.

Analysts around the league are divided on the outcome. Some see Watson reclaiming his form and leading the Browns back to contention in the rugged AFC North, where rivals like the Bengals, Ravens, and Steelers loom large. Others whisper that a change could be in the air if Watson struggles, potentially elevating Winston or Huntley to starter status. The Browns' front office, led by general manager Andrew Berry, has invested heavily in the roster— from bolstering the defense with edge rusher Za'Darius Smith's extension to adding speed at receiver—making quarterback play the linchpin for success.

Fan sentiment mirrors this uncertainty. At open practices, chants of "We want Watson" mix with murmurs of excitement for the backups, reflecting a fanbase weary of quarterback carousel rides since the team's return in 1999. The Browns haven't had a franchise quarterback since Bernie Kosar, and this camp could either solidify Watson as that guy or signal yet another pivot.

Looking ahead, the competition will intensify with full-contact sessions and scrimmages. Stefanski has stressed that decisions will be based on performance, not pedigree or salary. "It's about who gives us the best chance to win," he reiterated. For the Browns, a team with Super Bowl aspirations but a history of underachievement, resolving the QB battle decisively could be the difference between a playoff push and another offseason of what-ifs.

As the sun sets on another day of camp, the quarterbacks huddle up, sharing laughs and notes. But beneath the surface, the fight for the starting job rages on, a microcosm of the Browns' quest for redemption. With the regular season opener against the Dallas Cowboys just over a month away, every throw, every read, every decision counts. The 2025 Browns are betting big on their QB room, and training camp is where the bets are placed. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full The New York Times Article at:
[ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6532498/2025/08/03/browns-training-camp-qb-competition/ ]