Chance to lead the offense
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders will make his first start of the 2026 NFL season on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. Regular starter Deshaun Watson remains sidelined in the concussion protocol.
This starting role comes at an important moment for Cleveland. The Browns enter the game with a 5-3 record after dropping out of first place in the AFC North following a Week 8 road loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sanders made seven starts during his rookie season, finishing with a 3-4 record. Coach Todd Monken chose Watson as the starter back on Aug. 24 after a competitive training camp where both quarterbacks split practice reps.
Faster throws and cutting sacks
Sanders struggled with holding the ball as a rookie. In 2025, he averaged 3.24 seconds to throw, which was the slowest average among 38 quarterbacks who made at least six starts. During the preseason this year, he brought that average down to 3.10 seconds over 25 dropbacks across two games.
Quick passes could assist a Cleveland offense that ranks 29th in the league with only 17.4 points per game. The Browns already have 1,019 yards after the catch this season, which ranks fifth in the NFL. Releasing the ball quicker also protects against sacks. Watson has been sacked 33 times this season, the highest total in the league.
Avoiding mistakes and penalties
Turnover control remains a priority for Sanders. From Weeks 11 to 18 last season, Sanders threw 10 interceptions, leading all quarterbacks in the league during that period. He also had four dropped interceptions over those same weeks. By comparison, Watson has thrown three interceptions this year, though he leads all quarterbacks with seven fumbles, losing three of them.
Sanders must also manage pre snap responsibilities inside the loud Caesars Superdome. Cleveland has accumulated five delay of game penalties and five illegal formation penalties through eight games. Offensive coordinator Travis Switzer said Sanders has shown great growth in leading the offense and taking command since arriving in Cleveland.
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