Todd Monken is handling the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback competition in the way that he sees fit. However, the first-year Browns coach is starting to face some criticism for how he's going about it.
The Browns' quarterback competition appears to be a two-horse race. Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are battling for the No. 1 spot. Monken has made it clear that both quarterbacks will get the opportunity to win the job.
However, over the weekend, the Browns seemed to change plans, putting more opportunity in front of Watson rather than Sanders.
"Head coach Todd Monken said before practice that it would be Sanders working with the first team, but multiple reporters shared that Watson received all of the work with the first team," Pro Football Talk reported.
"Monken did not speak to the media after practice. A team spokesman said, via multiple reporters, that Monken changed the plans because he wanted to see Watson with certain personnel groups."
Now, on Monday, Monken is saying that Sanders should receive first-team reps, unless he changes his mind.
Monken said that Sanders will practice with the 1s today “unless I change my mind on the way out.”
There isn't necessarily one right way to handle a quarterback competition, but this doesn't seem to be like the best idea.
NFL fans criticize Monken for his handling of competition
"I don't think Todd Monken is handling this quarterback competition particularly well," Ben Axelrod of Front Office Sports shared.
"What the heck is this look," one fan added.
Monken later clarified that he was "joking" about changing his mind, but still, when there's this much uncertainty, it's probably best to be 100 percent upfront and stick with your plan, to avoid uncertainty and confusion.
It'll be interesting to see how it plays out in Cleveland.
