When a quarterback change takes place, it affects far more than just the passer. The switch has a ripple effect that can cause some supporting players to break out and others to disappear. As the Cleveland Browns replace the injured Deshaun Watson with Shedeur Sanders, KC Concepcion stands to gain as much as anyone.
The rookie wide receiver built a strong connection with Sanders during the offseason and preseason, becoming one of the quarterback's go-to targets.
That connection could help Concepcion become the star receiver he's only shown the Browns flashes of this season.
Browns can revive Shedeur Sanders' connection with KC Concepcion in Week 9
Concepcion's connection with Sanders actually dates back long before he was drafted by the Browns. The receiver met with Sanders back in his college days and developed a respect for him that carried into this season. After he was drafted, Concepcion told reporters, "He's a great guy, a great leader. I just can't wait to build that relationship and build that connection with him."
Their play styles should mesh perfectly, too. Sanders favors quick, short passes where he can get the ball to his receivers in space and let them make plays. Among 36 quarterbacks with at least 250 attempts last year, he ranked seventh in short-throw rate.
That's exactly where Concepcion thrives. The rookie has the third-most missed tackles forced this season among receivers, only behind Puka Nacua and Luther Burden III. He's been most impactful when the Browns get him the ball quickly and allow him to make defenders miss.
Against a vulnerable New Orleans Saints defense in Week 9, Sanders should look Concepcion's way early and often. If the duo can build their connection, it could become the engine of Cleveland's offense.
KC Concepcion can give Browns no choice but to choose Shedeur Sanders over Deshaun Watson
Let's imagine that Sanders operates Monken's offense efficiently against the Saints, dishing the ball out to his pass-catchers quickly. Concepcion posts one of his best performances of the season, and the Browns cruise to a high-scoring victory. In that scenario, would Monken really turn right back to Watson?
That seems to be his current plan, at least publicly. Monken told reporters that he "would assume" that Watson would be the starter when he returns, saying, "He's started eight games."
A solid performance from Sanders would have to at least raise the question, though. Watson has been definitively below average this season, and his late-game magic seems to be running out. He's only thrown one touchdown across the last four games.
If Sanders brings life back to Cleveland's offense, it wouldn't make much sense to immediately bench him for a quarterback who hasn't been playing at a high level, especially with a playoff spot on the line. Sanders' connection with Concepcion could end up being the difference.
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