3 Takeaways From Browns Preseason Loss Against Bills in Preseason Week 2

The Browns lose big to the Buffalo Bills as decisions need to be made. Here are three takeaways from the loss.

Aug 22, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

A second straight preseason game where the Browns got blown out, and it’s time for the Browns to make some big decisions.

The Browns scored just one touchdown, struggled on defense and had very few highlights as they lost 31-7. Both quarterbacks gave their auditions to start, and the backups got their chances with one game remaining.

Here are three takeaways from the second preseason game.

1. Shedeur Sanders should start

Both Sanders and Deshaun Watson got their opportunity to start, and while both players had highs and lows, Sanders looks like he should get the nod to start the year.

Watson played better than Sanders in the first preseason game, looking composed against a majority of starters for the Bears. He led a touchdown drive, but had an ugly turnover while facing pressure.

Sanders played decently, but an ugly turnover and some bad drives stood out for the day.

Now in game two, Sanders was clearly the better player. He went 9/11 for 74 yards and a touchdown in his half. He also threw a pick, but with the ball hitting the receiver, that shouldn’t overshadow his day.

Meanwhile Watson went just 5/12 for 35 yards and couldn’t move the offense at all. It was consistent three-and-outs. Both quarterbacks played backups, but Sanders showed more composure and better decision making. It’s clear he’d give the Browns more of a chance to win.

2. The defensive depth is thin

With no starters playing for the defense in this game, it wasn’t a pretty showing for the Browns defense.

A few highlights were a sack from Mike Hall, Nathaniel Watson and Winston Reid’s ability to read plays, and Donovan McMillon’s impressive day.

As a group though the tackling was poor, and the coverage missed a lot of assignments. 

The Bills got to run for four yards a carry which will never win you football games. Frank Gore Jr. went for over 50 yards on just nine carries. The defensive line had no push, and the rest of the defense struggled to make tackles.

As for coverage, Tre Avery and Michael Coats were expected to be able to contribute as backups corners. Both guys were targeted early and often, and just couldn’t hold up consistently. 

With the defense already struggling with injuries, depth is going to be a concern all season long. The Browns are going to have a hard time deciding who to keep.

3. The backup offensive line looked great

For large chunks of this game the Bills couldn’t get any type of a pass rush going. Even with the five starters not playing, the unit kept Sanders clean for the majority of the game.

KT Leveston had a standout day as the left tackle. He held up well in protection and got to be the lead blocker on several plays. 

Particularly, a screen pass where Leveston faked getting beat on the inside to drive his man away from the play was perfect. He’s been trying to win a starting job, and potentially earned another look with the first team.

Dawand Jones, Luke Wypler and Austin Barber all put together great displays too. Three guys who were looking to make the team may have just clinched their roster spot as serviceable backups.

Zak Zinter was the final standout. He did have some penalty issues, but he showed a lot of development from the past few seasons. He may be earning another chance for the Browns too.