The Browns’ quarterback competition has entered a critical stretch, and questions are growing about whether Shedeur Sanders is getting a truly comparable chance to win the job. Cleveland says the race remains open, but the handling of preseason reps has created frustration around the team.
Sanders struggled in the opener, while Deshaun Watson looked sharper in his return. Now Sanders is set to start against Buffalo, giving him another opportunity to shape the conversation. He will need a standout performance to shift momentum in his favor.
The quarterback battle remains open
Todd Monken has avoided declaring a favorite between Watson and Sanders. Cleveland began the offseason determined to evaluate both quarterbacks, and Monken has said the decision will be based on the total body of work rather than one practice or preseason game.
Watson entered camp with significant experience, while Sanders is entering his second NFL season. Sanders started seven games as a rookie in 2025, going 3-4.
Watson created momentum in Chicago
The first preseason game gave Watson the cleaner statistical line. He completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards and led Cleveland on two scoring drives before losing a fumble during the Browns’ 34-10 loss to Chicago.
It was Watson’s first game action since October 2024. After his long injury absence, the performance gave Watson momentum and put more pressure on Sanders. However, Sanders now gets the start against Buffalo with a chance to respond immediately.
Sanders has more to prove
Sanders entered against Chicago in the third quarter and finished 6 of 11 for 79 yards with one interception. The pick came on an overthrown pass intended for Malachi Corley, and Sanders acknowledged afterward that he made the correct read but failed to execute the throw.
The mistake drew attention because Sanders is competing directly with Watson. Monken also pointed to positive moments, showing the Browns aren’t evaluating him solely through one throw.
Why the evaluation process is drawing criticism
The biggest issue isn’t simply that Sanders struggled. It’s whether the Browns are giving both quarterbacks enough comparable opportunities to make a fair evaluation.
Monken announced that Sanders would start the second preseason game against Buffalo, but he also said Cleveland and Buffalo could hold out many starters if their joint practice provides enough work. That creates concern because Sanders could start without getting the same supporting cast Watson had in Chicago.
The Browns have stressed that joint practices count heavily. Monken said both quarterbacks would receive first-team work during the week, describing their reps as “pretty balanced at this point, within reason.” That explains Cleveland’s approach, but it also fuels criticism over the competition’s optics.
Sanders gets a major opportunity against Buffalo
Sanders is scheduled to play the first half against the Bills, while Watson is expected to enter in the third quarter. Both quarterbacks are also slated to work with the first unit during the joint practice, giving Sanders multiple chances to respond to Chicago.
Cleveland needs Sanders to operate the offense, make quick decisions, protect the football, and stay consistent against changing looks. A clean, efficient display against Buffalo’s defense could quickly reopen the starting competition before the coaching staff makes its final decision.
Fun fact: Sanders was selected 144th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft after Cleveland traded up to take him in the fifth round. The Browns had already selected Dillon Gabriel in the third round, making Sanders part of an unusual quarterback-heavy draft strategy.
The rookie season still shapes this debate
Sanders’ 2025 season remains part of the evaluation. ESPN reported that his 18.9 Total QBR ranked fifth-lowest among quarterbacks with at least 200 attempts in the QBR era, while Cleveland’s front office has emphasized the need for him to play more efficiently and avoid putting the ball in harm’s way.
That history doesn’t settle the 2026 competition, but it explains why Cleveland is demanding growth and greater efficiency in Year 2. Showing that leap in decision-making and ball security will be essential if he wants to win the job.
Fun fact: Sanders became the 42nd quarterback to start a game for the Browns since the franchise returned to Cleveland in 1999. His seven starts in the closing weeks of 2025 gave him valuable NFL experience before this year’s competition began.
Cleveland needs clarity soon
Monken has acknowledged that he’d like to have the quarterback decision made soon. With the regular-season opener against Jacksonville scheduled for Sept. 13, Cleveland can’t allow the competition to remain unresolved indefinitely.
The Bills game gives Sanders a chance to address concerns from Chicago, while Watson continues to build his case. With time running out before Week 1, every drive against Buffalo could ultimately decide the starting role.
The criticism may depend on what happens next
For now, it would be premature to say Cleveland has already chosen Watson or that Sanders has been unfairly pushed aside. The Browns have maintained that the competition is active, and the upcoming joint practice and preseason game are designed to provide more information.
Still, the criticism is understandable because quarterback competitions are judged by both opportunity and statistics. If Sanders receives meaningful first-team reps and responds against Buffalo, much of the noise could fade. If Cleveland limits his exposure to the top unit while leaning on Watson, questions about the fairness of the process will likely remain.
TL;DR
- Deshaun Watson had the stronger statistical performance in Cleveland’s preseason opener.
- Shedeur Sanders finished 6-of-11 for 79 yards with one interception against Chicago.
- Todd Monken says the Browns’ quarterback competition remains open.
- Sanders will start the first half against Buffalo and receive first-team work during the joint practice.
- Questions are growing about whether both quarterbacks are receiving comparable opportunities.
- Cleveland wants clarity on its starter before the regular season opens in Jacksonville.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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