Browns coach Todd Monken finally dropped the timeline on his starting quarterback decision, and it is a battle for the ages. Monken originally hoped to name his starter way back in the offseason program, but that clearly did not happen, with the competition grinding on right into training camp. Now, he has laid out the plan: Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson will each get a preseason start.
The QB Showdown: Who Starts When?
This isn’t some casual competition, folks. The stakes are huge for the Browns. Monken told NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe that the next week is going to be absolutely critical, determining who gets the nod for the August 15 game at Chicago and who starts the August 22 home game against the Bills. You know the drill, the guy who performs best in those outings is probably the one who kicks off the final preseason game on August 27 against the Patriots. This isn’t just about winning a preseason game, it is about setting the tone for the entire season.
Watson’s Brutal Road Back vs. Sanders’ Surprise Rookie Season
Man, you have got to feel for Deshaun Watson. The guy has barely played since he got to Cleveland back in 2022, only 19 games! And we are talking about not seeing the field since October 2024 because he straight up tore his Achilles not once, but *twice*. That is brutal, an absolute grinder for any player to come back from, let alone a quarterback trying to get back to elite form. Can he really shake off that kind of injury history and prove he is the guy after all that time away?
Then you have got Shedeur Sanders, the rookie who somehow snagged Pro Bowl honors. PRO BOWL! Even with only seven starts, a 56.6% completion rate, 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and ten interceptions. Those numbers? They scream a rookie learning curve, sure, but also a guy who clearly made an impact to get that Pro Bowl nod. What kind of potential is cooking there, and can he mature past those interceptions if he is handed the keys? This is going to be a wild next few weeks.
This whole thing kicks off August 15 against Chicago, and every snap from both Watson and Sanders is going to be under a microscope. This isn’t just about winning a starting job; it is about who can lead that team this season. Get ready, because this is going to be intense.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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