Ashley Bastock: I think Todd Monken will want most of the say at QB; this plan is maybe a little bit better than last year

In this episode of Afternoon Drive on The Fan, host JP and guest Ashley Bastock discuss the Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation heading into the offseason, focusing on the evolving narrative around Deshaun Watson and Shaudor Sanders. Ashley shares her take on the conflicting messages from team leadership—Andrew Berry and Jimmy Haslam promoting Deshaun Watson, while offensive coordinator Todd Monken emphasized Sanders’ role, especially given his status as the starter at the end of the previous season. She notes that Monken’s more transparent communication style, such as mentioning Dylan Gabriel’s absence from the building, signals a shift in culture. Ashley also addresses Miles Garrett’s absence from voluntary workouts, expressing skepticism about the team’s claims of normalizing his absence despite her personal standards for player accountability. The conversation explores the possibility of a 'smokescreen' strategy around quarterback competition to mask a potential draft move for Ty Simpson, though she cautions against trusting early offseason narratives. The episode closes with a lighthearted exchange about birthdays and cupcakes, highlighting Ashley’s personal touch. Key takeaways include: Todd Monken appears to be gaining significant influence over quarterback decisions, the Browns may be using narrative management to obscure draft intentions, and player presence at voluntary workouts remains a key indicator of commitment—even if not officially penalized. The team’s collaborative culture persists, but Monken’s leadership style suggests a more direct approach. Ultimately, the Browns’ messaging is seen as strategic and layered, requiring careful interpretation.