Cleveland Browns postpone starting quarterback decision after tight loss
Coach Todd Monken will not name a starter for Sunday's game against Houston until he reviews the offense with his staff, despite Deshaun Watson's return to practice.
By Pedro Barnes ·
Cleveland Browns fans will not know who is under center when they face the Houston Texans on Sunday until the coaching staff finishes its internal review. Head coach Todd Monken said on Monday that he is holding the starting quarterback decision open pending a detailed evaluation of the team's offensive play from the previous week. The Browns lost 23-22 in overtime to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
The uncertainty stems from the performance of Shedeur Sanders, who started the game after Deshaun Watson was placed on the concussion protocol. Watson has been cleared to play and returned to practice on Monday. However, Monken indicated that he wants to discuss the offensive execution with his coordinators before finalizing the lineup. He did not provide a specific deadline for the announcement.
Sanders completed 19 of 31 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns in his first start of the season. Monken praised the second-year quarterback's composure late in the game, noting that Sanders made key plays when the team needed them. Monken stated that the performance gave him confidence in the skills he observed during the fall training camp. He described Sanders as being in command and pleased with his development.
"It’s week to week. A player doesn’t lose or win a job .. I don’t know what that means. Each week we put the best players on the field that give us a chance to win," Monken said when asked if injury could cost Watson the starting role.
The Saints defense disrupted the Browns' passing game, particularly on a two-point conversion attempt in overtime. Sanders was pressured while attempting to throw to Denzel Boston. Even if the pass had been caught, the play would have been nullified due to a holding penalty on right tackle Tytus Howard. Monken noted that the opposing cornerbacks disrupted the line of scrimmage, preventing the Browns from reaching their intended passing lanes.
The Browns are 5-4 after their first consecutive losses of the season. Monken emphasized the favorable schedule ahead as the team prepares for a five-week homestand that includes a bye week. The team will not play on the road again until December 19 against the New York Giants. Monken told his players that they have earned their current standing and that their best football is yet to come.
The offense showed specific strengths and weaknesses in New Orleans. Sanders was 3 of 5 for 154 yards on downfield attempts, all of which occurred in the second half. Rookie wide receivers Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion combined for 183 receiving yards, marking the first time a rookie duo has achieved that milestone in a single game since 2015. Boston recorded six catches for 98 yards, while Concepcion had four receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown.
The Browns left New Orleans without major injury concerns. Kicker Andre Szmyt extended his streak of consecutive field goals made from 50 yards or more to seven. The team will host the Texans next, a match that holds personal significance for Watson, who made his Cleveland debut against Houston in 2022.
