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The problem is, it is hard enough to get ready for the start of a season with a QB battle between two players. It is insurmountable to have it be between 3 players, I don't even want to think about 4...

Monken went off of the information he had, which was the 2025 season tape. Based on that tape, Sanders had more traits of a successful QB, even if his stats said otherwise. The most important having a 42.9% winning percentage to Gabriel's 16.7% winning percentage with the exact same team. With Watson out of the picture, it was only natural based on the information given that the competition would be between Sanders and Watson.

Once pads go on, it is easier to see exactly where each player is TODAY. It is very realistic that Gabriel is further ahead than the group and should receive more attention leading up to the first preseason game. It muddy's the water, but who cares? If Gabriel gives the team the best chance to win, especially for what Monken is trying to accomplish, then he should be the guy.

Tez Johnson was Oregon's number-one wide receiver in 2024, leading the team with 83 receptions for 898 receiving yards.

Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson was selected in the seventh round (235th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.


Say what? Gabriel had a decent OL that managed to protect him most of the time. Is that what you call an "abundance of talent"?

A little misleading.. he also had a second round TE in Terrance Ferguson in 2025 draft and the top TE in the first round of the 2026 draft, Kenyon Sadiq. He also had Jordan James who had over 1200 yards rushing and over 200 yards receiving. He didn't do it all by himself.

But, I agree with your point that he elevates that talent, he doesn't rely on it. At least at Oregon..

I would love to see him with the current stable of talent that was added. I am not opposed to Gabriel, I just haven't seen anything to date that gets me excited.

Yes he did also have a great TE in each of his last two seasons to compliment his WR's and they had a very good running game. But when you have a great passing game it helps open up the running game and vice versa.


I think that could be said of all the QB's on the roster. Sanders looked more exciting but was a turnover machine while Gabriel was less exciting but secured the ball. In actuality one faced tougher opposing defenses and neither had a good OL or running game.

I'm sure that with a better running game and on improved OL both should show more than we saw last season. How much more is anyone's guess at this point.

Sanders showed EXACTLY what he did in college, he held the ball, waited for Hunter to get open and thru it up-- I don't like Sanders long term because he holds the ball/ is it slow processing speed?, he "shined" when D let him out of pocket/ he survived initial push- I prefer Watson for several reasons- ONE- our dumb organization GUARANTEED his salary- so the employee get paid no matter what- DUMB, if healthy he's been Pro Bowler- get a return. TWO- he has WAY more experience and should be better- Lastly, if/once/ out of playoff contention, play the younger QBs- to prepare for next year and our seemingly endless drafting of QBs.....Go Browns.

PS- just saw article on injuries in SF and interest in Juedy.....I'm liking Bond, KC, and Boston-- save money, give Juedy an new home for some draft capital.

The FO has clearly set the team up to be in position to draft a QB high in next year's draft. The 2026 season is an opportunity for QB's currently on the roster to change their mind with their play and win totals. I think it will be a very tall order for any of them to change Andrew Berry's mind and decision making about next year. Monken has no history with DeShaun Watson, and he is giving Watson a legitimate chance to be his starter and prove he still has the ability that he once had and no shown in his time in Cleveland so far.

He also seems to want to see what he has in Sanders. If not, Watson does Sanders have the ability to be long term franchise QB. Just like Watson it is a long shot, but he is giving him a legitimate opportunity.

As far as Dillon Gabriel even though I think he has no future the Front Office really likes him and he was drafted in the 3rd round to be a long-term backup QB and his spot on the roster seems fairly secured in that role. If he gets a shot to start it will mean the top draft pick next year will be a QB. That is why Monken is splitting the 1st team reps at this point between Sanders and Watson and Gabriel has been worked 11 on 11 predominantly with the 3rd team with occasional 1st team reps in 7 on 7 drills.

Looks like Green they will try to put on practice squad. He is getting very limited reps and unless someone above him gets moved he will not be on the 53-man roster.

To say Watson has no chance to be on the team I do not think the door is closed just yet. If it was closed his practice reps would be much much lower. Just winning the starter role will not automatically mean he will be back in 2027 he will need to play really well like pro bowl level, or the Browns will cut ties with him as planned after the season. Much the same I think the same will go for Sanders. He has to not only win the job he will have to show pro bowl level ability and not just get named to pro bowl to be on the team in 2027. Dillon Gabriel being a 3rd round pick I think is not really in the starter competition right now or long-term franchise QB discussion, but I think from what I am hearing he will be back because the team's plan for him is long term back up.

More than likely the Browns QB room in 2027 will be 1st round draft pick / Dillon Gabriel / Green or another developmental QB. Watson or Sanders only chance is to win the spot currently viewed as next year's draft pick and will have to have a legit pro bowl season for that to happen.

That post literally hurts my eyes. Reading the whole thing would likely give me an ocular migraine. Follow the Bone method of posting or at least create some paragraphs. You have valuable insight, don't ruin it by pouring out a big mass of characters on our screens.

Hate to be that guy, but geeesh. 😬

Amen to all of that. As far as the part I bolded, I couldn't agree more. I know others will disagree, and although it may be unconventional, Watson would be getting the fewest reps if I were in charge.

We know what he is. He's likely the best fit to be the starter. We need to make sure he understands the offensive scheme as it materializes and that's about it.

The other two? I think there is a future for Gabriel as a solid back-up in this league. He's accurate, he has a strong arm and he limits mistakes. That's the cornerstone of what you want in a backup. He'll need a shot or two as starter before it sinks in and he embraces the role. I have no idea what to think of Shedeur. He put his head down and worked all offseason and from the perspective of most experts, that paid zero dividends. He may still have a puncher's chance so he'll need to outplay Gabriel for the #2 slot.

Let Watson start the season. Unless he's lightning in a bottle, the second he has a hangnail I'm benching him. Then I can see what I have before I progress towards QB room rebuild #339.

just my .02

Anyone taking -130 on the Browns over 5.5 wins?

I'm thinking about it......

Anyone taking -130 on the Browns over 5.5 wins?

I'm thinking about it......

I might consider it, but at about 3-6 is where these team may stop "trying real hard" to win games. (Just picking an arbitrary record for the first half that would indicate that we're losers.) That said, it doesn't look like a real tough schedule.

Unless we come out of the gate looking great or terrible, I would think those odds would hold up long enough to get your eyeballs on the team before placing a wager. That would be my move.

I don't bet, but if I did I think I would definitely be on that. (bear in mind that there's a reason I don't bet......)