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Where the Browns' QB competition stands one week into training camp

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  A breakdown of how Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders have looked early on in training camp.


Cleveland Browns Training Camp: Quarterback Competition Takes Center Stage


WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — As the Cleveland Browns kicked off their 2025 training camp at the luxurious Greenbrier resort, the air was thick with anticipation and the unmistakable scent of competition. Nestled in the rolling hills of West Virginia, the team's annual summer retreat has always been a proving ground, but this year, all eyes are locked on the quarterback room. With Deshaun Watson entering his fourth season with the Browns amid lingering questions about his consistency and health, the organization has thrown open the doors to a genuine battle for the starting job. Challenging Watson is a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talent, turning what could have been a routine camp into a high-stakes drama that could define the franchise's trajectory for the upcoming NFL season.

The Browns' quarterback saga has been a rollercoaster since Watson's arrival in a blockbuster trade back in 2022. After a tumultuous start marked by off-field issues and on-field rust, Watson showed flashes of his Pro Bowl form last year, leading the team to a wildcard berth despite nagging injuries. However, his performance was inconsistent—marked by brilliant drives interspersed with costly turnovers and missed opportunities. Head coach Kevin Stefanski, known for his meticulous offensive schemes, has emphasized the need for stability under center. "We're not handing anyone anything," Stefanski said during the camp's opening press conference. "This is about earning it every day. Deshaun knows that, and so does everyone else in that room."

Entering the fray as the primary challengers are Jameis Winston, the veteran gunslinger signed in the offseason to provide depth and mentorship, and rookie sensation Caleb Harlan, a first-round draft pick out of USC who has drawn comparisons to a young Patrick Mahomes for his arm strength and improvisational skills. Winston, at 31, brings a wealth of experience from his stints with the Buccaneers and Saints, where he alternated between dazzling 5,000-yard seasons and interception-prone meltdowns. Harlan, meanwhile, is the wildcard: a 22-year-old phenom who lit up college football with his dual-threat capabilities, rushing for over 800 yards in his final season while throwing for 4,200. The Browns' front office, led by general manager Andrew Berry, sees Harlan as the potential heir apparent, but they're not rushing him into the fire if Watson can reclaim his elite status.

From the very first practice snaps, the competition has been electric. On Day 1, under the watchful eyes of position coach Alex Van Pelt, the quarterbacks rotated through a series of drills designed to test accuracy, decision-making, and poise under pressure. Watson looked sharp in the early going, connecting on a series of deep balls to wide receiver Amari Cooper, who praised his quarterback's renewed focus. "Deshaun's got that fire back," Cooper said after practice. "He's moving well, reading the defense like the old days." But Winston wasn't far behind, unleashing a cannon arm that had defensive backs scrambling. His highlight was a 50-yard touchdown pass to tight end David Njoku during 11-on-11 drills, drawing cheers from the sideline.

Harlan, the rookie, experienced the inevitable growing pains. His first few throws sailed high, a product of nerves and the leap from college to pro-level speed. Yet, as the session progressed, he settled in, showcasing his mobility with a scrambling throw on the run that found rookie wideout Malik Washington for a big gain. "It's a lot faster out here," Harlan admitted in a post-practice interview. "But I'm learning from the best. Watching Deshaun and Jameis every day is like a masterclass." Stefanski has been deliberate in giving Harlan reps with the first-team offense, a clear signal that the competition is wide open. "Caleb's got the tools," the coach noted. "We're going to push him, just like everyone else."

As camp has unfolded over the first week, patterns have begun to emerge. Watson's command of the offense remains his strongest asset. In team scrimmages, he's demonstrated a keen understanding of Stefanski's play-action heavy system, often freezing linebackers with his eyes before delivering strikes to the intermediate routes. His mobility, a concern after last year's shoulder tweak, appears fully restored; he's been seen escaping pockets and extending plays with his legs, reminiscent of his Houston Texans heyday. However, turnovers have crept in—two interceptions in a single practice session on Day 3, both the result of forced throws into double coverage. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, ever the opportunist, has ramped up the pressure with exotic blitz packages, testing each quarterback's ability to handle chaos.

Winston, for his part, has injected a dose of swagger into the proceedings. His arm talent is undeniable, and he's been vocal in the huddle, rallying the offense with his infectious energy. In one memorable sequence, he led a two-minute drill that culminated in a game-winning field goal setup, threading needles through tight windows that few quarterbacks could attempt. Yet, his risk-taking style has led to mistakes; a pick-six on Day 4 drew a stern talking-to from Stefanski, who values ball security above all. "Jameis is a playmaker," Stefanski said. "But we need smart plays, not just big ones."

Harlan's development has been the most intriguing storyline. The rookie has impressed with his quick release and ability to improvise, often turning broken plays into positive gains. In a 7-on-7 session, he evaded a simulated rush and lobbed a perfect fade to Cooper for a touchdown, earning nods from the veterans. Off the field, he's been a sponge, shadowing Watson during film sessions and picking Winston's brain about reading NFL defenses. "These guys have been through the wars," Harlan said. "I'm just trying to soak it all in." Still, his inexperience shows in moments of hesitation, like a sack he took on Day 5 after holding the ball too long.

The competition isn't just about individual performances; it's intertwined with the Browns' broader aspirations. After a disappointing playoff exit last season, the team has bolstered its roster with key additions, including a revamped offensive line anchored by new left tackle Jordan Mailata, acquired via trade, and a speedy receiving corps featuring the return of Elijah Moore alongside Cooper and Njoku. The defense, already a strength with stars like Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward, is poised to be elite. But everything hinges on the quarterback. A resurgent Watson could propel the Browns to Super Bowl contention in the loaded AFC North, where rivals like the Bengals and Ravens loom large. If Harlan or Winston seizes the reins, it could signal a youth movement or a steadying veteran presence.

Fan engagement has been at an all-time high, with thousands attending open practices at the Greenbrier, chanting for their favorites and debating the merits on social media. Local media has dissected every throw, with analysts like Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland predicting that Watson will hold off the challengers but warning that any slip could open the door. "This isn't a coronation," Grossi opined. "It's a fight, and that's good for the team."

As camp progresses toward joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles next week, the intensity is only building. Stefanski plans to name a starter by the end of preseason games, but he's coy about the timeline. "We'll know when we know," he said with a smile. For now, the quarterbacks are pushing each other to new heights, forging bonds in the crucible of competition. Watson, reflecting on the battle, struck a philosophical tone: "Iron sharpens iron. Whoever wins, the team's better for it."

In the grand theater of NFL training camps, the Browns' quarterback competition stands out as a compelling narrative of redemption, potential, and high stakes. Whether Watson reclaims his throne, Winston stages a comeback, or Harlan accelerates his timeline, the outcome will reverberate through the season. For a franchise hungry for its first Super Bowl, the path starts here, under the West Virginia sun, where every pass could change everything.

The practices continue, with scripted sessions giving way to more live action. On Day 6, Watson orchestrated a flawless red-zone drill, hitting Njoku for two scores and demonstrating pinpoint accuracy in tight spaces. Winston countered with a deep out to Moore that traveled 40 yards in the air, a throw that had scouts buzzing. Harlan, not to be outdone, used his legs to convert a third-and-long with a 15-yard scamper, followed by a dart to Washington. These moments highlight the depth of talent in the room, but also the razor-thin margins separating them.

Injuries, always a wildcard in camp, have been mercifully absent so far, allowing full participation. The coaching staff has incorporated advanced analytics into evaluations, tracking metrics like completion percentage under duress and time to throw. Watson leads in efficiency, but Harlan's upside in explosive plays is turning heads. Team owner Jimmy Haslam, present at several sessions, has expressed optimism. "We've got options, and that's a great problem to have," he told reporters.

As the Browns eye a deep playoff run, this quarterback battle could be the catalyst. It's a reminder that in the NFL, nothing is given—everything is earned, one snap at a time. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full The New York Times Article at:
[ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6518388/2025/07/28/cleveland-browns-training-camp-quarterback-competition/ ]


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