The Browns quarterback competition between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson took an interesting turn on Saturday. Coach Prime’s son was slated to take first-team reps during practice.
However, coach Todd Monken decided to change the plan, making Watson practice with the first-team offense. Shedeur and Dillon Gabriel rotated second-team reps, with the ex-Oregon star receiving most of the snaps. According to reports, Monken was evaluating specific personnel groupings with Watson as the quarterback.
Advertisement
On Sunday’s episode of the “Nightcap” podcast, retired three-time Super Bowl champion Shannon Sharpe questioned Todd Monken’s decision to give Deshaun Watson more time with the first-team offense.
“I’m just trying to figure out why you want to see him (Watson) in personnel groupings when it’s my day?” Sharpe said. “When it comes to his day, now you can see. So what about tomorrow?
“So, we can’t do these groupings tomorrow? So what was so special about my date that I’m supposed to get the reps. We suppose to alternate you. So, you didn’t want to see him with a group tomorrow huh?”
In 2022, the Tennessee Titans traded Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns. He agreed to a five-year, $230 million deal that was fully guaranteed. However, the quarterback has failed to live up to expectations.
During his debut campaign, Watson was suspended for 11 games after allegations of sexual harassment. Over the years, he also suffered multiple injuries that limited his time on the field.
Advertisement
Last season, the quarterback missed the entire campaign while rehabilitating from a re-aggravated right Achilles tendon injury. In three years, he’s played in just 19 games while posting 3,365 yards and 19 TDs passing.
On the other hand, the Browns drafted Shedeur Sanders with the No. 144 pick last year. He initially started as the third-string option on the depth chart. However, Coach Prime’s son was promoted as the QB after Dillon Gabriel’s concussion in Week 11.
Shedeur Sanders played in eight games with seven starts, posting 1,400 yards and seven TDs passing. The Browns finished the season dead last in the AFC North with a 5-12 record. Head coach Kevin Stefanski was fired after six seasons, and Todd Monken was brought in as the replacement.
On Sunday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport appeared on the “ESPN Cleveland” show. While discussing the Browns quarterback competition, he shared his honest opinion on who would emerge as the starter.
Advertisement
According to Rapoport, Deshaun Watson has the upper hand over Shedeur Sanders to take over as QB1.
“Just judging from the landscape, and I know it is a quarterback battle that is still open, but it certainly seems like Deshaun Watson has the leg up here,” Rapoport said. “He is the one who is more well versed in the Browns offensive operation.
“In the Deshaun Watson vs. Shedeur Sanders, feels to me, at least like, Watson is the more likely option.”
The Browns will face the Chicago Bears in a preseason game on Saturday. Coach Todd Monken is expected to finalize the team’s starting quarterback ahead of this game.
Also Read:
“We Just Didn’t Have Money”: US Olympian Laila Edwards Opens Up On $90,000,000 Worth Travis Kelce’s Heartwarming Gesture
“Better Be Careful,” “He Just Involved Elon Musk… Good Luck”: NFL Fans Warn Kyle Shanahan After 49ers HC Says Tesla Was on Autopilot Before Car Crash
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
