Todd Monken reveals why Deshaun Watson got QB1 reps over Shedeur Sanders

[ASFN Admin]

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Todd Monken has explained why Deshaun Watson unexpectedly took all of the Cleveland Browns’ first-team quarterback reps after Shedeur Sanders had been told he would get them.

The change came just 45 minutes before Saturday’s practice, with Sanders initially expected to work with the starters.

Watson instead took every first-team rep, prompting criticism of Monken and fresh questions about where the Browns’ quarterback competition is heading.

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Todd Monken explains surprise Deshaun Watson decision​

Monken has now insisted the decision was simply part of the Browns’ approach to rotating their quarterbacks.

‘It really was, Shedeur on Saturday, took the ones in the walk, so I anticipated being with the ones,’ Monken said.

He explained that members of the coaching staff approached him before practice and pointed out that Sanders had received more first-team reps in recent days.

‘That’s all it was. I was like, ‘Yeah, sure. We’ll flip it, and then next week, we’ll go the other way,’’ Monken added.

The explanation comes after former NFL star Shannon Sharpe criticised the decision, while others questioned whether the Browns had already made up their minds about their QB1.

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There was also some confusion because the Browns had previously explained that Watson needed first-team reps in certain personnel groupings.

Monken has now made it clear that the rotation can change again.

‘Ultimately, Shedeur is going to go today with the ones unless, on the way out, I change my mind, and then he won’t,’ he said.

For now, Monken insists the competition remains open. He also praised both quarterbacks for handling the constant changes.

‘I’ve been impressed with all of our quarterback group,’ Monken said. ‘I’ve been impressed with both players and the way they’ve handled the back-and-forth of the reps.’

The numbers show why the Browns still have a decision to make.

Over the past 10 practices, Sanders has completed 140 of 199 passes, a 70.9% completion rate, with nine touchdowns and four interceptions. Watson has completed 140 of 219 passes, a 63.9% rate, while throwing 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Watson may currently have the edge, with Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot reporting that he is expected to receive the majority of starting reps in padded practices.

But Monken has made one thing clear: Sanders still has an opportunity to win the job.

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