All three of the Cleveland Browns’ preseason games will be nationally televised, and for good reason. The team is having a highly discussed quarterback battle, and the competition will continue into the preseason. Browns head coach Todd Monken has already said that Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders will each start a game, and their performances will likely be the final step in determining a winner.
With Cleveland getting things started on Saturday against the Chicago Bears, Monken let it be known ahead of Wednesday’s practice that he has decided who will start the first preseason game, but he was waiting until after practice to inform the team. The head coach did, however, reveal how much he wants to see each quarterback.
Monken explained that the starter will likely play the entire first half, and the second quarterback in will play the entirety of the third quarter. That leaves the fourth quarter to be split between the final two quarterbacks on Cleveland’s roster: Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green.
Todd Monken commits to playing Browns’ quarterbacks a lot in preseason
The head coach was adamant that he wants to see these guys in real game situations, and that’s why they will play so much. Monken also emphasized the importance of seeing each quarterback operate in a two-minute situation, and that can only happen if they play an extended period of time.
The quarterbacks will be following a different rep plan than the rest of the team. Monken said he wants to get the rest of the starters one series, but explained that the starting offensive line will remain in as long as the Bears’ defensive starters are in. He wants to make sure that Cleveland is protecting its quarterbacks and giving them a fair chance to operate.
This is the plan for Week 1 of the preseason, and the tentative plan for Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills as well. While Monken is committed to starting both Watson and Sanders in a preseason game, he admitted that next Thursday’s joint practice with the Bills could affect the playing time distribution.
No matter how things ultimately shake out, Todd Monken is committed to giving both Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders a start and a full half to make their case in the quarterback battle.
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