Head coach Todd Monken shared with the media why he chose Deshaun Watson as the starting quarterback for Week 1.
The Cleveland Browns made the decision at the start of the week to name Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback for Week 1. It was a decision that head coach Todd Monken knew wouldn’t be easy, but he shared with the media why he went with Watson in the end.
“Deshaun is going to start against Jacksonville. Took in the full body of work over the course of the offseason, from training camp to the games and joint practices. It ultimately felt that to start the season on the road, Deshaun gave us the best chance to move the ball and score points. That’s really what it’s about. Felt that way going into the last game but wasn’t sure, and after we talked as a staff, and after we re-looked at everything, we’re going to go in that direction,” Monken said.
#Browns HC Todd Monken says he took in the “full body of work” in the QB battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. Says Watson gives them the best chance to score points, particularly on the road to start the season. pic.twitter.com/ESd9UEH6YW
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 24, 2026
Monken also gave credit to Sanders, sharing that he worked hard during this time to try to take the QB1 spot.
“I think Shedeur has done a great job. He’s come a long way, and we’re excited about his future. But this is not a week-to-week decision,” Monken said.
It sounds like Monken will not be evaluating Watson on a weekly basis, but they may have to be done if he isn’t playing to the standard they need to win games.
Some would’ve thought that after the Browns’ preseason game against the Bills, Sanders would be the starter, but Monken looked at what has happened over the course of the offseason. If that’s the case, it feels like he may have already made a decision earlier than he announced.
All eyes will now be on Watson moving forward, especially after he took a jab at the fans after the game against the Bills, saying that it was disrespectful that they were booing him.
The Cleveland Browns made the decision at the start of the week to name Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback for Week 1. It was a decision that head coach Todd Monken knew wouldn’t be easy, but he shared with the media why he went with Watson in the end. “Deshaun is going to start against Jacksonville.
