Pluto trends as Shedeur Sanders' Browns QB debate heats up after Saints loss

Pluto is trending in the Global category, but the search interest in this report centres on the Cleveland Browns' quarterback question. Shedeur Sanders produced his most impressive performance of the season in a 23-22 overtime loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, and coach Todd Monken has not yet said who will start at home against the Houston Texans.

A late surge in New Orleans

Sanders made his first start of the season in place of Deshaun Watson, who was cleared from concussion protocol on Saturday but did not play. He completed 19 of 31 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns, and threw for 197 of those yards in the fourth quarter and overtime.

The offence was sluggish for most of the game. Sanders hit rookie Denzel Boston on a 60-yard pass in the first half, then gave Cleveland a 13-9 fourth-quarter lead with a 64-yard touchdown pass to KC Concepcion Jr. After the Saints retook the lead late in regulation, he led a drive that ended in a field goal to tie the game.

In overtime, Sanders engineered an eight-play, 67-yard drive that ended with a 39-yard touchdown catch by Harold Fannin. The Browns then failed on a two-point conversion attempt that would have won the game, with Sanders unable to find an open receiver.

Monken weighs the quarterback plan

Monken said Monday that he had not yet met with the full offensive staff and was not ready to name a starter. He praised Sanders' work ethic and composure, saying he had "battled and showed composure in the pocket" and made plays with his feet.

Monken also acknowledged the team's penalty problems and inconsistent offence. Cleveland, which is among the league's most penalised teams, recorded more first-quarter penalty yards (25) than total yards (19) against New Orleans. Sanders said the decision was not his to make.

Watson has started eight games this season and has been sacked a league-high 33 times. He has completed 65.5 percent of his passes with seven touchdowns and three interceptions, and his passer rating rises to 106.5 in fourth quarters. Monken chose Watson over Sanders before the season, and Watson is in the final year of his $230 million contract.

Playoff race and what comes next

The Browns are 5-4 after losing two straight, a game behind the current AFC wild-card line and 1.5 games behind Pittsburgh and Cincinnati in the AFC North. Monken pointed to four home games and a bye in Week 11 as reasons for optimism.

Players have Tuesday off, and the first full practice of the week is set for Wednesday afternoon. Monken said he does not feel pressure to decide by Monday or early Tuesday, and the upcoming bye could offer a natural point for a change. For now, the quarterback question remains open ahead of Sunday's game against Houston.

Reporting based on coverage from ESPN, NFL.com and Andscape.