Browns delay quarterback decision as Watson and Sanders share reps in camp
Cleveland head coach Todd Monken said the team will continue evaluating quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders through the installation phase before naming a starter.
Cleveland Browns quarterback competition remains open after the first week of training camp, with both Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders throwing interceptions during a late-game drill. Coach Todd Monken said the team is still in the "installation" stage, focusing on fundamentals rather than immediate results, and will not decide on a starter until the full offense is installed.
Monken emphasized the importance of process, noting that he is watching how the quarterbacks handle pass dropbacks, command the huddle, and understand the concepts. He added that both players are "doing good" and that the staff will continue to let them compete as the camp progresses.
"I think the most important thing is, from a process standpoint, how we (are) operating at the line of scrimmage. Where are their eyes (on pass dropbacks)? Have they taken command of the huddle, and then cadence, and then understanding the concepts? I think they’re all doing good. They’re all fine. All of our players are working through mistakes and fighting like hell to get better."
"At this point when you’re installing, when I’m scripting, I really am not scripting on who is at quarterback. They each have a different skill set, so as of right now, I’m not evaluating any of them. I’m not making a decision on any of them until we get through all the installs."
Watson, returning from two Achilles injuries, said he feels healthy and is focused on playing at full speed, while Sanders highlighted his comfort with the team's routine and his focus on personal improvement. The Browns have two additional quarterbacks in camp, Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green, but the primary competition centers on Watson and Sanders.
The preseason schedule includes a game against the Chicago Bears on Aug. 15, a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 20, and a final preseason matchup against the New England Patriots on Aug. 27, which Monken indicated could provide a clearer picture of the quarterback hierarchy.