Browns Prepare for QB Decision as Preseason Approaches

As the Browns approach their preseason game, the focus is on who will be the starting quarterback: Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders.

Deshaun Watson seems poised to be named the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, but this does not guarantee he is the solution to their offensive struggles.

Watson is currently the frontrunner to take the snaps, as the internal and external messaging indicates he is the presumptive starter since the hiring of head coach Todd Monken in January. Monken has been vocal in his acknowledgment of Watson, while also leaving the door open for Shedeur Sanders, who will start in the upcoming preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.

For either quarterback to find success this season, it may largely depend on the skill of the playmakers around them. This year’s quarterback room is not equipped to lead a franchise, rather the onus is on the franchise to elevate the quarterbacks.

K.C. Concepcion’s arrival in Cleveland comes at a critical time. He represents a change in the team’s approach to playmakers, which has been a struggle for decades. With the Browns’ leading receiver historically being a tight end drafted in the 1970s, the organization’s ability to identify elite talent at receiver has been lacking.

Concepcion is expected to transform the offense while mitigating any potential struggles from quarterback play. He demonstrated his explosive potential with 72 all-purpose yards on five touches against the Chicago Bears in their preseason opener, hinting that he can make an immediate impact regardless of who is under center.

Watson, despite being the longest-tenured offensive player, has not brought the relevance or production expected in recent years. His hefty $230 million guaranteed contract offers him job security, but the franchise is already on its second head coach and fourth offensive coordinator in search of the quarterback he once was.

While Watson showed some promise in his preseason opener, with passable stats, a closer look reveals inconsistencies. He accrued 43 yards on a screen pass and the final three possessions resulted in a fumble and two punts, contributing to a tough two-minute drill that ended prematurely.

Sanders too possesses his share of struggles. His performance includes a mix of exciting moments and fundamental errors, with one dazzling pass followed by a fumbled snap and a poorly thrown interception. The challenge for Sanders lies in needing to improve his ranking from the bottom of the league to middle tier within this season, a daunting task.

While Concepcion and fellow receiver Denzel Boston undoubtedly have the ability to save the offense at times, both players alone cannot shield the quarterbacks from themselves.

Monken has a steep challenge ahead. While he can implement strategies to simplify the quarterbacks’ duties, the reality remains that eventually one will need to consistently deliver in the pocket. This involves mastering passing lanes and eliminating issues like tipped passes, which plagued Sanders last season.

In constructing the offense, the Browns have so far focused on building around the potential of Watson and Sanders. However, a shift might be necessary to accommodate their current capabilities, recognizing that both quarterbacks will need protection and playmakers who can convert ordinary passes into significant gains.

Ultimately, whether it’s Watson or Sanders who steps up remains uncertain, but one thing is becoming more apparent: the Browns need someone to definitively claim the QB1 spot. Monken may announce the starter as early as next Monday, setting the stage for the upcoming season.