Todd Monken saw Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson fight tooth and nail for the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback role during training camp and the preseason. It was neck-and-neck going into the first preseason game against the Chicago Bears. Watson, who was named the starter for the game, impressed with his performance. While Sanders bounced back with a strong performance against the Buffalo Bills in the Browns’ second preseason game, it wasn’t enough to win the starting job.
Monken decided to name Watson the starter for the Browns’ regular-season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. This was a significant decision as Watson was not viewed as a long-term solution for the Browns, with 2026 being the final season of his contract. But, regardless, Watson was an experienced quarterback who was capable of handling the expectations that came with the job. At least, that’s what Monken expected.
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Watson, who was taking the field after nearly two years away from game action, failed to live up to Monken’s expectations during the Browns’ first game against the Jaguars. The veteran quarterback looked out of sorts as he completed 16 of 22 passes, throwing for 205 yards, one touchdown and one interception, with a large chunk of his production coming when the game was already decided.
Watson’s disappointing performance meant Monken faced a bunch of difficult questions after the game. Monken, speaking after the game, defended Watson and didn’t provide a definitive answer about the quarterback’s status going into Week 2.
But now Monken has provided clarity on where he stands with Sanders and Watson. Monken anticipates that he’s not going to go with Sanders and will give Watson another chance. The Browns head coach said, “I anticipate Deshaun will be our starter.”
“I confirmed that when I looked at the tape. We got to play better around him. We got to call it better. And he’s got to play better. And it wasn’t just our inability to function consistently as an offense was a byproduct of we coaching and playing,” he added.
Sanders will have to wait for his opportunity as the Browns gear up to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2.
