No Clear QB1 As Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson Battle Continues, Says Todd Monken

Todd Monken has not officially revealed his starting quarterback between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson.

No Clear QB1 As Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson Battle Continues, Says Todd Monken

Deshaun Watson, Todd Monken, and Shedeur Sanders (Image via Bleacher Report/FanDuel Sportsbook/X)

In Short
  • Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson are competing for the starting quarterback position for the Cleveland Browns.
  • Todd Monken has not yet made a decision on the starting QB, emphasizing the importance of practice performance.
  • Monken downplayed external controversies, stating that on-field performance is what truly matters for the team's success.

Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson are still locked in a battle to become the starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns, but some believe head coach Todd Monken has already decided on his No. 1 signal-caller.

Even though the franchise has made it clear on numerous occasions that the veteran’s experience and contract are not going to influence their decision, some believe it is inevitable.

At the same time, observers at the Browns’ minicamps have noticed the Clemson alum having a better audition for Monken and the coaching staff.

That is what led Mary Kay Cabot to claim that Watson has seemingly won the race. This did result in some angry responses from Shilo Sanders, as he felt she had an agenda against her brother.

GM Andrew Berry pointed out that there was no clear winner yet. Even then, Cabot did not stray away from her claims. When it was time to get Monken behind a microphone, the cast of 92.3 The Fan asked him about it.

I would love to have that, I’m not there yet… We’ve been on the field 3 practices… It’s always changing based on what you are seeing… There’s only so many reps you get. You start to target who is gonna start opening day. That can still change.

Todd Monken replied

The 60-year-old was answering a question about whether he would like to know who his starting QB would be. But his response suggests he wants to wait after the spring workouts to make that call.

Monken reiterated that just because someone is getting a few more reps, it does not imply that the said player is getting the starting nod. Those rep divisions can change.

Todd Monken addresses controversy surrounding Shedeur Sanders’ brother

After the topic of Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson came up, the radio show’s hosts asked Todd Monken about the recent situation involving Shilo Sanders and his controversial comments towards Mary Kay Cabot.

Shilo Sanders, Deion Sanders, and Shedeur Sanders
Shilo Sanders, Deion Sanders, and Shedeur Sanders (Image via SkoBuffs/X)

If that’s gonna bother me or it’s gonna bother Shedeur or Deshaun, they have no chance of being either the head coach here or the QB of the Cleveland Browns. For God’s sake, it’s the world we live in… What we do on the field is what matters most.

Todd Monken replied

The former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator made it clear that neither he nor his QBs should be bothered by what is going on outside their practice fields.

If either of them wants to stop the narratives, the best way to do it is by winning football games. That drowns out any noise that otherwise may threaten to upset the apple cart.

Todd Monken reiterates Shilo Sanders’ comments do not matter to Browns

After his earlier response, the show’s host added a follow-up question to Monken about whether such controversial statements would force him to address them with his players.

That’s a man making a comment on social media. That’s someone reporting something they believe. That’s their opinion. Not my opinion. I didn’t say that. Our daily inner workings with the QBs and the players is going to be mean more than what is said outside of there.

Todd Monken replied

The head coach knows that Shedeur Sanders will be one to face blowback over his free agent brother’s comments. But at the same time, Monken does not feel the need to talk about it with his sophomore signal-caller, or any other player on the team.

He pointed out how anyone can say anything in today’s world. Even though he is aware that his players will see and hear everything that is being said, Monken is not worried that it would impact his team’s preparations or mindset heading into next season.

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