Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders is poised to make his first start of the 2026 NFL season Sunday at the New Orleans Saints with Deshaun Watson sidelined in concussion protocol. Coach Todd Monken praised Sanders' improvement in footwork, drops, mechanics and progression sense. Sanders spent the first eight weeks as backup after splitting reps with Watson in training camp. The Browns are 5-3 after a Week 8 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, dropping them from first place in the AFC North. ESPN Analytics gives Cleveland a 16.5% playoff chance; a win would boost odds to 25.4% ahead of four home games. In his rookie season, Sanders went 3-4 in seven starts with a 19.0 Total QBR, ranked 325th among 696 quarterbacks since 2006. Sanders averaged 3.24 seconds to throw last season, the slowest among 38 quarterbacks with at least six starts in 2025. Offensive coordinator Travis Switzer noted Sanders' growth in command and leadership during practice. Sanders faces a struggling Saints offense ranked 29th in points per game (17.4).
Playing within structure remains key for Sanders, who tended to hold the ball to make big plays at Colorado. Monken highlighted his growth balancing structure with playmaking, noting Sanders' ability to check the ball down. Sanders must avoid the tendency that made his 3.24-second average the slowest among 2025 starters. Defending against pass rush and executing progressions efficiently will demonstrate his development.
Sanders' growth also hinges on poise under pressure and command of the huddle. Monken and teammates observe increased confidence. Leading a struggling offense against New Orleans offers a prime stage to showcase progress built over ten weeks of development.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing