Browns Plan to Keep Watson as Starter
Browns Plan to Keep Watson as Starter
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Coach Todd Monken said Watson’s starting role is not indefinite and indicated that the Week 3 game against the Carolina Panthers could become a decisive point if he does not improve.
2
Monken said Watson had been away from the game for 693 days before the opener, a factor in the Browns’ willingness to give him additional time to develop within the offense.
3
Watson’s 46-yard touchdown pass went to rookie Denzel Boston, and Monken said Jacksonville still had its top cornerback on the field; he credited the quarterback and receiver for their communication on the play.
4
Monken attributed Cleveland’s offensive problems collectively to the quarterback, coaching and the surrounding offense, saying, “We got to play better around him and we have to call it better. And he’s got to play better.”
5
Monken specifically rejected the idea that Watson played tentatively, saying Watson delivered the ball decisively when he understood the offensive concepts and had enough time.
The Cleveland Browns will stick with Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback for Week 2 against Tampa Bay, despite a lopsided 34-10 loss to Jacksonville. Coach Todd Monken said Watson deserves more time to develop after having only two weeks of uninterrupted first-team practice. Heavy However, Monken made clear that Watson's role is not guaranteed long-term, with Week 3 against Carolina potentially becoming a turning point if the offense does not improve.
Watson's Debut Shows Promise Despite Blowout Loss
Watson completed 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards, one touchdown and one interception in his first game back after 693 days away. His best moment came on a 46-yard touchdown pass to rookie Denzel Boston late in the game when Jacksonville had its top cornerback on the field. Monken praised Watson and Boston's communication on the play, saying they executed the concept well together.
Brown's Offense Needs Improvement Across the Board
Monken rejected the idea that Watson played tentatively, insisting the quarterback delivered the ball decisively when he understood the offensive concepts and had time to throw. However, he acknowledged that the entire offense failed against Jacksonville. "We got to play better around him and we have to call it better. And he's got to play better," Monken said, spreading blame to the coaching staff and surrounding players.
Shedeur Sanders Waiting in the Wings as Insurance
Shedeur Sanders remains the leading backup after competing with Watson during training camp. Browns Nation reported that coaching staff discussions about a quarterback change are likely to intensify if Watson shows no improvement in the coming weeks. The decision to bench Watson could accelerate if the Browns lose to Tampa Bay or struggle against Carolina in Week 3.
The team's commitment to Watson has created a widening split with frustrated fans who continue to talk about Baker Mayfield's success with other franchises. Yahoo Sports noted that many supporters question whether Watson deserves the time Monken is willing to give him after such a poor opening performance.
A Crucial Window for Watson to Prove His Worth
Watson's 693-day absence from game competition is a major factor in the Browns' patience. Monken said two weeks of practice is not enough for any quarterback to fully master a new offense and build chemistry with receivers. The coaching staff believes Watson needs at least another game or two to show whether he can execute the system consistently and manage the speed of play.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
18
Articles
41
Reach
59
A
AnonymousAuthor
