The Cleveland Browns could face a major problem if Shedeur Sanders shines against the Carolina Panthers in Week 3.

Speaking on 92.3 The Fan, Browns analyst Anthony Lima believes the fallout could extend beyond the quarterback room. He argued that fans would question Todd Monken’s judgment if Sanders played against the Panthers in Week 3 and performed spectacularly:

“If Shedeur plays spectacularly well against Carolina, fans are going to go, ‘We have no trust in this head coach whatsoever. He picked the wrong quarterback.’”

Lima believes that reaction could shape how fans view Monken beyond the quarterback decision. He argued that failing to choose the better QB could make supporters question every decision that follows:

“If you can't be trusted to pick the better quarterback out of the two when one is Deshaun Watson. Then no trust the rest of the year, you're done.”

Lima felt that any success with Shedeur Sanders could make fans believe that the head coach had doomed the season from the start.

Ken Carman's theory on why Todd Monken may have chosen Deshaun Watson

On the same episode of 92.3 The Fan, Ken Carman said he knows Todd Monken made the decision to start Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders, but not his reasoning.

Carman theorized that Monken may have wanted to protect Sanders from a difficult first start. He pointed to Cleveland's defense and the uncertainty surrounding its new offensive line. He felt those factors could have made Sanders' introduction more challenging, even though the line performed reasonably well.

That explanation remains Carman's theory, not an established reason for Monken's decision. He also said he would defend the coach's choice if the Browns begin winning games.

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Sayantan