NewzCLEVELAND, Ohio — Browns head coach Todd Monken took questions from reporters on Monday from CrossCountry Mortgage Campus with regard to starting Deshaun Watson, what led to the decision, meeting with Shedeur Sanders, and more. BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Not many gave Deshaun Watson a chance of reclaiming the Cleveland Browns starting quarterback spot over the past 22 months.Since Watson ruptured his right Achilles the first time in a Week 7 game in 2024, owner Jimmy Haslam said during last year’s owners meetings that the Browns “took a big swing and miss” when they sent three first-round picks to Houston for the controversial quarterback in 2022.After Shedeur Sanders had a solid first half in last Saturday's 31-7 loss to Buffalo, a frustrated Watson said the boos from the crowd were “personal” and showed “disrespect” after he took the field in Cleveland for the first time in 22 months.Despite the hurdles and a close competition with Sanders, Watson will be the Browns starting quarterback for their Sept. 13 opener at the Jacksonville Jaguars.Coach Todd Monken made the announcement on Monday after informing both Watson and Sanders.“I took in the full body of work over the course of the offseason to training camp to the games, the joint practice, and ultimately felt like to start the season on the road, Deshaun gave us the best chance to move the ball and score points.
I mean, that’s really what it’s about,” Monken said. “I felt that way going into the last game, but wasn’t sure. And after we talked as a staff and we re-looked at everything, we’re going to go that direction.”Watson, a 10-year veteran, won the competition over Sanders as both split reps with the first unit throughout the offseason, training camp and the preseason.The decision will not be popular with Browns fans, who have booed Watson repeatedly during his time in Cleveland, and have put a lot of support behind Sanders since he was selected last year after dropping to the fifth round.Monken reiterated that fan sentiment and Watson’s comments did not play a role in his decision.
Watson completed 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards and an interception while on the field with players at the bottom of the roster who likely will be cut in a couple of weeks.“Ultimately the fans want us to win. That’s our job as coaches, why we’re hired to try and put the best product on the field. And when we don’t, then I understand their frustration.
But ultimately they don’t decide who plays. I mean, who would I be if I let someone outside of the building decide who plays?” Monken said.Watson has started only 19 games for Cleveland since being acquired…
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