New Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken blasted his ’embarrassing’ group of quarterbacks after practice on Wednesday.
Monken is overseeing a battle for the starting quarterback job between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, while Dillion Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green are taking backup reps.
The Browns held their second voluntary organized team activity practice of the offseason on Wednesday after Monken took over from Kevin Stefanski earlier this offseason,
But the 60-year-old former Ravens offensive coordinator cut a very frustrated figure when speaking to the media after watching a seemingly shocking practice.
‘We threw interceptions in 7-on-7 for God’s sakes. Who does that? There’s no pass rush. It was embarrassing,’ Monken said.
Despite that, Monken insisted both Watson and Sanders are doing well, and the only deadline the Browns’ first-year coach has in mind for naming a starter is by the September 13 opener at Jacksonville.
Todd Monken blasted his ’embarrassing’ group of quarterbacks after practice on Wednesday
Deshaun Watson (left) and Shedeur Sanders (right) are battling to be the Browns’ starting QB
‘Nothing’s really changed other than it’s a different day and you’re firing the same questions,’ Monken said. ‘I mean, we’re going to rotate those guys and play the best player, and we’ll see.’
Watson and Sanders both got plenty of snaps with the first team in 11-on-11 drills with scandalized Watson’s coming at the beginning and the divisive Sanders´ later.
Even though Monken isn’t tipping his hand on who might have the advantage after one month of offseason work, he has liked the progress both have made so far.
Watson, who missed last season after tearing his Achilles tendon twice, has gone 9-10 as Cleveland’s starter since being acquired from Houston in 2022. He has 19 touchdown passes, 12 interceptions and an 80.7 passer rating.
Monken, named Cleveland’s coach on January 28, lauded Watson’s athleticism despite multiple injuries. ‘I wouldn’t say it’s a surprise, but it’s exciting to see – it’s a weapon for him. It’s one of his superpowers, his athleticism,’ Monken said.
Watson connected on a deep ball with rookie Denzel Boston. The second-round pick made the catch in the end zone while being covered by Tyson Campbell and Ronnie Hickman.
Even though Watson’s future in Cleveland appeared to be bleak last year, Monken said he is giving everyone a clean slate.
‘I think it’s really cool that he still has an opportunity, with a chance, to showcase his ability and see where he’s at. I’m all for it,’ Monken said.
Watson, who missed last season after tearing his Achilles twice, has gone 9-10 since 2022
Sanders started the final seven games of his controversial rookie season last year, going 3-4
Sanders also got praise for his progress after an eventful rookie season. The fifth-round pick started the final seven games, going 3-4 with seven touchdown passes and 10 interceptions, while struggling at times with footwork and learning the playbook.
‘I think Shedeur’s come miles in terms of his progressions, getting the ball out, his understanding of concepts. I think he’s really, really come a long way,’ Monken said.
Despite a new head coach and defensive coordinator, Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett is not expected to be at any of the Browns’ practices until the mandatory minicamp begins on June 9.
Monken said he has not yet met face-to-face with Garrett, who set the NFL’s single-season sack record last year with 23.
