Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken outlines a multi-game preseason plan to evaluate quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders.
As training camp progresses for the Cleveland Browns, national sports media figures and analysts are increasingly questioning the high-stakes starting quarterback battle between veteran Deshaun Watson and second-year passer Shedeur Sanders. Former NFL quarterback Chris Simms expressed strong frustration over the team’s decision to rotate the quarterbacks, labeling any practice reps given to Watson as a complete “waste of time.” He asserted that fans are eager to see Sanders lead the franchise. Similarly, former NFL executive and current ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum echoed those sentiments, questioning why the organization would prioritize giving Watson starting opportunities over the younger signal-caller as the regular season approaches.
Despite the intense external criticism regarding Watson’s role, first-year head coach Todd Monken is proceeding with a methodical evaluation plan throughout the Browns’ upcoming exhibition schedule. According to Browns insider Zac Jackson, Monken outlined his explicit preseason roadmap for both quarterbacks: “We’re going to see both of them. One will start this week, and one will start next week. They will each play about a half, and I’d like to see them handle a two-minute situation.”
Monken emphasized that allocating substantial playing time to both quarterbacks, specifically testing their composure in high-pressure two-minute drill scenarios against the Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills, is crucial for determining who can manage the offense more effectively. He firmly stated that practice snaps and live exhibition reps will remain evenly distributed, maintaining that the starting job is a true competition until one quarterback clearly distinguishes himself.
Managing such a high-profile position battle requires total transparency within the organization, a standard that Sanders recently confirmed during a media availability session. In response to Watson receiving first-team practice reps, Sanders praised the coaching staff for their honest communication, speaking to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. He noted that both quarterbacks had been properly informed without any miscommunication, expressing his desire for team unity and reiterating that both players share the ultimate goal of helping Cleveland win games in 2026.
As training camp progresses for the Cleveland Browns, national sports media figures and analysts are increasingly questioning the high-stakes starting quarterback battle between veteran Deshaun Watson and second-year passer Shedeur Sanders.
