Cleveland Browns quarterback position went to the veteran Deshaun Watson despite him getting booed at their home in the preseason. There was still hope for Shedeur Sanders as it was rumored that he might get a shot from Week 3 after Watson failed to bring victory in their Week 1 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
But it seems like Sanders’ chances have yet again become distant after Week 2 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and what head coach Todd Monken had to say about Watson, does not bring good news for the fans rooting for Sanders.
Todd Monken’s praise for Deshaun Watson diminishes Shedeur Sanders’ chances of getting starter job
In the Browns’ season opener, Cleveland fell to a 34-10 defeat as Watson completed 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Given Watson’s struggles and the circumstances surrounding his status, Shedeur Sanders appeared to be a strong candidate for a Week 3 start, and many considered him the clear frontrunner heading into the week.
However, Week 2 shifted the narrative entirely, as Watson delivered an impressive 24-of-30 performance for 238 yards and two touchdowns, leading Cleveland to a 23-19 victory over the Buccaneers.
This was Watson’s first win in two years with the Browns, and the wind now has completely turned towards Watson. Then came Todd Monken’s post-Week 2 press conference, and that’s where the situation turned genuinely concerning for Sanders.
“I’m happy for Deshaun, the way he’s played. And I expect an improvement. And I expect continued improvement. I mean, there’s a lot of football left in him. He just hasn’t played in a while,” Todd Monken said.
“Learning our system and trying to get him consistent with his drops and his reads is part of the process. He’s like every player. I see him as a young player. I know people don’t want to see it that way. And I haven’t been here. But I see him as still a very young player that is going to continue to grow,” Monken added.
Even though Monken’s words reflect confidence for the veteran, the fans are not with Watson. In their second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, Watson was heavily booed from their own fans at their home. Deshaun Watson is spending the last year of his big contract, but he couldn’t do justice to it due to injuries and poor performance.
At the same time Shedeur Sanders kept improving. In 2025, he started in seven games and threw for 1,400 yards and 10 touchdowns. He entered the preseason hype as the flashy young quarterback with elite arm talent and a proven track record at Colorado. That perception has only grown stronger.
After Week 2, Deshaun Watson sealed his start for Week 3. Right now, the only thing Sanders can do is to keep in shape and wait for the right time when he gets the call.
More NFL News
- Chicago Bears TE Colston Loveland Put on Notice Before Vikings Game
- Bears Unlock $17 Million in Cap Space to Clear Room for Potential Roster Move
- Sports Doctor Weighs in on Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels’ Injury
- Green Bay Packers Reveal Brutal Injury News After Beating Jets
The post Browns Head Coach Todd Monken Delivers Clear Message on Shedeur Sanders’ Immediate Role appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
About the Author
