Shedeur Sanders Hyped as 'Game-Changer' by Browns WR, HC Sidesteps QB1 Questions After Loss

Shedeur Sanders' first start of the 2026 season ended with an overtime loss, but the Cleveland Browns' second-year quarterback still put together a tremendous showing against the New Orleans Saints.

Sanders, filling in for the concussed Deshaun Watson, threw for 297 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 19-of-31 passing. One of his touchdowns was a 64-yard pass to wide receiver KC Concepcion, who called Sanders a "game changer."

"He's always confident," Concepcion told reporters. "He makes everyone want to play up to his level of competition by just seeing how confident he is out there."

Head coach Todd Monken was asked whether Sanders will be considered to be the starting quarterback after his strong showing, but he wasn't willing to give an answer just yet.

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Watson won the quarterback competition coming into the season and has put together a strong year, throwing for 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions. The Browns were 5-3 with him as the starter.

Still, Sanders' performance on Sunday gives the Browns' coaching staff something to consider as they evaluate how things will look the rest of the way.