Shedeur Sanders states case as Browns starter: Instant analysis, grade

Shedeur Sanders was given the chance to compete for the starting quarterback position with the Cleveland Browns during their preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. After serving as the team's backup in the first encounter, he was provided the opportunity to start. Sanders proved to be a strong performer in his extended appearance, displaying a strong grasp of Cleveland's offense, which could potentially give him a legitimate shot at challenging Deshaun Watson, who is seen as the slight favorite in the competition. Here's a detailed examination of Sanders' performance, along with an evaluation of his play.

Sanders demonstrated significant improvement in his second preseason outing against the Bills. As a rookie, one of the criticisms of Sanders was that he didn't appear comfortable in the pocket, often opting to run backward when pressured, which led to some unflattering sacks. However, through these two preseason games, Sanders has shown marked improvement in his ability to operate out of the pocket.

During his outing against the Bills, he displayed a willingness to withstand pressure and, most importantly, step up and make accurate throws under pressure. As a result of this change in behavior, Sanders managed to avoid negative plays, showcasing excellent timing, field reading, and command of Todd Monken's offense. His rhythm throughout the contest was impeccable, with his passing capabilities standing out.

However, there was one negative aspect of Sanders' outing - an interception late in the second quarter. He had a moment to connect with Jermaine Terry, but he placed the throw slightly behind the rookie tight end. Despite this, Sanders' decision-making and accuracy were commendable, making this a promising performance for the Browns' quarterback.

Whether this would be enough to tip the scales in Sanders' favor over Watson remains to be seen, but Sanders' performance certainly keeps him in the tight race for the starting position as Monken's decision approaches.