The Cleveland Browns could very well be starting a different quarterback on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. With Deshaun Watson in the concussion protocol, Shedeur Sanders is suddenly in line to make his first start of the season.
But despite this potentially significant change in his lineup, Browns coach Todd Monken is pumped up to see Sanders start after liking what he's seen from the second-year QB off the field and on the sidelines.
“He's done his work. All he's done is be diligent and ask great questions. In every meeting, he's dialed in and he's willing to talk to me about certain things or the rest of the players. During the game, he's talking to the guys. … That's why I said I'm so excited to see him today. That's what you do. Doesn't matter whoever takes the field, that represents the Cleveland Browns, there's an expectation in the position of how you're going to play, and we'll hold him to that,” Monken said.
Sanders saw some action in the first drive of their 27-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8 after Watson got hurt. He completed both of his pass attempts for two yards.
Shedeur, the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, famously went from a potential No. 1 overall pick last season to falling all the way down to the fifth round. He made eight appearances during his rookie season (seven starts), throwing 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
If Sanders does start, the Browns will need to do a better job of protecting him against the Saints. Cleveland's O-line has not been good at taking care of its quarterback this season. Watson has already been sacked a league-leading 33 times this season, including eight times in their loss to the Steelers.