Other commentators expressed stronger reservations about Sanders starting games.
“I am open to any idea that prevents me from watching Shedeur Sanders play quarterback on Sundays,” said Chris Fedor, Browns insider on 92.3 The Fan.
Fedor pointed out that Sanders' statistical debut was among the most inefficient historical performances in recent decades.
“He was statistically one of the worst quarterbacks that we’ve ever seen. He was terrible,” Fedor added.
Amid external criticism, Sanders stated his current objective remains centered on personal development and mastering the team's offensive system.
“I’m focused on developing as a player, doing everything, getting as comfortable as I can in the offense and the scheme, and playing with confidence,” Sanders said.
“That’s all I’m really looking for and trying to improve every day.”
Meanwhile, Watson enters the final year of his $230 million contract after injury-altered seasons, working with private specialists at the team facility to prepare.
“I'm trying to play a full season, man,” Watson said. “I'm just trying to be healthy so I can play all 17-plus games.
I don't know what's going to happen at that time.”
The final determination for the starting job will be settled on the field during training camp, where third-string quarterback Dillon Gabriel also remains a factor.
“This is the truest quarterback competition in the NFL,” said ESPN analyst Ryan Yates.
“What I mean by that is whoever performs best in training camp should be the week one starter.
There are other quarterback competitions where, if you have a young quarterback and he narrowly outperforms the veteran quarterback in training camp, I still would lean on the veteran early in the season to alleviate some of the pressure on a young player in Cleveland.
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Whether it’s Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, maybe even Dillon Gabriel, whichever one performed best in training camp should be on the field for that opening week.”
