In the first half, Sanders delivered a promising stretch, completing 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards, an 81.8% completion rate. He logged 13 dropbacks across four drives. Additionally, he contributed two rushing yards, one touchdown, and one interception, finishing with an 87.1 passer rating while taking one sack and facing two defensive pressures.
Sanders opened the game with a strong sequence, going 4-for-4 for 43 yards, including an eight-yard touchdown pass to Luke Floriea. Floriea exploited a gap in Buffalo’s zone defense, tying the game at 7 before the Bills pulled ahead. That early rhythm gave Cleveland a glimpse of Sanders’ potential within the new offensive system installed by Todd Monken.
Turnovers kept the performance from becoming a decisive win for Cleveland. Nevertheless, Sanders’ showing reinforced his case for the QB1 job, especially as Buffalo’s defense adjusted and applied pressure.
Deshaun Watson remains in the mix as he returns from injury and resumes his role. Reporters noted momentum swinging in Watson’s favor in recent weeks, with talk that Monken could announce a quarterback starter as early as this coming week. The timetable suggests limited opportunity for a lengthy, additional evaluation.
Is Sanders’ upside enough to outweigh his occasional rough moments? His accuracy, mobility, and early command offer a higher offensive ceiling, but the interception in this outing remains a concern. The Browns have invested significantly around the position, upgrading the offensive line and receiver corps. That supporting cast should enable Monken to judge the quarterbacks more on decision-making and processing rather than relying on every play to be manufactured from scratch. If Sanders can consistently minimize negative plays, his case to lead the offense could continue to grow.
Ultimately, the Browns will need a quarterback who can run a revamped offense effectively and help the team win now. Sanders’ performance against Buffalo provided more evidence that he can contribute meaningfully, but the final call will hinge on how he and Watson carry the offense through the remainder of the preseason and into the regular season.
In short, Sanders showed tangible progress and playmaking ability that keep him in the competition, while Watson’s veteran experience and contract status keep him in the race as well. The decision will likely come down to which quarterback best aligns with Cleveland’s tactical plan and can deliver results in real-game situations early in the season.
