When Shedeur Sanders took the field for the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, everyone knew he had the potential to generate a major discussion for Cleveland.
Filling in for Deshaun Watson, who missed the majority of practice this week with a concussion, a good performance from Sanders would lead to questions about whether he should remain in the starting lineup.
Now, following the game, those questions have arrived.
The Browns lost in overtime to the New Orleans Saints, 23-22, but Sanders was clutch in the fourth quarter and overtime, giving the team multiple chances to win the game. Of course, that resulted in Cleveland head coach Todd Monken being asked if Sanders made a case to remain the starter next week.
Monken didn’t seem thrilled with the question, emphasizing that it had only been 30 minutes since the game ended. However, his non-answer makes it seem like a change could be entertained, because he could have easily expressed his commitment to Watson as the starter.
"How long has it been? 30 minutes since the game ended? I’m not, I’m not getting into quarterback."
Todd Monken is noncommittal on Browns starting quarterback after loss to Saints
Monken had to know the question was coming, and to his defense, he tends to avoid making big declarations in the immediate aftermath of a game.
Still, if there wasn’t a question, internally, whether or not Watson would remain the starter, Monken could have just said "Watson is our starter" and put the noise to bed.
On Wednesday, when it first became clear that Sanders could start, the head coach was asked then if Watson would still be the starter once healthy. Monken gave a much more committed answer then, saying, “Yeah, I didn’t assume I’d get that question. Yeah, he’s been our starter for eight games. I would assume he’s still our starter.”
Why didn’t the head coach speak as matter-of-factly after the game? Maybe because he just watched Sanders deliver a performance that was worthy of reconsidering who should start.
The second-year quarterback completed 19-of-31 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday, with 28 rushing yards, and was a failed two-point attempt away from leading the Browns to a wild overtime victory. While the game did start slow for Sanders and Cleveland’s offense, the young quarterback was absolutely clutch in the game’s biggest moments.
In that sense, Cleveland didn’t seem like they lost anything going from Watson to Sanders. With both quarterbacks, the offense is unproductive for three quarters and good late.
If that’s the case, why not go with the second-year QB who has a penchant for big plays and could have a legitimate future with the team?
Todd Monken will have to evaluate the film and decide what’s best — but he seems to know there’s a actual decision to be made.
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