Deshaun Watson absolutely lit up the Cleveland Browns’ seventh day of training camp, tossing 7 touchdowns in first-team reps without a single interception. That’s a huge shift from the “okayish” play reported earlier, and it’s making the Browns’ already wild QB competition even crazier. This sudden surge in performance comes amidst a camp that’s been anything but quiet, with significant roster changes and a head coach who’s not holding back.
Monken’s Fiery Vision Sets the Tone
While Watson was slinging TDs, Head Coach Todd Monken was busy dropping pure fire, and the Browns posted a clip of his intense motivational speech. He wasn’t subtle, either, telling his squad, “Someone mentioned something to me, something about being crazy. You bet your right. You bet your we ought to be crazy. Crazy about winning. That’s, that’s what we ought to be crazy about, right?” Monken went on, saying he’d “rather being crazy and out of my mind fighting to win and leave it out here and somehow medical people got to come out and resuscitate.” He hammered home the point: “It’s okay to be casual. It’s okay to get out and be a loser. That ain’t that even me. And that’s not going to be us.” Talk about a clear message! This kind of energy is exactly what you want when 16 players, including Elton Jenkins, Sam Kamara, and Teven Jenkins, were reported as not practicing on Wednesday. Add in the Browns picking up defensive tackle Coziah Izzard off waivers and wide receiver Aaron Anderson heading to the injured reserve list, and you know things are moving fast.
QB Battle Heats Up With Watson’s Surge
Before this recent performance, the quarterback situation was far from settled. The first six practice sessions saw quarterbacks, including Watson, performing “okayish.” Shedeur Sanders actually had a somewhat better start with zero interceptions compared to Watson’s six in those early sessions, with the decision initially leaning slightly towards Sanders. But now? Watson’s 7 TDs without a pick is a massive statement. All three quarterbacks have been making quick decisions and fast throws, hitting their targets, and Watson even connected with Jerry Judy twice and KC Concepcion. Monken has indicated that this phase of practice is critical in determining how opportunities will be shared among the QBs once preseason games kick off.
Thursday marks the eighth and final day for system installation, and Monken reportedly wants both Sanders and Watson to get a shot in the starting preseason games. If Watson keeps this stellar performance going against the Browns’ top defense, he could even land a chance in the last preseason game. Plus, with new players like interior offensive lineman Parker Brailsford and tight end Joe Royer missing time, their spots on the depth chart could be on hold. It’s all about who steps up now.
The next few weeks are going to be wild for Cleveland as we head into preseason. Can Watson maintain this new level of play? Will Sanders continue to push him? Get ready for some serious competition to earn those starting spots.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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