The Cleveland Browns are already hitting the panic button on their quarterback situation, with reports confirming they’ll reevaluate everything after their Week 2 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This isn’t just some casual check-in, folks. It sparks the very real possibility that Shedeur Sanders could replace Deshaun Watson under center for Cleveland’s home opener against the Carolina Panthers. After a brutal 34-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1, the pressure is cranked all the way up.
Watson’s Return Was… Rough, To Say The Least
Watson’s first game in 693 days against the Jaguars was not what anyone in Cleveland hoped for. He completed 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Not terrible numbers on paper, but when the first-year coach Todd Monken’s offense only put up 272 total yards and converted a pathetic one of eight third downs, it’s clear things weren’t clicking. Watson actually led the team in rushing with 38 yards on six carries, which tells you everything you need to know about the offensive struggles. The word from inside the building? “Frustrated.” Head coach Monken previously defended Watson, saying he didn’t anticipate the starting QB position being a week-to-week problem. But a poor performance in Week 2? That could force a hand he thought he wouldn’t have to play. Monken stated last month he picked Watson after considering the “full body of work over the course of offseason to training camp to the games, the joint practice” because he felt Watson gave them “the best chance to move the ball and score points.” Clearly, that chance didn’t pan out in Week 1.
Sanders: From Rookie Pro Bowler to Bench?
On the other side of this looming QB battle is Shedeur Sanders, who had a wild rookie season. He actually made the Pro Bowl, which is insane, but the stats tell a different story. After his NFL debut in Week 11, Sanders was statistically one of the worst quarterbacks in the league, with the second-worst completion percentage (57%) and the most interceptions (10). His 68.1 passer rating ranked second-worst, as did his TD-INT ratio (7-10). Yeah, that’s not exactly inspiring. BUT, here’s the kicker: he absolutely injected energy into that fan base. In his first NFL start back in Week 12, the Browns beat the Las Vegas Raiders 24-10. He completed 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He was the first Browns quarterback since 1995 to win their first start, breaking an 0-17 streak dating back to 1999. And don’t forget, he became the first Browns player ever to throw for 350 yards, three touchdowns, and rush for a touchdown in a single game during a Week 14 loss to the Tennessee Titans. The kid has flashes, big ones.
So, get ready, Cleveland. This Week 2 game against the Buccaneers isn’t just another early-season matchup. For Deshaun Watson, it could be the game that decides if he keeps his job. For Shedeur Sanders, it’s a chance he might have earned all along. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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