Cleveland Browns' quarterback battle between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson is one of the biggest storylines in the NFL ahead of the preseason opener. Both Sanders and Watson have been pushing each other throughout training camp to win the QB1 job. But it is still an open competition, as Todd Monken has refused to name a starter.
The quarterback competition has also had its share of drama. Most recently, Todd Monken made an unexpected move which stirred up controversy. Shedeur Sanders was expected to take the majority of the first-team reps on Saturday. But shortly into the session, Deshaun Watson was seen taking the first-team reps while Shedeur joined the second unit with Dillon Gabriel.
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Todd Monken's move led to speculation that Deshaun Watson was emerging as the favorite to become the Browns' QB1 for the 2026 NFL season. However, Monken quickly pushed back on the speculation and explained that the reason for the switch was related to personnel groupings and distribution of first-team reps.
When asked about Todd Monken's decision, Shedeur Sanders said, "we was informed, you know, in everything the right way, so it was never a miscommunication between us, you know?
"So, I don't know. I just don't really appreciate sometimes, if things happen, y'all just jump on the coach, man, like he just tripping or something, you know? I don't really like that because it creates just extra, and I hope we all here to wanna win, you know, and be a team and be a franchise. So, it's kinda like, we gotta slow down, you know, if that's what we want," he added.
Shedeur Sanders, despite the controversy, has remained unfazed and put together solid training camp numbers. He has been around a 70 percent completion rate. His ball security and decision-making have also been top notch. However, if he wants to cement his role, he needs to produce high-quality football in the preseason games.
