Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken has drawn criticism over his handling of the quarterback battle between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. However, when a reporter pressed him to reveal a preference or name a potential starter, Monken quickly dismissed the question with a sharp response.
Todd Monken Fires Back at Reporter Over Shedeur Sanders-Deshaun Watson QB Battle
Watson and Sanders have emerged as the two main candidates competing for Cleveland’s starting quarterback position for the upcoming season. Before Saturday’s practice, Monken was straightforward in stating that Sanders would receive an opportunity to work with the first-team offense.
However, Watson ended up taking all of the meaningful first-team repetitions, while Sanders was moved into a mix of second-team work alongside third-string quarterback Dillon Gabriel. The unexpected change immediately sparked significant discussion among reporters and fans.
By Monday, Monken appeared fully prepared to address the growing questions surrounding the decision. During his press conference, one reporter attempted to clarify whether Monken believed Watson had simply improved since the start of training camp or had actually surpassed Sanders in the competition.
Monken refused to provide the kind of definitive statement that could easily become a headline. Rather than accepting the reporter’s premise that Watson was now considered better than Sanders, the Browns head coach stated that he had never actually made such a declaration.
“Oh, I don’t think I threw in there that he’s better than Shedeur,” Monken said. “I’m not sure I went that far, but I appreciate you trying to trap me in that [expletive].”
Reporter: “Were you saying Deshaun [Watson] has gotten better since camp, or that he’s better than Shedeur [Sanders]?”
Todd Monken: “Oh, I don’t think I threw in there that he’s better than Shedeur. I’m not sure I went that far but I appreciate you trying to trap me in that…
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) August 10, 2026
Monken also shared that Watson and Sanders remain firmly involved in the competition for the starting role. When asked why he had suddenly given Sanders’ first-team reps to Watson on Saturday, the Browns’ head coach explained that he was not concerned about having to justify every practice decision to the media.
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“I sure as [expletive] wasn’t thinking about coming back in here and telling all you guys that I changed my mind,” he said. “Because I really don’t have to. And that’s just the way, being the head coach, I can do that.”
For Sanders, maintaining his place in the competition is particularly important as he attempts to establish himself during the early stages of his NFL career. Fortunately, on Monday, he was once again the first quarterback to enter the huddle with the starters.
The second-year quarterback appeared in eight games during his first season and made seven starts, throwing for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns. He finished with a 63.0 PFN Impact Grade, which ranked him 37th.
Meanwhile, Watson is attempting to rebuild his standing after an Achilles injury sidelined him for the entire 2025 season. The veteran quarterback is now working to prove that he still deserves a significant role with the Browns.
The Browns are scheduled to open their preseason against the Chicago Bears. Cleveland’s upcoming joint practice with the Buffalo Bills is expected to be one of the final significant opportunities for both quarterbacks to make their case before Monken ultimately decides on the team’s Week 1 starter.
