Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders will finally make his first NFL start of the 2026 season, taking the field against the New Orleans Saints. The move comes as Deshaun Watson remains in the co-starting arrangement, allowing Sanders to step into the primary role. Head coach Todd Monken expressed palpable excitement for the moment, noting that Sanders has earned the opportunity through rigorous preparation. “I’m fired up, I’m fired up to see him play… this is what he’s wanted, right? He wants to be a starting quarterback in the NFL, let’s go, let’s let it rip,” Monken said in comments shared by FOX Sports.
Browns coach promises collective execution as rookie QB makes first NFL start against Saints
Despite the high-profile debut, Monken emphasized that the Browns will not overhaul their offensive scheme to accommodate the rookie. Instead, the focus remains on sound decision-making and elite blocking to protect Sanders. The coach stressed that success is a collective effort, stating, “This isn’t a Shedeur thing. We gotta play collectively well together and help the quarterback out.” With Cleveland currently holding a 5–3 record, the team aims to leverage its existing structure while providing the necessary support for its young signal-caller to thrive.
Sanders has limited his exposure to date, completing all three of his attempts for two yards in backup action. As he transitions to a full starting workload, the emphasis shifts to how the surrounding personnel execute around him. Monken’s comments signal a clear directive: the offense must function as a cohesive unit, prioritizing protection and precise play-calling to maximize Sanders’ potential. The upcoming matchup against New Orleans serves as the critical test for this collaborative approach, with the Browns looking to maintain their momentum while giving their future franchise quarterback a genuine shot at the top job.
Source: Yahoo Sports
