Cleveland – In the wake of a 31‑7 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills, first‑year Browns head coach Todd Monken made clear that quarterback Deshaun Watson’s outspoken comments about the fan base will not influence the team’s choice of starter for the opening regular‑season game.
Coach Monken’s assessment
Monken told reporters on Sunday that Watson’s “piercing comments” are a non‑factor as he evaluates who gives the Browns the best chance to win in Week 1. “He emptied his heart a little bit, and I don’t think that says who he is,” Monken said, adding that he sees the competitor in Watson and the daily work the player puts in.
The coach stressed that the decision will be based on the full body of work from both quarterbacks, not on a single frustrating moment. “I’m not going to let one half of football, one frustrating moment, dictate what our decision is going to be,” Monken said.
Preseason performance
Both Watson and rookie Shedeur Sanders have split first‑team reps in training camp and have each seen limited action in the preseason. Watson started the first preseason game, leading the Browns to 10 first‑half points in a loss to the Chicago Bears, and has completed 59.3 % of his passes for 162 yards with one interception.
Sanders started the second preseason matchup against the Bills, delivering a first‑quarter touchdown and completing 68.2 % of his throws for 153 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
Watson’s remarks about fans
After the Bills game, Watson alluded to the prospect of facing “17 away games” if he were named the starter. He also recalled the boos he received from the crowd – the first home crowd reaction since tearing his right Achilles tendon in Week 7 of the 2024 season.
Watson said the fan reaction was “a little bit more personal than that” and called it disrespectful. He reminded listeners that when he first injured his Achilles, the same fan base cheered, and he has not forgotten that moment.
Background on Watson
Watson, who turns 31 next month, was acquired from the Houston Texans before the 2022 season and signed a fully guaranteed five‑year, $230 million contract with Cleveland. His career has been marred by an 11‑game suspension in 2022 for violating the NFL’s personal‑conduct policy after an investigation into sexual‑misconduct allegations involving multiple massage therapists.
In 19 games with the Browns, Watson holds a 9‑10 record, 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He was a three‑time Pro Bowl selection with the Texans from 2018‑2020 and posted career‑highs of 4,823 passing yards and 33 touchdowns in 2020.
Sanders’ profile
Sanders, 24, was a fifth‑round draft pick last season. He started three of four games as a rookie, posting 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns and ten interceptions, and earned a Pro Bowl invitation as a replacement.
Both quarterbacks will continue to compete for the starting role as the Browns prepare for their Week 1 matchup.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
