Todd Monken, the Cleveland Browns' new head coach, is striving to improve the offense for this season. However, Shedeur Sanders’ recent OTA performance has left him frustrated.

“We threw interceptions in 7-on-7 for God’s sake. Who does that? There’s no pass rush,” Monken said after the May 20 session. “It’s embarrassing.” 

According to Kelsey Russo’s report, Monken used the two-spot approach and split Deshaun Watson and Sanders. Both quarterbacks started with 11-on-11 drills before they moved into the 7-on-7 portion. 

This is where Sanders threw two interceptions. His first was tipped and then caught by cornerback CB Michael Coats Jr. Then, three reps later, he was intercepted again, first tipped by safety Christopher Edmonds and caught by CB Myles Bryant. 

While Sanders, 24, riled up his head coach, Watson had the opposite effect. He played before Sanders and displayed a performance that was called the day's “highlight offensive play.”

The 30-year-old veteran connected with the wide receiver Denzel Boston on a deep pass downfield which the second-round pick caught in the end zone for a touchdown. Post this, Monken couldn’t stop raving about Boston. 

“I know I’m an offensive head coach, but you get a draft pick and it's on one of the most talented guys in the league,” he said. “That's what you want to see. You want to see your guys, especially some of your younger draft picks, make some of those plays.” 

This praise for 22-year-old Boston is also a warning siren for Sanders, who is vying for the QB1 position in his sophomore year with the Browns. 

In the eight games he played and seven started, Sanders passed for 1,400 yards, threw seven touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and was sacked 23 times. Currently, he is in competition with Watson, who has returned from a career-setting back injury.

He ruptured his right Achilles tendon twice, yet the 30-year-old impressed Monken with his athleticism. Monken called it Watson’s “superpower” in Russo’s report. However, all hope is not lost for Sanders as Monken has some positive observations about him, too.

“I think Shedeur’s come miles”: Monken Reveals Growth In His Quarterback

The Cleveland Browns, with head coach Todd Monken, are in the midst of analyzing their quarterbacks’ performance. The franchise has not yet selected a starter for this season, but Monken's latest update outlines where each Shedeur Sanders stands.

“I think Shedeur's come miles, in terms of his progressions, getting the ball out, his understanding of concepts,” Monken said per ESPN on May 20. “I think he's really, really come a long way.”

Drafted in 2025, Sanders was benched as Dillon Gabriel’s backup, whose season ended with a concussion in Week 10. Since then, he threw three passing and one rushing touchdown in Week 14 and went to the Pro Bowl. 

However, if Sanders wants to be on the field from September this year, he has to amp up. Do you think Sanders will improve and beat Watson? Tell us in the comments.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar