The Browns' starting quarterback competition between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson is far from over. Head coach Todd Monken recently revealed that the QB1 spot remains unoccupied even after the mandatory minicamp. 

Browns’ analyst Earl D Mauldin discussed the QB room situation with NFL insider Spencer German on the 92.3 The Fan Show on Saturday. Mauldin felt that Sanders must be made the QB1 over Watson.

“Shedeur Sanders, even with the mistakes he’s made, has been more consistent than Deshaun Watson,” said Earl D Mauldin. “If that’s the case, give me Shedeur Sanders. Let me see what I’ve got in this young man for this season. Can’t afford a rev-up period, so I know what I’ve got to do next year.”

Mauldin added that, further into the spring, Shedeur Sanders has picked up head coach Todd Monken’s offense and corrected his mistakes in real time due to the coaching he’s received so far.

Sanders' confidence is growing, his reads are getting more accurate, and he seems to be adapting to the team's rhythm well.

Browns insider journalist, Mary Kay Cabot, also observed how quickly the tables have turned in this QB1 battle. In April, Watson appeared to have an edge over Sanders. Over the first few weeks of the minicamp and OTAs, Watson was taking the first-team reps. 

The veteran QB was also in the lead on Monken’s depth chart for training camp in July. Meanwhile, Sanders worked overtime on his pre-snap responsibilities and decision-making and began releasing the ball more quickly, per Cabot. 

“If I say I’m dedicating everything I have to be great and that’s just what I’m going to do,” said Sanders to reporters after Day 2 of the mandatory minicamp from June 9 to June 11. “I think now you can understand I’m a man of my word a little bit more.”

Cabot revealed that in the past two weeks, the narrative around Sanders changed drastically. The competition intensified as Sanders’ progress gained praise from Monken and the Browns’ GM.

Sanders Gives Browns More to Think About at Quarterback

Cabot reported that in the latter weeks of the OTAs and the minicamp, Sanders became more authoritative and quicker at the line, leading to more completions and touchdown passes. He also developed good chemistry with the Browns’ wide receivers. 

“He’s [Shedeur] being more decisive,” Monken told Cabot. “It’s easy to say we’re not in pads, but it just feels like he’s making quicker decisions. The ball’s coming out of his hands, which he’s going to have to do.”

The Browns’ general manager, Andrew Berry, also gushed over Sanders’ “excellent spring” on the 92.3 The Fan show on Friday. 

“His growth has been tremendous, so we’re all really excited to see Shedeur’s fall camp, preseason…when we get into live situations that are less scripted,” said Berry. “His growth has been phenomenal.”

Sanders’ progress hasn’t gone unnoticed, setting the stage for the Browns’ training camp in July as the Browns continue to evaluate their QB1 options. 

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Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit