Since the Cleveland Browns had no chance at a playoff seed or even a taste of the division title, it only made sense for the coaching staff to begin evaluating the backup talent on this roster. After all, why spend good money on some new players in free agency that would double up on key positions? Or draft a new guy that the second team player can solve as a depth issue?
QB Shedeur Sanders may have been filed into this category. After all, his fans have stated he is a superstar just waiting for his opportunity. The other side of the coin pointed to a developmental player who needed more grooming in practices and waiting. Either way, he is playing now. One great game followed by one horrific output; that is his status currently.
Against the lowly Tennessee Titans in Week 14, Sanders lit it up with three touchdown passes, one rushing TD, a single interception, and threw for 364 yards. Yet, the following week, against a much better Chicago Bears team, he completely fell apart, tossing three interceptions as the offense scored just three points.
Going into this week’s matchup against one of the AFC’s best teams, the Buffalo Bills, Browns’ head coach Kevin Stefanski has options to replace Sanders at quarterback. He could go back to third-rounder Dillion Gabriel.
Or maybe it was time for veteran Deshaun Watson to return.
Despite earlier reporting that Watson was unlikely to see the field this season, he may be ready to hit the field if needed or asked. The team opened its 21-day practice window on December 3. This allowed him to participate in individual drills. He had been spending last summer working out at the Berea facility and working with the training staff. Watson has support in the locker room.
It is unclear if the team views Sanders as its long-term answer at quarterback. He has been a roller coaster in his few starts and plays well against inferior defensive units and struggles mightily against stiffer defensive schemes.
Several are now questioning whether Watson may see some game action.
Stefanski talked about Watson this week:
“Yeah, I would say not my focus. For right now, I’m very pleased with the progress that Deshaun’s making on the field, in the classroom. He’s doing a really good job.”
With just three games remaining, it makes more sense not to rush Watson back to the playing field with nothing to gain in the standings. His emphasis should be on being completely healthy for next year’s training camp, where the QB room should become Watson, Sanders, and Gabriel.
A continued evaluation process on Sanders and Gabriel makes the most sense. Watson’s future in an actual game remains to be seen.
