After months of speculation, the Cleveland Browns made their final decision Monday, announcing that Deshaun Watson will be the team's starting quarterback in Week 1. The battle between Watson and Shedeur Sanders had been ongoing for weeks, with each quarterback getting his shot in the Browns' first two preseason games. But head coach Todd Monken ultimately decided to go with the veteran QB under center to start the season.
Speaking with reporters Monday about his decision, Monken revealed Sanders' reaction to being named the backup. "He was awesome," Monken said. "I mean, you talk about somebody that really understands the long game.
That really, I think, has come to understand the long game. What are we really in this for? To have the Browns be an organization that people aspire to be.
Where do we want to be in the long term? He understands that as well as a quarterback. Where he was at, where he's at now, and where he wants to get to.
That is what's so awesome about Shedeur understanding that. We met this morning for a good long time, and all he had was a smile on his face because he understands what really is in front of him." More news: Bengals Cut Ties With Veteran Offensive Lineman After 3 Seasons It's not entirely surprising that Watson was named the starter. He has more experience at the NFL level, and the organization invested $230 million in him because it once believed he was the answer at quarterback.
He's coming off two torn Achilles tendons and hasn't played in a regular-season game in nearly two years, but he remains the more proven option of the two. That doesn't mean Sanders' future in Cleveland is over, though. Monken's comments largely affirm what was already believed — that Sanders remains the backup and could be thrust into the starting role at any point.
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