The Cleveland Browns' quarterback competition might be closer to a conclusion than head coach Todd Monken is letting on. According to ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio, Monken's recent remarks could be the strongest indicator yet that Deshaun Watson will lead the offense in Week 1.
Monken has publicly insisted that Shedeur Sanders and Watson are still battling for the starting job this preseason. But when the coach revealed that the Browns and Bills would hold joint practices this week—and that starters would be held out of Saturday's game—Florio saw a clear tell.
“Monken said that, with the Bills and Browns due to engage in a joint practice this week, the mutual plan is to get the starters work in a more controlled environment, and to not play them during Saturday's game. So with Sanders due to start this weekend, does that mean he's not a starter?” Florio posed in his Tuesday column.
The logic is simple: if the competition were truly open, wouldn't Monken want to give Sanders a full chance to run with the first-team offense? That would offer the most direct comparison between Watson's Week 1 start and Sanders's Week 2 opportunity.
“If Watson doesn't play with second- and third-stringers on the field, that points to the possibility that Monken has already decided Watson will be the Week 1 starter,” Florio predicted.
It's also possible Monken is dragging his feet on an announcement because he knows the decision won't sit well with the fanbase. Sanders, a dynamic rookie, has generated plenty of buzz this offseason, and many Browns supporters are eager to see him take the reins. Meanwhile, Watson's return from injury has been a work in progress, with Monken calling it “awesome” despite some rough edges.
But the stakes are high. Sanders has already faced scrutiny after a costly interception fueled doubts about his readiness. Monken's mixed signals have only added to the confusion.
This weekend's game against the Bills will be a massive tell. If Watson sits out entirely, it's hard to see that as anything but a confirmation that he's the guy. If Sanders gets extended run with the starters, the competition may still be alive.
Either way, Browns fans are on edge, and the decision could shape the team's entire season. For now, Monken is keeping his cards close—but the cracks are starting to show.
