Chris Simms: “They don’t have a choice but to start Shedeur Sanders”
Former NFL QB says Browns are “cornered” into their starter.
While discussing new Browns Head Coach Todd Monken, PFT Live cohost Chris Simms spoke on the quarterback room in Cleveland. “This is a tough one.” Simms started. “I kind of think the Browns are kind of cornered. They don’t have a choice but to start Shedeur Sanders”
Simms went on to argue that outside noise will dictate the decision.
“I mean, we had people ready to pillage the city of Cleveland last year because they started Dillon Gabriel. I don’t think there’s any choice in this matter….I just feel like yeah, the public clamoring, the media, the social media, everything there. He did have some good moments.”
Chis isn’t wrong about there being some flashes.
But let’s not rewrite reality.
Yes, Shedeur Sanders technically made a Pro Bowl.
He also completed just 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
That’s not a quarterback that you’re “forced” to start.
The problem for Sanders (And Dillon Gabriel for that matter) is that Deshaun Watson is still on the roster. And while his massive $44.9 million Cap Hit isn’t going to guarantee him the job, his experience and talent should easily outperform the two Sophomore QBs.
As for the notion that Todd Monken is going to choose a starter based on what X and TikTok think is laughable.
Todd Monken is 60 years old and getting his first NFL Head Coaching opportunity. He’s not about to risk what easily could be his one and only shot at the helm, based on DogPoundGuy95.
If Monken thinks Shedeur Sanders is the best man for the job, he’ll start him. Simple as that.
Monken said as much at a recent press conference with Cleveland media.
“There’s enough there of all three.” Monken said of his quarterbacks. “I mean, I think we’d all be able to say that. Like I mean there’s enough there to really like Deshaun, the way he plays. And there’s enough there to really like the way Shedeur played at the back end of the year. And there’s enough early in the year from Dillon that is playing the position at a very high level…someone’s going to have to start off first and someone’s going to go second and someone’s going to go third and then we’ll be willing to switch that. That’s easy, ya know? On a daily basis what we see…just like any position that’s not set in stone.”
In other words, the Browns have a true quarterback competition this offseason.
A year ago, the Cleveland Quarterback room looked very different. The Browns entered the draft with Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, and Kenny Pickett all on the roster. The Browns left the draft adding Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
The five quarterback room was a laughing stock across the league until the Browns traded Kenny Pickett to the Raiders. Having said that, if the Browns want to run it back, Russell Wilson is still available.
My prediction is that Deshaun Watson wins the job. That thought gives me a wicked fantasy that Watson will play great and trap the Browns into giving him another massive contract, putting themselves right back into purgatory.
That fantasy isn’t to punish Browns fans; you’ve been through enough. Rather to punish Owner Jimmy Haslam for giving $230 Million fully guaranteed to a man accused by more than twenty-five women of sexual misconduct.
Enjoy purgatory, Jimmy.
Sorry, Browns fans.