Todd Monken Leaves Door Open for Shedeur Sanders to Start Against Texans

How Shedeur Sanders Sparked the Cleveland Offense in New Orleans

Stepping in for his first start of the season after Deshaun Watson entered concussion protocol during the week, Sanders delivered an uneven but productive afternoon at Caesars Superdome, according to ESPN. The 24-year-old quarterback completed 19 of 31 passes for 297 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions during the 23-22 overtime defeat.

For most of the afternoon, the Browns’ offense struggled to sustain momentum. Cleveland managed only three points across its first two goal-to-go possessions, with Sanders taking a sack on each opportunity. But the second half brought an explosive shift downfield. Sanders hit rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston on a 60-yard completion.

Trailing 9-6 in the fourth quarter, Sanders connected with fellow rookie KC Concepcion on a 64-yard touchdown pass to give Cleveland a 13-9 lead. Sanders’ two 60-yard throws doubled the amount Watson had in his first eight games.

I’m awfully proud of Shedeur. It had been 10 weeks since he really had reps with the (starters in practice). I was hopeful he would play because he had a great week of practice. I thought he battled and showed composure in the pocket. He made some plays with his feet. The operation for the most part was clean.

Todd Monken, head coach

Sanders later engineered a late drive resulting in Andre Szmyt’s 51-yard field goal with eight seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime. In the extra period, he connected with Harold Fannin Jr. on a 39-yard touchdown pass, though a game-winning two-point conversion attempt ultimately fell incomplete.

Why Todd Monken Refused to Name a Week 10 Starter

Despite an ESPN report indicating the Browns plan to return to Watson as QB1 against the Houston Texans, Monken told reporters he had not yet finalized his decision. The head coach explained that the offensive coaching staff had not yet met extensively to review the New Orleans film following the team’s return flight.

I really haven’t thought through it other than getting through this morning’s tape. I just got done meeting with the guys. They’ll flush the game and then we’ll have a chance to meet offensively more [extensively] later today. We went through the tape, immediately had to break, go to personnel, then the team comes in, and we haven’t had a chance to circle back as an offensive staff.

Todd Monken, head coach

Monken emphasized that his quarterback evaluation remains grounded in week-to-week preparation rather than injury status. Philosophically, he stated that a player does not lose or win a job due to injury, adding that the staff simply puts the best players on the field to win each game.

Where the Browns Stand in the AFC North Race

The 5-4 Browns have lost two straight games, sitting 1.5 games behind Pittsburgh and Cincinnati in the AFC North. Watson guided the team to its initial 5-3 record, relying heavily on five game-winning drives, while ranking as the ninth-worst total offense in the league.

As they prepare to play the Houston Texans at Huntington Bank Field, the Browns must decide how to improve their offense before their Week 11 bye. Monken maintained an optimistic outlook despite the recent skid, noting that the team remains in contention.

It’s all right there in front of us.

Todd Monken, head coach