Browns left hoping for the best regarding a hidden gem player, and 3 other takeaways from preseason loss against Bears
The Cleveland Browns are 0-1 to start the preseason with a loss to the Chicago Bears. An undrafted rookie flashed, Deshaun Watson returned, and Shedeur Sanders made his 2026 debut.
The Cleveland Browns dropped their first preseason game 34-10 to the Chicago Bears on Saturday, but the final score was secondary to getting the first look at this roster in a game environment.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson made his first start since 2024, the Browns’ new offensive line got its first live reps together, and several young players flashed. Here are the biggest takeaways from Cleveland’s preseason opener.
Browns hoping for best with UDFA CB Michael Coats Jr. after ankle injury
Undrafted free agent cornerback Michael Coats Jr. out of West Virginia has been making plays all training camp, and he continued that trend against Chicago. Coats had a pass breakup early in the game and then picked off Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent for his first interception. He looked like a player who could add real value to the cornerback room and earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
However, Coats was ruled out in the third quarter with an ankle injury, and the Browns are waiting on further word. If he’s going to miss time, it could be an unfortunate loss for Cleveland. As of right now, Coats is a player who would be making this team I believe.
Deshaun Watson’s return was up and down
Watson’s first game action in 22 months started strong. He opened 8 of 9 passing and finished the day 11 of 15 for 126 yards with one sack. He spread the ball around to multiple receivers and showed enough early to generate small optimism.
The turning point came in the second quarter when rookie right tackle Austin Barber was beaten and Watson had the ball knocked loose for a fumble. From there, Watson had more of a down day, sailing passes short at times, and leaving clean pockets. Still, it was a fine debut for a quarterback who hadn’t played in nearly two years. It’s a building block of a game for Watson, and he needs to improve from here.
Cornerback depth is a concern for the Browns
Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell didn’t play Saturday, and the Browns were left relying on players like Coats, Nate Evans, and Tyler Hall. It became apparent that Cleveland doesn’t have quality depth at cornerback. If the Browns can find reinforcements before the season starts, they’re going to need them. An injury to either Ward or Campbell would leave this room really hurting, and it could be detrimental to the defense.
KC Concepcion and Dylan Sampson flashed for the offense
Rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion showed his value in his first game with the Browns. Concepcion caught three passes for 27 yards, added a 14-yard rushing touchdown on a sweep play, and returned a punt for 31 yards. He showed the speed that made Cleveland take him in the first round, and both he and fellow rookie wideout Denzel Boston flashed in game 1.
Dylan Sampson is going to be an underrated weapon in this offense once again. A year after catching 33 passes for 271 yards as a backup running back for the Browns as a rookie in 2025, Sampson had a 43-yard reception against the Bears to open the preseason with an explosive catch-and-run from Watson. He showed great burst and the ability to get into the open field and gain big chunks of yardage. Sampson has a chance to be a nice change of pace from Quinshon Judkins again this year and a player who takes a step in Year 2. He would benefit in a big way if he continues to improve as a runner between the tackles.
