Browns insider reveals Shedeur Sanders’ biggest strength as QB battle heats up
CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 stands on the sideline during the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260104100
CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 stands on the sideline during the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260104100
Shedeur Sanders faces high expectations heading into his second season with the Cleveland Browns, and one analyst highlights a major strength that could elevate his play.
Speaking on the Ken Carman show, analyst Lance Reisland highlighted Sanders' ability to throw over the middle of the field, a skill that could also fit well with new head coach Todd Monken's offense.
"I think he attacks the middle of the field, those chunk plays from 15 to 25 yards. I think he throws the ball extremely well vertically, but more importantly, between the hashes—in that 15 to 25-yard range, which is so important in the NFL," Reisland said on July 13.
CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 during the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260104136
CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 during the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260104136
While Sanders flashed potential as a rookie, he frequently struggled with his pocket presence. Fortunately, early offseason reports indicate the young quarterback is already showing structural improvement under coach Monken.
"Monken loves to attack the middle of the field, and that's what Shedeur does at a very, very high level. He anticipates very well. He's very accurate, and he works in that 15 to 25-yard range," Reisland added on the Ken Carman show.
But his starting job is not safe yet. Sanders is competing with veteran Deshaun Watson for the role in 2026.
Now, Sanders will have a chance to show whether that strength can help change the Browns' outlook.
Browns receive brutal verdict ahead of 2026 season
CBS Sports' triplets ranking, which looks at a team's quarterback, running back, and top pass-catcher, put Cleveland last in the NFL. The Browns even finished behind the Miami Dolphins, who have made major changes to their roster.
“No one believes the Browns, as currently constructed, are going to make any noise in the 2026 season," analyst Mike Luciano wrote on Dawg Pound Daily on July 14.
The rankings put even more pressure on Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Todd Monken. Sanders could get the starting job, while Watson is trying to get his career back on track after several rough seasons.
"It's on Sanders, new head coach Todd Monken, and the collection of young players to show the haters that they have what it takes to blend together and reverse years of misfortune,” Luciano added.
That being said, can Shedeur Sanders turn this strength into an edge over Deshaun Watson? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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Written by
Debanjali Rakshit
Edited by
Shubhi Rathore