The Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback decision may take longer than expected after another difficult-to-evaluate performance against the Buffalo Bills.
Head coach Todd Monken said before the game that he did not anticipate the competition would extend beyond early next week. However, he declined to set a firm deadline following Cleveland’s 31-7 preseason loss on Saturday.
“Well, at some point I’ll have to decide. But I’m not going to paint myself into a corner,” Monken said. “Optimally, you’d like to give a player all the reps and know who the No. 1 is.”
Monken pointed to a series of self-inflicted mistakes that had little to do with the Bills. Frustrated by how the Browns unraveled in the second half, he declined to make any personnel judgments before reviewing the film.
“Not there yet. That wasn’t our best foot forward. I have to watch the film before I say anything,” Monken said. “It’s not the time for me to go anywhere with any personnel. I’m frustrated the way we ended that in the second half. That’s not good enough.”
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Draws Praise From Monken
Sanders started and completed 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He opened the game with eight consecutive completions, including a 23-yard touchdown to Luke Floriea. His interception came on a pass that was deflected before landing in the hands of Bills safety Damar Hamlin.
The second-year quarterback also showed improvement in an area that has been a focus throughout the offseason. Sanders avoided holding the ball for too long and made quicker decisions as he worked through his progressions.
“There’s a lot to like there,” Monken said. “He plays with a certain amount of confidence. He’s gotten a lot better at getting rid of the ball. He wants to make a play. Great job of progressing the red zone touchdown.”
Despite the interception, it was an encouraging performance for Sanders after an uneven preseason opener against the Chicago Bears, where he only played a quarter.
“I thought he did a lot of really good things,” Monken said. “I’m really proud of him and where he’s come from. From when I got here to now — very impressive.”
Monken did not question the team’s process in naming a starter, although it has been dragged out and polarizing.
“Giving both of those guys reps was the best way we could have gone about it,” Monken said. “At some point, you have to say this is where we’re going, this is where we’re starting, and we’ll go from there.”
Browns Have One Preseason Game Remaining
GettyCleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken on the sideline during a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.
Watson entered during the third quarter and struggled to generate momentum. He completed 5 of 12 passes for 35 yards with an interception, finishing with a 14.6 passer rating.
Watson’s rough afternoon came after he completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards against the Bears. Dillon Gabriel closed out the loss and attempted only one pass. His first possession featured three false-start penalties.
The Browns now have a short turnaround before hosting the New England Patriots in their preseason finale on Thursday. Monken has not announced which quarterbacks will play or how the snaps will be divided.
It’s unclear if that will be treated as a “dress rehearsal” for the season, but he has said sixth-round rookie Taylen Green will play in that game. Green has not played in the preseason yet.
Cleveland opens the regular season against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 13.
Browns Send Strong Message on Shedeur Sanders After Loss