At Cleveland Browns training camp, installs are coming to an end– an important step, but where do things stand after almost two weeks of practices? New coach. New offensive system. Same questions.
Evaluating the Browns quarterback room as constructed was an easy task last season and the year prior. Lack of talent, low ceiling, and uncertainty surrounded the entire room. Deshaun Watson, who is trying to salvage his career, is the only veteran in the room, but he hasn’t played since 2024. Shedeur Sanders
and Dillon Gabriel were rookies last year, with Gabriel getting the first opportunity before Sanders last training camp. Sanders eventually took over, but neither him nor Gabriel did enough to prove they could be the starter in the future.
Fast forward to today, the QB battle between Watson and Sanders is ongoing. As of now, neither Sanders nor Watson has taken the lead for the starting job. The more things change, the more they stay the same?
It’s easy to formulate opinions about the current QB competition when you use a “QB tracker” that is lacking context when it comes to stats. However, as camp goes on, the reports coming out of camp regarding the competition have been back and forth. One day, Sanders is leading the competition, or Watson is leading the competition. At the same time, others are saying no one has stood out so far throughout the competition.
Granted, the quarterbacks are learning a new offense, and they are currently going through the install period, but the little things when it comes to playing the quarterback position matter.
However, the one that stands out as important is the pre-snap process.
It’s clear that head coach Todd Monken is emphasizing the mental side of the quarterback position ahead of the physical. Monken is responsible for evolving Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and his passing ability, so it’s clear why he is putting a ton of emphasis on that.
In terms of the quarterbacks, both Watson and Sanders have had their share of good and bad days, but neither has strung together consistent days. Sanders has talent, but his ceiling is uncertain. Due to his lackluster tape from last season, he’s in a battle with Watson instead of having solidified his position as an NFL starter. There is a case to be made that if Sanders put together quality tape last season, he’s unequivocally the starter. It’s a reason why this is a QB battle, and it’s not because of Watson’s contract.
The QB battle between Watson and Sanders will likely take the entire preseason and could come down to the preseason finale against the New England Patriots. However, the battle should be settled after the joint practices and second preseason game.
It’s a possibility that the Browns are quietly shopping Sanders, in case he doesn’t win the starting job, due to the overcrowded room. Does that mean Sanders is likely to be traded? Probably not, and Cleveland is hoping it doesn’t come to that. Watson is likely going to play out his contract and move on after the season.
Who knows, Gabriel, who many people have written off, could sneak into the competition and win the job, but that is still more of a long shot.
The QB battle has no clear leader, and it might be a while before the team finds the answer before the end of the preseason.
Where do you think the QB competition stands at this point in the process?
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account and get:
- Fewer ads
- Create community posts
- Comment on articles, community posts
- Rec comments, community posts
- New, improved notifications system!
