The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition took a sharp turn during Wednesday’s OTAs, when head coach Todd Monken publicly criticized his signal-callers for throwing “embarrassing” interceptions in 7-on-7 drills—despite the absence of pass rush. The outburst came as the team’s four quarterbacks—Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and rookie Taylen Green—competed for reps in a revamped practice structure designed to maximize development. Monken’s frustration underscores the high stakes of defining a starter before mandatory minicamp in June, where the Browns will have just 10 days to settle on their QB depth chart.
Monken’s Unfiltered Frustration: The Interception Problem
Monken’s blunt assessment—”We threw interceptions in 7-on-7 for God’s sakes. Who does that? There’s no pass rush. It was embarrassing”—cut to the heart of the Browns’ offensive struggles. According to NBC Sports, the coach’s frustration wasn’t just about the turnovers themselves but the lack of accountability in a practice environment where the only pressure should be self-imposed. The comment reveals a deeper tension: Monken’s insistence on precision in OTAs suggests he views these sessions as more than just a warm-up—they’re a microcosm of the regular season, where mistakes can’t be hidden behind excuses like “no pass rush.”
The Browns’ four quarterbacks—Watson, Sanders, Gabriel, and Green—are all competing for the starting job, with Monken publicly stating he hopes to name a starter by the end of spring. Yet despite the competition, there’s no clear frontrunner. “There is not one quarterback who is ahead in the competition at this point,” Monken told reporters, emphasizing the team’s commitment to evaluating all options.
This approach mirrors the Browns’ 2025 offseason strategy, where they prioritized depth over rushing decisions. However, the interception issue forces a reckoning: if QBs can’t execute in practice without defensive pressure, how will they perform in games? The Browns currently sit at 11-6 in the AFC North with a two-game lead over the Steelers, but their playoff hopes hinge on QB stability. With the division crown and a potential first-round bye on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Deshaun Watson, the incumbent starter, enters OTAs coming off a 2024 season where he threw 14 interceptions in 11 games before a season-ending knee injury. His return status remains uncertain, with team doctors evaluating his recovery progress. Watson told reporters earlier this month that he’s “feeling good” but acknowledged “there’s still work to do.” The next evaluation is scheduled for May 20, with a potential return to full practice activity in late May pending clearance.
Shedeur Sanders, the 2024 third-round pick, has shown flashes of potential in limited action but has struggled with turnovers in college and preseason play. His role in the competition is to prove he can be a reliable option behind Watson. Dillon Gabriel, the 2023 fifth-round pick, has been the most consistent in limited opportunities but lacks the arm talent to be a long-term solution. Rookie Taylen Green, the 2025 first-round pick, has been the most protected in practice but has yet to prove he can avoid mistakes under pressure.
Monken’s frustration extends beyond the QBs to the offensive line, which has been a persistent issue for the Browns. “We’ve got to get better as a unit,” he said. “The offensive line has to hold up better, and that starts with the quarterback making the right reads.” The Browns’ O-line has allowed the third-most sacks in the NFL over the past two seasons, and if Watson returns at less than full strength, that pressure could be exacerbated.
In the AFC North, the Browns’ division lead gives them home-field advantage in a potential playoff showdown with the Steelers or Ravens. However, their playoff seed is still up for grabs, with the division winner securing the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye. The Browns’ next game is the Week 1 matchup against the Ravens on September 8, where they’ll need a stable QB to maintain their lead.
Monken’s Unfiltered Frustration: The Interception Problem
The Browns’ four quarterbacks—Watson, Sanders, Gabriel, and Green—are all competing for the starting job, with Monken publicly stating he hopes to name a starter by the end of spring. Yet despite the competition, there’s no clear frontrunner. “There is not one quarterback who is ahead in the competition at this point,” Monken told reporters, emphasizing the team’s commitment to evaluating all options. This approach mirrors the Browns’ 2025 offseason strategy, where they prioritized depth over rushing decisions.
The interception issue forces a reckoning: if QBs can’t execute in practice without defensive pressure, how will they perform in games? The Browns currently sit at 11-6 in the AFC North with a two-game lead over the Steelers, but their playoff hopes hinge on QB stability. With the division crown and a potential first-round bye on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Deshaun Watson, the incumbent starter, enters OTAs coming off a 2024 season where he threw 14 interceptions in 11 games before a season-ending knee injury. His return status remains uncertain, with team doctors evaluating his recovery progress. Watson told reporters earlier this month that he’s “feeling good” but acknowledged “there’s still work to do.” The next evaluation is scheduled for May 20, with a potential return to full practice activity in late May pending clearance.
Shedeur Sanders, the 2024 third-round pick, has shown flashes of potential in limited action but has struggled with turnovers in college and preseason play. His role in the competition is to prove he can be a reliable option behind Watson. Dillon Gabriel, the 2023 fifth-round pick, has been the most consistent in limited opportunities but lacks the arm talent to be a long-term solution. Rookie Taylen Green, the 2025 first-round pick, has been the most protected in practice but has yet to prove he can avoid mistakes under pressure.
Monken’s frustration extends beyond the QBs to the offensive line, which has been a persistent issue for the Browns. “We’ve got to get better as a unit,” he said. “The offensive line has to hold up better, and that starts with the quarterback making the right reads.” The Browns’ O-line has allowed the third-most sacks in the NFL over the past two seasons, and if Watson returns at less than full strength, that pressure could be exacerbated.
In the AFC North, the Browns’ division lead gives them home-field advantage in a potential playoff showdown with the Steelers or Ravens. However, their playoff seed is still up for grabs, with the division winner securing the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye. The Browns’ next game is the Week 1 matchup against the Ravens on September 8, where they’ll need a stable QB to maintain their lead.
Monken’s comments come as the Browns prepare for their next OTAs on Friday, where they’ll continue the two-spotting drills. The team’s next evaluation window for Watson is May 20, and if he’s cleared, he could begin throwing live in early June. The Browns’ mandatory minicamp begins on June 9, where Monken has said he hopes to have a clear QB depth chart in place.
For Watson, the stakes are personal. His contract is set to expire after the 2025 season, and his performance in OTAs could determine whether he earns a long-term deal or becomes a trade chip. Sanders, meanwhile, is on a rookie contract with a team-friendly deal, giving him little leverage in the competition. Gabriel and Green are both on project contracts, with Green’s first-round status giving him the most upside but also the most pressure.
The Browns’ QB situation is far from settled, and Monken’s frustration suggests he’s not willing to accept mediocrity. With just 10 OTAs left before mandatory minicamp, the team will need to make a decision soon. If the interceptions continue at Wednesday’s pace, the Browns may need to extend OTAs—or at least adjust their expectations for who can be ready by Week 1.
OTAs Redesigned: Two-Spotting and the Quest for Reps
The Browns’ OTAs this year have taken on a different rhythm than in past seasons. Monken has restructured practice to include more “two-spotting”—a method where quarterbacks split into groups and rotate through drills simultaneously. This approach, detailed in the team’s official notes from Wednesday’s session, allows for more reps while slowing the tempo, giving younger players like Green and Sanders additional opportunities to develop without the intensity of full-speed scrimmages.
“The start of practice being more of a jog-through allows you to buy some reps and allows you to do more two-spotting. The more you slow the tempo down, the more you can divide your guys up, and that allows you to get more opportunity for guys to learn and develop. So that’s an integral part of what we’ll do now and as long as I’m here.”
Todd Monken, Cleveland Browns head coach, via Cleveland Browns official website.
On Wednesday, the Browns used this two-spotting approach in both 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 drills. Watson and Gabriel worked one side of the field, while Sanders and Green handled the other. Later, Watson and Sanders took turns with Gabriel and Green, ensuring every QB got meaningful reps. The strategy isn’t just about volume—it’s about controlled development. Monken’s emphasis on “learning and developing” suggests he’s more concerned with fundamentals than flashy plays, at least in these early sessions.
Yet even with this structured approach, the interceptions persist. The contrast between Monken’s frustration and the team’s methodical practice plan highlights a paradox: the Browns are trying to build their QBs through repetition, but the mistakes keep surfacing. It’s a reminder that OTAs, for all their controlled environments, are still just practice—and real games will demand a higher level of execution.
The Browns’ offensive line has also been a focal point in OTAs, with Monken emphasizing the need for improvement. “We’ve got to get better as a unit,” he said. “The offensive line has to hold up better, and that starts with the quarterback making the right reads.” The Browns’ O-line has allowed the third-most sacks in the NFL over the past two seasons, and if Watson returns at less than full strength, that pressure could be exacerbated.
In the AFC North, the Browns’ division lead gives them home-field advantage in a potential playoff showdown with the Steelers or Ravens. However, their playoff seed is still up for grabs, with the division winner securing the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye. The Browns’ next game is the Week 1 matchup against the Ravens on September 8, where they’ll need a stable QB to maintain their lead.
Monken’s comments come as the Browns prepare for their next OTAs on Friday, where they’ll continue the two-spotting drills. The team’s next evaluation window for Watson is May 20, and if he’s cleared, he could begin throwing live in early June. The Browns’ mandatory minicamp begins on June 9, where Monken has said he hopes to have a clear QB depth chart in place.
The Highlight That Didn’t Fix the Problem
Amid the turnover concerns, one play stood out as a bright spot: Deshaun Watson’s deep touchdown pass to rookie WR Denzel Boston during a 7-on-7 drill. The connection—Watson finding Boston in the end zone—was exactly the kind of play Monken praised. “That was awesome, wasn’t it? Wasn’t that cool? I mean, I know I’m an offensive head coach, but you get a draft pick and it’s on one of the most talented guys in the league. So, it’s encouraging, right? That’s what you want to see. You want to see your guys, especially some of your younger draft picks, make some of those plays.”
“That was awesome, wasn’t it? Wasn’t that cool? I mean, I know I’m an offensive head coach, but you get a draft pick and it’s on one of the most talented guys in the league. So, it’s encouraging, right? That’s what you want to see. You want to see your guys, especially some of your younger draft picks, make some of those plays.”
Todd Monken, Cleveland Browns head coach, via Cleveland Browns official website.
The play was a rare moment of confidence in an otherwise shaky QB group. Boston, the Browns’ second-round pick, has been a bright spot in Cleveland’s rookie class, and his ability to make big plays in practice suggests he could be a key weapon for whoever wins the starting job. Yet even this highlight didn’t overshadow the underlying issue: if Watson—one of the NFL’s most experienced QBs—can’t eliminate turnovers in practice, how will the Browns’ offense function when the stakes are higher?
Boston’s performance in OTAs has been a positive sign for the Browns’ offense. The rookie has shown the ability to make contested catches and create separation, traits that could make him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. His connection with Watson on Wednesday was a reminder of the potential the Browns have on offense, but it also highlighted the need for a QB who can consistently execute.
The Browns’ next OTAs are on Friday, where they’ll continue to evaluate their QBs in a controlled environment. The team’s next evaluation window for Watson is May 20, and if he’s cleared, he could begin throwing live in early June. The Browns’ mandatory minicamp begins on June 9, where Monken has said he hopes to have a clear QB depth chart in place.
For Watson, the stakes are personal. His contract is set to expire after the 2025 season, and his performance in OTAs could determine whether he earns a long-term deal or becomes a trade chip. Sanders, meanwhile, is on a rookie contract with a team-friendly deal, giving him little leverage in the competition. Gabriel and Green are both on project contracts, with Green’s first-round status giving him the most upside but also the most pressure.
The Browns’ QB situation is far from settled, and Monken’s frustration suggests he’s not willing to accept mediocrity. With just 10 OTAs left before mandatory minicamp, the team will need to make a decision soon. If the interceptions continue at Wednesday’s pace, the Browns may need to extend OTAs—or at least adjust their expectations for who can be ready by Week 1.
The Tracker and the Truth: Measuring What Matters
The Browns’ QB competition is being closely watched, not just by fans but by data-driven analysts. The ESPN Cleveland QB Tracker, a tool that records every pass thrown in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills, has become a barometer for how the Browns’ QBs are performing. The tracker, which debuted last season, grades every throw—completion, interception, or otherwise—and provides an “unbiased” statistical account of how each QB is faring.
For Monken, this data is likely a double-edged sword. On one hand, it offers hard evidence of who’s throwing well and who’s struggling. On the other, it exposes the Browns’ QBs’ inability to execute without mistakes—a problem that’s been apparent in OTAs but now has a quantifiable edge. The tracker’s relevance lies in its focus on the most elemental act of a quarterback: delivering the ball accurately. If a QB can’t do that in practice, the odds of success in games drop significantly.
The tracker’s creators—a committee of media members and producers—emphasize that it’s not just about flashy plays but the fundamentals. Every throw is recorded, reviewed, and graded, giving Monken and the Browns’ coaching staff a clear picture of who’s improving and who’s stagnating. With just 10 OTAs before mandatory minicamp, every rep counts. And if the tracker shows that interceptions remain a persistent issue, Monken’s frustration may only grow.
The Browns’ current standing in the AFC North gives them a two-game lead over the Steelers, but their playoff seed is still up for grabs. The division winner will secure the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye, which could be crucial in a potential playoff run. The Browns’ next game is the Week 1 matchup against the Ravens on September 8, where they’ll need a stable QB to maintain their lead.
Monken’s comments come as the Browns prepare for their next OTAs on Friday, where they’ll continue to evaluate their QBs in a controlled environment. The team’s next evaluation window for Watson is May 20, and if he’s cleared, he could begin throwing live in early June. The Browns’ mandatory minicamp begins on June 9, where Monken has said he hopes to have a clear QB depth chart in place.
For Watson, the stakes are personal. His contract is set to expire after the 2025 season, and his performance in OTAs could determine whether he earns a long-term deal or becomes a trade chip. Sanders, meanwhile, is on a rookie contract with a team-friendly deal, giving him little leverage in the competition. Gabriel and Green are both on project contracts, with Green’s first-round status giving him the most upside but also the most pressure.
The Browns’ QB situation is far from settled, and Monken’s frustration suggests he’s not willing to accept mediocrity. With just 10 OTAs left before mandatory minicamp, the team will need to make a decision soon. If the interceptions continue at Wednesday’s pace, the Browns may need to extend OTAs—or at least adjust their expectations for who can be ready by Week 1.
What Comes Next: The Clock Is Ticking
The Browns have 10 OTAs left before mandatory minicamp begins on June 9. That’s roughly three weeks to evaluate four quarterbacks and decide who will start the season. Monken has said he hopes to have his QB depth chart defined by then, but the interception issue complicates that timeline. If the turnovers continue at Wednesday’s pace, the Browns may need to extend OTAs—or at least adjust their expectations for who can be ready by Week 1.
The bigger question is whether Monken’s frustration will translate into a coaching adjustment. Will he pull one of the QBs from reps to focus on fundamentals? Will he bring in more pass-rush simulations to force better decision-making? Or will he stick with the current approach, hoping that more reps will eventually lead to fewer mistakes?
One thing is clear: the Browns’ QB situation is far from settled. With Watson, Sanders, Gabriel, and Green all vying for the job, Monken’s patience may be tested. But if Wednesday’s OTAs are any indication, the team still has work to do before they can declare a starter—or even decide who’s worthy of the title.
The next three weeks will be critical. The Browns can’t afford to repeat the mistakes of last season, when their QB competition dragged on into training camp and left the team scrambling to find answers. This year, the clock is ticking—and the pressure is on.
The Browns’ current standing in the AFC North gives them a two-game lead over the Steelers, but their playoff seed is still up for grabs. The division winner will secure the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye, which could be crucial in a potential playoff run. The Browns’ next game is the Week 1 matchup against the Ravens on September 8, where they’ll need a stable QB to maintain their lead.
For Watson, the stakes are personal. His contract is set to expire after the 2025 season, and his performance in OTAs could determine whether he earns a long-term deal or becomes a trade chip. Sanders, meanwhile, is on a rookie contract with a team-friendly deal, giving him little leverage in the competition. Gabriel and Green are both on project contracts, with Green’s first-round status giving him the most upside but also the most pressure.
The Browns’ QB situation is far from settled, and Monken’s frustration suggests he’s not willing to accept mediocrity. With just 10 OTAs left before mandatory minicamp, the team will need to make a decision soon. If the interceptions continue at Wednesday’s pace, the Browns may need to extend OTAs—or at least adjust their expectations for who can be ready by Week 1.
