What Shedeur Sanders said about Bills star Josh Allen ahead of pre-season clash

S hedeur Sanders will face one of the biggest challenges of his young career this week as he goes up against Josh Allen , the face of the Buffalo Bills and a former NFL MVP, in what could become a turning point in the battle for the starting quarterback job with the Cleveland Browns .

The rookie quarterback will take part in the joint practice between the Browns and Bills, where he will have the opportunity to share the field with a player he has long admired and known.

“Josh Allen, I met him a couple of times in the past through different deals and stuff off the field,” Sanders said. “He always been cool. I always respect him fully. He plays a great game. His style of play fits him perfectly.”

Thursday’s practice in Berea will serve as a demanding test for Cleveland. The Browns’ defense will face one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks , while Sanders will look to continue impressing the coaching staff against a franchise that has reached the playoffs in seven straight seasons.

Shedeur Sanders looks to seize a key opportunity

The joint practice comes after Cleveland’s difficult preseason opener, a 34-10 loss to the Chicago Bears .

Deshaun Watson started that game and completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards , leading the Browns’ only two scoring drives, though he also lost a fumble after being sacked on fourth down.

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Sanders took over in the second half and finished 6-of-11 passing for 79 yards and an interception . His best play was a 35-yard completion to Luke Floriea on third-and-long, but he was unable to lead the offense into the end zone.

The plan is for Watson and Sanders to split first-team reps during Thursday’s practice before the rookie gets the opportunity to start Saturday’s preseason game.

“I’m truly excited about it,” Sanders said. “They have a great defense, great challenge ahead. I’m just happy to be able to be a part of it.”

Cleveland could rest several starters

All indications are that Sanders will play the first half against Buffalo, although he may do so without several of Cleveland’s regular starters.

Browns head coach Todd Monken and Bills head coach Joe Brady agreed that veteran players could sit out Saturday’s game if they believe they got enough work during Thursday’s joint practice.

If that plan holds, Sanders will play the first half, Deshaun Watson will take over in the third quarter, and Dillon Gabriel will finish the game.

Monken has yet to decide who will be the Browns’ starting quarterback for the season opener, but Thursday’s joint practice and Saturday’s matchup could go a long way toward determining who enters the final week of the preseason with the edge.

The Browns will wrap up their preseason schedule on August 27 against the New England Patriots before opening the regular season on September 13 on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars .