The Cleveland Browns have not yet named a starter for Week 1, but it’s starting to look like Deshaun Watson will get the nod over Shedeur Sanders.
Watson was named the starter for Cleveland’s preseason opener against the Chicago Bears. The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards. Sanders replaced Watson and finished his day with 79 passing yards and an interception.
“It was the right read,” Sanders said in regards to his turnover. “It just slipped. … I just didn’t execute the decision, but the right decision was made.”
Although the Browns are set to face the Buffalo Bills this weekend, the two sides will host a joint practice before their preseason game.
Browns coach Todd Monken said his plan is to play his starters at practice. If they perform well, they’ll get the day off on Saturday.
“We both talked about that if we see out of our ones, our group, our older players what we want to see on Thursday, they would not play in the game,” Monken said. “We agreed upon that. The plan is that we’ll play our ones a significant amount against each other on Thursday in a controlled environment. Not that the other guys aren’t going to get reps, but in a controlled environment and see where we’re at.”
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Why is this bad for Shedeur?
If Monken is serious about considering Sanders for the starting job, then sitting out some of his starters on Saturday would make zero sense. He’d essentially evaluate his young quarterback while only running a second-team offense.
With that being said, Sanders would need to light up Thursday’s joint practice and perform well in the second preseason game against the Bills in order to feel good about his chances of starting Week 1.
The Browns will begin their regular season on Sept. 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
