With the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback battle ongoing between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, head coach Todd Monken will at some point come to a decision for the 2026 season. As the Browns’ question at quarterback is one that fans will monitor, Monken speaks about where Sanders has improved.
Coming off an up-and-down rookie season where he threw for 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions in eight games, he’s looking to take a step forward in his sophomore year. Monken explained Thursday how Sanders has been “more decisive” this offseason.
“I think he’s being more decisive,” Monken said, according to Daniel Oyefusi. “Now, it’s easy to say, we’re not in pads, it just feels like he’s making quicker decisions. The ball’s coming out of his hands, which he’s gonna have to do. Not that he doesn’t have play-making ability, because he does, but his ability to process quicker and get the ball out of his hands and eliminate lost yards plays is gonna be huge for us to be able to snap plays and score.”
Browns coach Todd Monken explains how Shedeur Sanders has grown during the offseason workout program pic.twitter.com/5VLVoOiMxq
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) June 11, 2026
Browns’ Shedeur Sanders on the quarterback battle
Competing with Watson, Sanders looks to see himself under center to start Week 1 of the Browns’ season, but he still feels that the media and football world are looking at it the wrong way.
“I think the way ya’ll look at things is different than how we look at things,” Sanders said on Wednesday, via Scott Petrak. “We look at coming to practice every day, being the best player we can be as an individual, and as a good teammate. Ya’ll look at it as like a competition… I’m just focused on developing as a player.”
“Doing everything, getting as comfortable as I can in the offense and the scheme, and playing with that confidence I had,” Sanders continued. “I think that’s all I’m really looking for and trying to prove every day. Whether it’s mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually. I’m just trying to be a better person every day. Wherever that falls into place will fall into place.”
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders says he’s focused on development, not the competition for the starting role. pic.twitter.com/4rbp0UbKPA
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) June 10, 2026
It remains to be seen when Cleveland will pick its starting quarterback.
With the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback battle ongoing between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, head coach Todd Monken will at some point come to a decision for the 2026 season. As the Browns’ question at quarterback is one that fans will monitor, Monken speaks about where Sanders has improved.
