Former Cleveland Browns Star Criticizes Todd Monken Over Shedeur Sanders' Situation

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken during a game on the sidelines.© X/@923TheFan

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken backed his aggressive approach even after it cost his team a chance to take the New Orleans Saints game into another phase of overtime. The 23-22 defeat left Cleveland with things to think about, but one decision drew particular criticism from former Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry. His reaction came as Shedeur Sanders delivered an encouraging performance in his first start of the season, leaving another question hanging over the team about who would lead the offense against the Houston Texans.

Why Todd Monken faces criticism over Shedeur Sanders

The Browns had a chance to force a tie with a successful extra point after Shedeur Sanders connected with Harold Fannin Jr. for a 39-yard touchdown in overtime. Instead, Todd Monken sent his offense back onto the field for a two-point conversion, hoping to finish the game with a win.

Sanders looked for Denzel Boston, but the pass fell incomplete. Cleveland walked away without a point, handing the New Orleans Saints a 23-22 victory.

Jarvis Landry did not agree with the decision. Speaking on 4th and South, the former Browns receiver questioned why Monken chose such a risky option when his team could have kept the game alive.

"A tie is better than a loss," Landry said before calling the decision "a horrible call."

Monken had a different calculation. He explained that the New Orleans Saints had two timeouts, meaning a successful extra point would probably give them enough time to attempt a game-winning field goal. He chose to go for the win rather than settle for another opportunity.

Shedeur Sanders' performance leaves Browns with a QB decision

While some may see it as a mistake, USA Today columnist Jarrett Bell praised Monken for taking a risk.

“No, this isn't the same ole “Browns is the Browns” operation under their first-year coach. And Monken's decision, even if it didn't work, underscored a culture change that is not short on pushing the envelope. I'm not blaming Monken for his aggressive, win-or-else decision, although the play's design can invite scrutiny,” Bell wrote.

Sanders completed 19 of his 31 pass attempts for 297 yards and two touchdowns, but was sacked five times.

Monken praised the young quarterback's preparation and ability to compete even after spending weeks away from the starting offense. He refused to discuss if Sanders had earned another start when asked about the quarterback competition after the game.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, a source indicated that Watson was expected to reclaim the starting job for Week 10 against the Houston Texans. Watson had cleared concussion protocol on Saturday but remained inactive against New Orleans.

With Dillon Gabriel another option in the quarterback room, Sanders' strong outing did not guarantee him another start.