Shedeur Sanders’ Reaction to Todd Monken Naming Deshaun Watson Browns’ Starting QB

Todd Monken revealed that Shedeur Sanders understands the long game after getting snubbed for the Browns starting quarterback's job.

Shedeur Sanders’ Reaction to Todd Monken Naming Deshaun Watson Browns’ Starting QB

Shedeur Sanders (Image via IMAGO)

The Cleveland Browns fans have to wait a bit longer to see Shedeur Sanders as their franchise quarterback. For now, the club’s starter is veteran Deshaun Watson.

Watson and Sanders were locked into a quarterback battle during offseason camp. Both took meaningful snaps in the Browns’ first two preseason friendlies. Watson shined in the first fixture while Sanders performed better in the second despite turning the ball over once.

Monken teased that he will name the starter on Monday, August 24. He picked Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders.

After practice, he faced the media to explain the reason behind the decision.

There’s a number of things I’m not going to get into, but ultimately we felt over the course of training camp and the offseason that he was ahead of Shedeur. Shedeur has closed that gap, for sure, and that’s a credit to him.

Todd Monken said in Monday’s press conference

Reporters asked Monken whether he had spoken one-on-one with Sanders after the announcement. Monken quickly said he hadn’t. However, he remembered seeing Sanders smiling at practice.

We met this morning for a good long time, and all he had was a smile on his face because he understands what’s really in front of him, not really a short-term, more of a long-term decision.

Monken said

In the first preseason fixture against the Bears in Chicago, Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards while Sanders had 6 of 11 completions for 79 yards and one turnover. Last week, the Browns returned to their home stadium. Sanders threw for 74 yards, one touchdown and an interception. Watson completed 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards. The 30-year-old was booed the entire time he was in the middle.

Watson addressed the Browns’ fans’ hostile demeanor toward him. He was also booed on the day he tore his Achilles for the first time in 2024.

RELATED
Linda Cohn Questions ESPN’s Heavy Pat McAfee Push After Leaving Network

It’s not the end of the world for Shedeur Sanders

Sure, Monken announced Watson as the starter. But it’s unclear whether it was a coaching decision or it came from someone high up in the chain. Regardless, Sanders has to wait longer to inherit the franchise quarterback title.

Shedeur Sanders' Reaction to Todd Monken Naming Deshaun Watson Browns' Starting QB
Shedeur Sanders (Image via IMAGO)

However, it may not be such a bad idea for Sanders to sit a few games and watch Watson take the field. Monken is a season offensive play caller, but this is his first head coaching gig, so nobody knows how the season will progress. Moreover, the roster is very young, especially the offense, which is made up mostly of first- and second-year players.

Watson may be more experienced than Sanders, but from the outside, both are in the same boat.

If I’m Shedeur, I would actually want Deshaun to start because if he doesn’t play well, they’re not going back, and Shedeur starts for the year no matter what.

Former All-Pro pass-rusher Shawne Merriman wrote on Twitter

Watson may be the lead quarterback right now, but a series of bad results will force Monken to switch to Sanders. Until then, Sanders just needs to sit on the bench and wait. Incidentally, Watson only has one year left on his $230 million guaranteed contract, which he signed in 2022. Sanders will eventually get the QB1 job barring any mishap.

The Browns drafted Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round last year. He posted a 3-4 record in the regular season. He threw for 1400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, earning a Pro Bowl selection.

Also Read: