Shedeur Sanders Ignites QB Battle Between Flacco & Watson | NFL Wires

Shedeur Sanders Ignites QB Battle Between Flacco & Watson | NFL Wires

Rookie Shedeur Sanders’ strong play has fueled a behind‑the‑scenes competition between veteran QBs Joe Flacco and Deshaun Watson in Cleveland. Discover how his unexpected rise is reshaping the Browns’ QB room. | NFL Wires

Introduction: Rookie Impact Beyond Expectations

Shedeur Sanders, selected in the 5th round of the 2025 NFL Draft, has done more than just compete for a starting job with the Cleveland Browns—he’s ignited an unexpected quarterback showdown. His precocious play and attitude have thrust veterans Joe Flacco and Deshaun Watson into an internal tussle for influence, redefining the dynamics of the QB room.

Flacco’s Quiet Resurgence

Despite being viewed as a stopgap, Flacco has seen his standing rise. His consistent leadership through work habits and execution under pressure has reaffirmed his reliability. Known as the “Comeback Player of the Year”, Flacco is drawing respect from teammates and coaching staff, slipping quietly into a leadership role as Sanders makes waves.

Watson’s Mentorship and Missed Field Time

Meanwhile, sidelined with a second Achilles injury, Deshaun Watson has pivoted to mentoring. He's taken Sanders and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel under his wing, offering guidance on playbook comprehension and game prep through meetings and walkthroughs. Watson’s proactive engagement—even while injured—demonstrates his desire to retain relevance and help mold Cleveland’s future.

Sanders: Unwitting Catalyst of Competition

Sanders’ unexpected confidence and talent have become a catalyst. His poise in practice and preseason interviews has challenged the veterans, making the QB race a three‑way push. Coach Kevin Stefanski noted that Flacco and Sanders bounce ideas off each other, fostering mutual respect and competition (#). Meanwhile, Watson’s behind‑the‑scenes mentorship only intensifies the internal rivalry.

NFL Wires’ Take

What started as a conventional QB battle has quietly morphed into a multi-pronged contest. Sanders’ uncanny ability to integrate quickly has disrupted the expected pecking order, elevating Flacco’s role and prompting Watson to reassert influence off-field. The Browns now face a compelling question: Which combination of leadership, talent, and readiness will win out?

Flacco brings steadiness and experience, Watson offers insider insight and mentorship, and Sanders brings feel-good energy and raw skill. Cleveland’s QB decision may hinge on who delivers both on and off the field.

Conclusion: A QB Room in Flux

What Shedeur Sanders has ignited in Cleveland is more than just a quarterback battle—it’s a reshaping of team dynamics. His impact has revived veteran purpose and energized the locker room culture. As training camp and preseason progress, fans should expect a head-to-head-up chance, with each QB staking claim to the future of the franchise.

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