Todd Monken, the head coach for the Browns, just dropped a bombshell for their second preseason game. Most of his starters might not even play against the Bills this Saturday! Seriously, how often do you hear a coach say that? It’s a wild move and it’s all riding on one crucial practice.
The Joint Practice Deal
Monken spilled the beans at a Monday press conference, revealing a chat he had with Bills head coach Joe Brady. They cooked up a plan: if their “ones,” the veteran starters, show what they need to see during a joint practice this Thursday, then those guys are getting Saturday off. What a setup, right? They’re talking about playing their top guys for a “significant amount” in this “controlled environment.” Think about it: coaches crave that controlled environment. It’s a chance to go hard without the full-on game day hits that can sideline players for weeks. They get the reps, they get the intensity, but maybe with less risk. It sounds like they’re trying to walk that super-thin line between getting ready and staying healthy, especially for their older players. It’s a high-stakes agreement between coaches, putting the Thursday session front and center for everyone watching.
Quarterbacks on Different Paths
So, what does this mean for the Browns’ quarterback room? Young Shedeur Sanders is still set to get the start against the Bills on Saturday. That’s a huge opportunity for him, no matter who’s on the field around him. You gotta love seeing the young guys get those critical snaps! But here’s the twist: Deshaun Watson, who already started their first preseason game, is locked in to play the entire third quarter this week. Monken made it clear: Watson’s playing time is happening “regardless of how Thursday’s work goes.” It sounds like they’ve got a very specific plan for Watson’s reps, completely separate from the joint practice decision impacting the rest of the starters. It makes sense, right? Getting the QB rhythm down is different than a lineman or a corner. Watson needs his time, no matter what.
All eyes are on that Thursday joint practice, man. The entire game plan for Saturday hinges on what Monken and Brady see from their starters. If those “ones” perform well in that controlled environment, we’ll be watching a different kind of game on Saturday, with a lot of younger guys and backups getting serious run. It’s a bold strategy in the preseason, prioritizing health and controlled reps over traditional game action. You gotta wonder if this is the smartest play, but it’s definitely something to watch.
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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