Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders will lead the Cleveland Browns in their preseason opener against the Chicago Bears, with the other quarterback taking over in the third quarter.
The Browns released an unofficial depth chart on Tuesday, which listed Watson and Sanders as co-starters. Browns head coach Todd Monken plans to inform players which quarterback will start after Wednesday's practice, but he has not yet made the decision public. "It's still a competition," Monken said. "We'll get a chance to see them both, and every week we'll get a chance to assess (them)."
Monken's plan is for the starting quarterback to play a half and participate in a two-minute drill situation. This will give the Browns a chance to evaluate their quarterback's performance in a game-like setting. Watson has been a full participant in camp, trading first-team reps with Sanders against the Browns' defense.
Deshaun Watson is excited to participate in his first game action in almost two years. He suffered a non-contact rupture of his right Achilles tendon in Week 7 of the 2024 regular season and re-tore the same Achilles during rehab. Watson believes that game speed will provide an even better look for him, especially since a game's flow is different than a practice setting.
Watson has been practicing with game-like intensity, focus, and preparation, which has helped him prepare for the game. He thinks that the added element of game speed will provide an even better look for him. "Yeah, because the games (are) a lot faster," Watson said. "People are thinking differently. You don't have those times where you're kind of prepping on … this is third down, so we're going to play the sticks… rather in a game where you got to be locked in on the situation."
Shedeur Sanders is at peace with the quarterback competition. He has been handling the situation with poise and positivity, refusing to criticize Monken or the coaching staff for how they've handled practice reps. Sanders thinks that the competition doesn't faze him or get to him. "I think (competition) doesn't even faze me or get to me or I think about that at all, you know? I'm just thankful to be out able to practice, you know."
The competition between Watson and Sanders has been intense, with both quarterbacks vying for the starting position. Watson has reportedly thrown more interceptions in practices than Sanders, but Monken has not revealed his precise thinking on the matter. The Browns' first preseason game against the Bears is set to take place on Saturday, with the outcome of the quarterback competition still uncertain.
The Browns will face the Chicago Bears in their preseason opener on Saturday, with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders set to lead the rosters. The game will provide an opportunity for the Browns to evaluate their quarterbacks in a game-like setting.
Source: Yahoo Sports