Browns Poised for Major QB Evaluation With Shedeur Sanders Ready for Potential Start
· Yahoo Sports
The Cleveland Browns opened their 2026 season with a 34-10 road loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Deshaun Watson‘s play drew plenty of criticism. Another road trip awaits in Tampa Bay, and the quarterback picture is getting harder to ignore. Shedeur Sanders sits behind Watson, and a fresh report suggests Cleveland is ready to take a closer look. The timing could matter.
Visit betsport.cv for more information.
Browns QB evaluation looms after two road games
Ian Rapoport reported on X that the Browns plan to reevaluate the quarterback position after two road games in two weeks. He said several outcomes are possible, but one of them could put Shedeur Sanders on the field in Week 3.
ESPN added that no firm decision has been made. The first two games serve as a natural checkpoint, and the home opener against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 27 offers a clean moment for a change.
Sep 13, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) and quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warm up before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn ImagesWatson’s opener explains why Cleveland wants a checkpoint. He completed 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards with one touchdown and one interception, and Jacksonville sacked him five times. The offense also left people inside the building frustrated.
Head coach Todd Monken agrees the team fell short, yet he has defended his choice of Watson and spread the blame around.
“We got to play better around him.” Monken told reporters.
The stakes feel higher because these are Watson’s first regular-season starts since he tore his Achilles in October 2024, and Cleveland still needs to learn whether he can be a long-term answer.
A strong showing at Tampa Bay would calm things down. Another flat loss would turn attention to the bench. Sanders’ recent story explains why fans keep asking for him.
Why Shedeur Sanders is still waiting
Sanders spent the summer in an open competition with Watson, and neither quarterback pulled away. Monken finally chose Watson for Week 1, and fan anger followed.
Monken explained then why, “Deshaun gave us the best chance to move the ball and score points.”
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) throws a pass to tight end Carsen Ryan (48) during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesThe preseason numbers were close. Watson went 16 of 27 for 162 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. Sanders went 15 of 22 for 153 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.
Sanders now works as the top backup after going 3-4 as a starter last season. He threw for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions while the Browns finished 5-12. In June, he told fans he understands they want something to hope for and promised to change the franchise’s quarterback history.
Cleveland and Tampa Bay both enter Sunday at 0-1, with the Buccaneers coming off a 33-27 loss at Cincinnati. The Browns then host the Panthers on Sept. 27, a home opener where a quarterback change would be the biggest storyline.
More NFL News:
- I Don’t Understand: Browns Hosts Blast Fans Blaming Media For Deshaun Watson-Shedeur Sanders Decision
- ‘Ask Him’: Todd Monken Drops Blunt Response On Deshaun Watson’s Practice Readiness
- Browns Acquire Shedeur Sanders’ Long Time WR In Shocking Move
- Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh Admits Major Coaching Regret After Disappointing Cardinals Loss
The post Browns Poised for Major QB Evaluation With Shedeur Sanders Ready for Potential Start appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.