As the Cleveland Browns gear up for their 2026 season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 14, the quarterback situation remains the hottest topic in Northeast Ohio. Head coach Todd Monken's decision to name veteran Deshaun Watson the starter over second-year signal-caller Shedeur Sanders has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. But according to Browns legend Joel Bitonio, the choice was clear—and it comes down to a fundamental aspect of Sanders' game that still needs refinement.
Bitonio's Insider Perspective on Sanders' Development
Bitonio, a seven-time Pro Bowl guard who retired after 13 seasons with the Browns, recently shared his insights on The Bearded Browns Podcast. Having witnessed Sanders' growth firsthand—both in practice and in games—Bitonio offered a candid assessment of what the young quarterback must improve. "I thought we saw in the preseason his development from last year," Bitonio said. "But if you look at the little things, like time to throw and pocket awareness... there's a little bit of just anticipation and time to throw."
Bitonio's critique centers on Sanders' tendency to hold the ball too long, a habit that was masked in preseason games against second-team defenses. "As a lineman, it sucks, but if you're taking over three seconds to throw in the league, like, I don't care if you have five Joe Thomases in front of you. It is tough to handle," he explained. The numbers back this up: on one preseason play, Sanders had a whopping 6.2 seconds in a clean pocket—an eternity in the NFL, where four seconds is already considered generous.
The Developmental Gap and Monken's Gamble
Monken's decision to start Watson, who has three Pro Bowls and a 2017 NFL debut, over Sanders—who started seven games as a rookie in 2025—reflects a win-now mentality. As Bitonio noted, "Coach Todd Monken is trying to win as many games as possible. And at this current position, he thinks Deshaun Watson is going to get as many wins as possible for him. This might be his only chance to be a head coach in the NFL."
But the choice isn't just about experience. Bitonio emphasized that Sanders, despite his immense talent, is still a developmental project. "I think that anytime Shedeur can take a step back and continue to learn and continue to process... It's great for him," he said. The Browns' offense in practice faces one of the league's top defenses, featuring stars like Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell, which provides a rigorous learning environment. Yet, the gap between practice and live-game speed remains a hurdle.
Sanders' Fanbase and the Pressure to Perform
Sanders has cultivated a massive following that transcends Cleveland, much like Peyton Manning's college fans followed him to the NFL. His supporters see a generational talent—a blend of Tom Brady, Michael Vick, and Johnny Unitas—and question why the coaching staff doesn't share their enthusiasm. However, Bitonio's perspective, grounded in years of on-field experience, suggests that patience is key. "He's continued to develop. I think they've shown good signs," he said of Sanders and fellow young QB Dillon Gabriel.
As the Browns prepare for their season opener, all eyes will be on Watson to deliver. But the shadow of Sanders looms large. If Watson struggles, the chorus for the young quarterback will only grow louder. For now, Sanders must refine his anticipation and decision-making—areas that Bitonio believes are crucial for long-term success. Whether he gets his chance this season or later, the lessons from a Browns legend could be the catalyst for his evolution into an elite NFL passer.
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