Skip Bayless has accused the Cleveland Browns of favoring Deshaun Watson in their quarterback competition with Shedeur Sanders. His criticism followed Saturday’s preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills, where Sanders received an opportunity to make his case.
The Browns entered the preseason with one of the league’s most convincing quarterback battles. Watson started the preseason opener against Chicago with the first-team offense, while Sanders played with the second unit.
Head coach Todd Monken then changed the setup against Buffalo. Sanders started the game and received extended action as Cleveland continued evaluating its options before naming a Week 1 starter.
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Sanders opened his outing with a touchdown drive, giving Bayless another reason to question how Cleveland has structured the competition. The former Colorado quarterback threw a touchdown pass during the opening possession.
Bayless argued that the different supporting casts made the comparison unfair. “Shedeur was perfect on opening TD drive ending in TD pass,” Bayless wrote.
“But this just feels ‘rigged’ in favor of Deshaun,” he added. “His preseason start last week was with the first-team offense. (vs Bears 1st team D). Shedeur’s start today is with the second team (vs Bills 2nd team). COME ON, MONKEN.”
The quarterback decision carries major importance for Cleveland after a 5-12 season in 2025. Watson offers veteran experience, while Sanders represents a younger option with more long-term upside.
Bayless has also made his preferred choice clear. “THE CLEVELAND BROWNS WILL WIN MORE GAMES WITH SHEDEUR SANDERS AT QB THAN WITH DESHAUN WATSON,” he wrote in another X post.
For Monken, the challenge is separating quarterback performance from the conditions surrounding it. Sanders’ preseason opportunities must be judged against his supporting cast, defensive competition and play-calling.
That context could become especially important if the performances remain close. A fair competition requires the Browns to compare both quarterbacks under similar circumstances.
Bayless’ comments points towards a logical disadvantage in an already intense decision. Cleveland is expected to announce its Week 1 starter by Monday, making every remaining evaluation significant.
