Training camp is underway for all 32 NFL teams, but some still have more question marks than others. One of those teams is the Cleveland Browns, who are still trying to sort out who the starting quarterback will be when Week 1 rolls around.
The two candidates vying for the job are veteran Deshaun Watson, who is returning to the field after missing all of last season as he recovered from an Achilles rupture, and Shedeur Sanders, who showed flashes last season as a rookie but left a lot to be desired.
On Monday, ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Rizzo asked reporter Justin Cooper if Sanders, who many fans are rooting to win the job, has looked better getting the ball out of his hands. Unfortunately for Sanders’ supporters, Cooper painted a bleak picture.
“No, he looks worse,” the reporter responded.
Does Shedeur look better getting rid of the ball on time?
“No, he looks worse,” – @JJCoop25 on what he’s seen at training camp. pic.twitter.com/M8HrIfoXbU
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) August 3, 2026
Do Cleveland’s quarterbacks deserve some grace?
Rizzo tried to give both Sanders and Watson some grace, as they’re still getting accustomed to a new system under head coach Todd Monken, who replaced now-Atlanta Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski.
“Of course Shedeur looks like that,” Rizzo reasoned. “He’s learning a new offense, the second one— I’m sorry, the third offense in 3 years. It’s not easy for a guy that doesn’t process quickly at the moment.
“Okay, number 2, of course Watson looks like crap. He hasn’t played. The guy himself said, I just need to play football. And oh, by the way, splitting the reps isn’t helping him get back in the groove either. The splitting of the reps right now is a problem.”
In his seven starts last season, Sanders took 23 sacks. It’s clear that he’ll have to improve on getting the ball out quickly if he wants a real shot to be the long-term answer on Lake Erie. There’s still plenty of time for him to get things sorted out and impress his new coach, but the same can be said for Watson.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.