Even though head coach Todd Monken will make the final decision on who the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback will be this season, there are several people who will have input into the evaluation. Among the most important is quarterback coach Mike Bajakian.
His position group of Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and Tyler Green has been overwhelmed at times during training camp by the Browns’ elite defense. For example, the QBs have thrown 17 interceptions in the first nine practices, including in some 7-on-7 drills.
While it may be hard to find a silver lining, the Browns QB coach recently gave a candid assessment of Sanders’ progress, saying the second-year pro is “doing a good job.”
“Shedeur is putting in the time, he’s studying. He’s working physically. He’s done a good job of taking care of the ball. He’s continued where he’s left off in regards to the little things about technique, footwork, with body position. He’s doing a good job,” Bajakian said.
Browns QB coach Mike Bajakian on Shedeur Sanders’ development. pic.twitter.com/s1erGqrSl2
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) August 8, 2026
That is far from a ringing endorsement, but at this point, the Browns will take what they can get. Sanders was thought to be trailing Watson in the battle to become Cleveland’s starter until the final stages of minicamps, when he had closed the gap enough to extend the competition into training camp.
Since then, Watson has been unable to pull away, but Sanders has also been unable to overtake him. It seems like Gabriel has made up the most ground over the past two weeks, but he remains a long shot to be anything more than a backup this season.
Heading into practice on Saturday, Sanders had thrown the fewest interceptions among the three, with just four in 179 attempts. Unfortunately, he had thrown one in each of the previous three practices.
Watson has thrown eight interceptions, but he also leads the group with 12 TD passes in his 185 attempts. Gabriel, who was thought to be the least mistake-prone, has five interceptions in his 86 attempts, mostly against the second and third string.
Sanders was expected to get the first-team reps on Saturday, continuing Monken’s process of alternating between him and Watson from practice to practice. However, reports say that did not turn out to be the case, with Watson getting those snaps for a second straight day.
It may be significant, or it may turn out to be nothing at all, as the Browns’ QB competition continues to move along.
NEXT: Key Browns Player Leaves Practice Early On Saturday
