The Cleveland Browns will turn to Shedeur Sanders at quarterback when they take on the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. With Deshaun Watson still in concussion protocol, it was announced Friday that Sanders will make his first start of the 2026 season. Head coach Todd Monken, whose Browns have started better than expected, will turn to the sophomore quarterback.
For the Browns, this could be a massive opportunity for him to provide a spark to an offense that struggled last week against the Steelers. They were held to just six points in a 27-6 Week 8 loss and will need a much better performance if they want to stay on the right track.
Shedeur Sanders Has a Chance to Prove Himself
Sanders Can Bring a Fresh Start
He has only appeared in two games this season, completing all three of his pass attempts for two yards. Those numbers do not tell us much about what he can do with a full game built around him. This will be a completely different opportunity to prove his skill set.
The second-year quarterback had worked with the first-team offense in offseason camp and has continued taking extra reps after practice this year. This week, he was back working with the starters, with Watson being unable to fully practice. This could allow him to settle into the game early and play with more confidence.
The team doesn’t need him to become the next franchise quarterback from one game. All they will need is him to make smart decisions, protect the football, and most importantly, keep Cleveland’s offense moving.
Cleveland Has Weapons Around Him
The biggest advantage for Sanders is that he has talent surrounding him.
Harold Fannin Jr. is emerging as one of the team’s biggest offensive threats, after coming off a career performance against Pittsburgh last week. He finished that game with 10 catches for 154 yards, giving Sanders a dangerous option in the passing game.
KC Concepcion has also become an important part of Cleveland’s offense as of late, and he will be looking to continue his hot streak going into New Orleans, still searching for the first NFL touchdown of his career.
The offensive line remains a concern, but getting the ball out quickly and making good decisions can help avoid difficult situations.
The Numbers Show Why Cleveland Needs a Spark
Cleveland’s offense has struggled to turn production into points this season. With total yards gained at 2,415 and averaging 17.4 points per game, which ranks them near the bottom of the NFL through the first eight games this year.
This opportunity could make it even more important for the offense, as they have been the slowest starting team in all of the NFL.
With a new look at quarterback for Week 9, the offense definitely needs something to change, as they haven’t scored a touchdown in the first quarter this year.
The Last Word
This is a much-anticipated moment for Browns fans, as he lost the starting quarterback competition to Watson before the season, but now has a golden opportunity to show what he can do this year.
If he can make smart decisions under center, get the ball into the playmakers’ hands, and avoid the mistakes we have seen in the past. Sanders could provide new life to Cleveland’s offense.
It will be exciting to see what is in store for Sanders, as we have not seen a full 60-minute game with him this year. If he can find a spark in the offense this week, the Browns could have another quarterback decision to make for the future.
Image credit: Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
