Sanders faces scrutiny as Browns weigh their quarterback options
The Browns’ quarterback competition is getting more attention as the preseason moves forward, and Shedeur Sanders remains at the center of the discussion. With Deshaun Watson also competing for the starting role, every preseason opportunity carries added importance.
Sanders has already experienced both encouraging moments and criticism, but Cleveland’s decision is still unresolved. As another important preseason matchup approaches, the battle could take another turn. Here’s what’s happening behind the Browns’ closely watched quarterback competition.
Sanders gets another opportunity
Cleveland planned for Watson to start the preseason opener and Sanders to start the second preseason game. Sanders is scheduled to play the first half against Buffalo, giving him an extended opportunity with the starting offense.
The Browns also held a joint practice with the Bills during the week leading into the game. Those practices provide another setting for Cleveland’s coaches to evaluate the quarterbacks.
Sanders had an uneven debut
Sanders made his 2026 preseason debut against Chicago after entering the game in the third quarter. He completed 6 of 11 passes for 79 yards and played into the fourth quarter.
Sanders threw an interception on an overthrown pass during his appearance. He also had a turnover on downs near the goal line as Cleveland lost 34-10.
The performance drew attention
Sanders’ preseason debut quickly became part of the discussion surrounding Cleveland’s quarterback competition. His passing line included 79 yards, 1 interception and several drives that failed to produce points.
The interception came on an overthrown pass during the fourth quarter. The performance did not eliminate Sanders from the competition, with the Browns giving him another start against Buffalo.
Watson also had a mixed opener
Watson started against Chicago and played the first half of Cleveland’s preseason opener. He completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards and helped the Browns produce 2 scoring drives.
Watson also lost a fumble during the game after being sacked. His performance gave Cleveland useful information, but did not end the quarterback competition.
Monken is weighing different factors
Head coach Todd Monken has said the Browns are evaluating their quarterbacks through different practice and game situations. He has also explained that repetitions will not necessarily be divided evenly between Sanders and Watson.
The coaching staff can adjust the workload based on the situations it wants to evaluate. That approach means the number of practice reps alone does not determine the competition.
Interesting fact: Shedeur Sanders set an NCAA Division I record by throwing a touchdown pass in 49 consecutive games.
Sanders has received first-team work
Sanders has received opportunities with Cleveland’s first-team offense during the team’s offseason program and training camp. The Browns have also rotated quarterback repetitions as they evaluate Sanders and Watson.
Those opportunities allow Sanders to work with starting personnel before and during the preseason. Cleveland can use that work to compare both quarterbacks in similar situations.
Interesting fact: Sanders started seven games as a rookie and won three of them.
His rookie season adds context
Sanders’ 2025 rookie season provides another set of numbers for Cleveland to consider. He appeared in 8 games, started 7 and completed 120 of 212 passes for 1,400 yards.
He threw 7 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions while being sacked 23 times. Sanders finished the season with a 68.1 passer rating.
His college career was productive
Shedeur Sanders played at Jackson State before transferring to Colorado for his final 2 college seasons. During his Colorado career, he completed 71.8% of his passes for 7,364 yards, 64 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
Across his college career, Sanders recorded 134 touchdown passes and completed 70.1% of his passes. Those numbers provide context about his development but do not determine Cleveland’s current quarterback decision.
Cleveland selected Sanders in Round 5
The Browns selected Sanders with the 144th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Cleveland had already selected quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round.
Sanders entered the NFL after completing his college career at Colorado. His fifth-round selection became part of the broader story surrounding his development with Cleveland.
Buffalo is the next test
Cleveland is scheduled to host the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, August 22, at Huntington Bank Field. Sanders is scheduled to start the game and play the first half.
Watson is expected to enter during the third quarter after Sanders’ scheduled appearance. The Browns and Bills also held a joint practice during the week before the preseason matchup.
Cleveland has limited time
The Browns have 2 preseason games remaining as of August 20. Cleveland is scheduled to host Buffalo on August 22 before hosting the New England Patriots on August 27.
The team then opens the regular season at Jacksonville on September 13. Those remaining games give Cleveland limited time to complete its quarterback evaluation.
The internet is also talking about how Bills’ new stadium is finally open, but fans are already spotting problems.
The decision is still ahead
Sanders’ performance against Chicago created another point of discussion in Cleveland’s quarterback competition. Watson’s stronger statistical line in the same game also gave the coaching staff additional information to consider.
Sanders now has the opportunity to respond when he starts against Buffalo on August 22. As of August 20, Cleveland had not publicly named its Week 1 starting quarterback.
In other news, Patrick Mahomes gets cleared, but Andy Reid still says no.
Who should get the Week 1 start, Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson? Like this slideshow and comment with your pick!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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