Browns Name Watson Week 1 QB1 Over Sanders, Rookie Takes Backup Role in Stride
Updated
Updated · Bleacher Report · Aug 24
Browns Name Watson Week 1 QB1 Over Sanders, Rookie Takes Backup Role in Stride
3 articles · Updated · Bleacher Report · Aug 24
Summary
Week 1 starter Deshaun Watson got the nod from Browns coach Todd Monken, who said Shedeur Sanders had an “awesome” reaction to opening the season as the backup.
Monken said Sanders understands “the long game” and praised his development entering his second season, but judged Watson the better option right now for a road opener at Jacksonville.
2020 remains Watson’s last productive season, and the decision is likely to test a Cleveland fan base that had largely wanted Sanders to take over the offense.
A poor start or more of Watson’s recent form could quickly intensify pressure to turn to Sanders on a Browns team already projected to rank among the NFL’s weakest.