The Cleveland Browns continue to support Deshaun Watson, even amidst discussions among fans and media suggesting he should be benched following the opening game loss. Head coach Todd Monken confirmed on Monday, I anticipate that Deshaun will be our starter.
He cited specifics in Watson’s performance that warranted maintaining his starting position for the upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Monken reviewed the 34-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and determined Watson’s performance, after being inactive for 693 days, showed enough potential to remain as the Browns’ quarterback. It’s only been two weeks he’s gotten all the reps,
Monken stated. Training camp saw a competition for starting quarterback, with repetitions divided between Watson and Shedeur Sanders.
The Browns coach highlighted positive aspects of Watson’s play, indicating there were constructive elements that could be built upon. There were some really good things on film,
he said. We’ve got concepts that only provide so many looks each week, like red zone and third down concepts. When Watson had clarity and time, he wasn’t tentative and executed well.
Despite the lack of a perfect performance, Monken remains optimistic about improvement.
Monken also expressed, We got to play better around him. We got to call it better. And he’s going to play better,
pointing out the need for overall team improvement alongside Watson’s contribution.
However, Watson’s tenure as a starter isn’t indefinite. The Week 3 game against the Carolina Panthers will be pivotal. If he fails to perform better against the Buccaneers, his starting role may be reassessed. The Browns’ decision to choose Watson over Baker Mayfield in 2022 has been controversial, especially as Mayfield found success with Tampa Bay. Seeing Mayfield outperform Watson could press the Browns to rethink their approach.
Deshaun Watson throws before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sept. 13, 2026, in Jacksonville. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
A critical factor is the venue. With the Browns’ home opener in Week 3, Watson’s relationship with fans could become strained in person. Preseason booing from fans demonstrated the tension. Watson himself commented that fan criticism felt disrespectful, likening his expected experience to playing 17 road games
if named the starter.
Should the tension persist into the regular season’s home games, the team may face increased pressure to make changes. Watson likely has just one more game to demonstrate improvement and restore confidence among fans and his team.
Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken at a press conference, Feb. 3, 2026, in Berea, Ohio. (Nick Cammett/Getty Images)