Key Takeaways
- Browns coach Todd Monken praised Shedeur Sanders’ maturity and preparation but declined to name him the permanent starter over Deshaun Watson.
- Sanders threw for 297 yards and two touchdowns in Cleveland’s 23-22 overtime loss to New Orleans, but his incomplete two-point conversion attempt ended the comeback bid.
- Watson cleared concussion protocol, but Sanders kept the start after handling practice reps all week despite spending roughly 10 weeks without snaps alongside Cleveland’s starters.
Shedeur Sanders threw for nearly 300 yards and two touchdowns in his first start of the season, but Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken isn't ready to name him the team's permanent starting quarterback.
Despite praising Sanders following Sunday's 23-22 overtime loss to the New Orleans Saints, Monken shut down questions about whether the 24-year-old had done enough to take the job from Deshaun Watson.
"How long has it been? Thirty minutes since the game ended?" Monken told reporters, according to ESPN. "I'm not getting into quarterback. If we want to talk about Shedeur, we can talk about Shedeur."
Sanders certainly gave him plenty to discuss.
With Watson sidelined following a concussion against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sanders completed 19 of 31 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns. After a slow start, he connected with rookie receiver Denzel Boston for a 60-yard gain before finding KC Concepcion for a 64-yard touchdown that put Cleveland ahead late in the fourth quarter.
Sanders then led the Browns into position for a game-tying field goal before connecting with Harold Fannin Jr. on a 39-yard touchdown in overtime. Cleveland went for the win with a two-point conversion, but Sanders' final pass fell incomplete.
"I'm really proud of him," Monken said. "He wasn't perfect. I wasn't perfect. But for a guy that really hasn't taken snaps with the ones in what, 10 weeks ... to come in there and continue to battle, really, really proud of him."
The coach also praised Sanders' preparation and willingness to communicate with the coaching staff.
"He's really mature," Monken continued, pointing to Sanders' "work ethic," "diligence," and the questions he asks during preparation.
Sanders, meanwhile, said the pressure brought out his best.
"I would say I feel the best when a lot of pressure's on," he said. "That's when I feel the best, honestly."
Sanders' performance comes after Cleveland spent its first eight games watching Watson lead the Browns to a 5-3 record. Monken chose Watson over Sanders after their preseason competition, saying the veteran gave Cleveland its best chance to move the ball.
Watson cleared concussion protocol, but Sanders remained the starter against New Orleans after taking the practice repetitions throughout the week.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Monday that the Browns planned to start Watson against Houston, although Monken declined to confirm that decision.
Sanders also addressed another controversy after the game, apologizing for comments about the Saints' defense that defensive end Carl Granderson interpreted as disrespectful.
"I was never ever throwing a shot," Sanders said. "I never would talk down on anybody, on any person, because I understand how hard it is just to be in the league."
"I think it's disrespectful for somebody to laugh at our defense, took us as a joke," he said.
