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Cleveland’s quarterback race has reached the point where every opinion matters. As Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders push for QB1, former NFL MVP Kurt Warner has offered his verdict on the two signal-callers.
Recently, a fan on X asked NFL MVP Kurt Warner for his opinion on the Deshaun Watson–Shedeur Sanders quarterback battle, specifically questioning the difference in their footwork and whether Watson’s was better than Sanders’. Warner responded with a balanced answer.
“I am fully fine with both QBs’ footwork here! They both hold a good base and parallel shoulders… SS is hitting more in rhythm while DW comes to a stop as if waiting a tick bc he’s early, both techniques can be very effective & don’t cause me concern,” wrote Warner.
What Warner’s X post might have meant is that Sanders’ footwork stays perfectly close to the route, allowing him to release the ball the instant his final step hits.
For Deshaun Watson, the issue isn’t always arm talent. Analysts have long pointed out that, especially during his time with the Cleveland Browns, he often finishes his dropback a split second too early, instead of syncing his feet with the route and climbing the pocket.
Training camp begins on July 23, and the Browns will use it to determine who has the edge to start Week 1.
While Sanders’ rookie season was far from flawless, it showed enough promise to keep the conversation alive. In seven starts, he threw for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
Meanwhile, Watson owns one of the NFL’s lowest Total QBR ratings (33.1) among qualified passers since joining the Browns. On top of that, his injury-plagued stint has made him one of the league’s most inconsistent quarterbacks over the past five seasons.
Despite that, one insider believes Sanders still isn’t doing enough.
NFL insider warns Shedeur Sanders as Deshaun Watson gains momentum
Cleveland.com Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot believes Shedeur Sanders is gaining momentum rather quickly. However, Pro Football Network’s Mike Florio does not share the same sentiment, arguing that Sanders still has much more to do before earning the starting job.
“And I said to Shedeur, ‘You can’t win the job if this is how you’re going to approach these drills. You’ve got to put everything into it, or Watson is the guy who’s going to earn the job. And by the time that we go play, the decision will have been made,” said Mike Florio on NFL on NBC YouTube on July 15.
Mike Florio highlighted one offseason rep, praising Watson’s polished execution while questioning that of Sanders, saying his execution looked as though he wasn’t putting enough effort into the play.
The Cleveland Browns’ QB1 battle is one of the most intriguing competitions in the NFL, and as training camp approaches, it will be interesting to see who head coach Todd Monken chooses as his starting quarterback.
