Monken Stands Behind Watson as Browns Sit 1-1 Entering Week 3
The short version
- Todd Monken, in his first year as Browns head coach, named Deshaun Watson starter over Shedeur Sanders
- Monken voiced 'huge belief' in Watson on the Pat McAfee Show, citing his work ethic and past play
- Watson has thrown for 443 yards, three touchdowns and one interception on 40-of-52 passing in 2026
- Cleveland is 1-1 after losing to Jacksonville and beating Tampa Bay
- The Browns host Carolina in Week 3 on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. EDT on FOX
Cleveland's first-year head coach explained on the Pat McAfee Show why he retains full confidence in Deshaun Watson as the starter over Shedeur Sanders.
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken has made clear that his confidence in quarterback Deshaun Watson remains intact as the 2026 NFL season gets underway. Speaking on the Pat McAfee Show, Monken laid out why he continues to back Watson despite the quarterback's rocky recent history with the franchise.
Monken, in his first season leading the Browns, chose Watson as the starter over Shedeur Sanders. The decision came with the belief that Watson can recapture the form that once made him a star and help Cleveland win games. The Browns opened the year 1-1 through two contests.
"I have a huge belief in all of our players, especially Deshaun, because I've seen it," Monken said. He noted that Watson has played only about 19 games over the past five years, a stretch of inactivity that he said would affect any quarterback's confidence and comfort within a system.
Monken also pointed to Watson's work ethic during his time away from the field. He said Watson had no financial incentive to push himself back, given that his money was guaranteed, yet the quarterback continued to train and prepare for a return.
"He had no reason to work over the last 22 months to come back," Monken said, adding that he was happy for Watson because of the effort he put in. The coach framed his job as helping players become the best version of themselves and showing belief in them.
Watson has responded with a strong start to the season statistically. Through two games, he has completed 40 of 52 passes for 443 yards, with three touchdowns and one interception. His play helped deliver Cleveland's first win of 2026, a step forward for a rebuilding squad.
The Browns opened the campaign with a loss to Jacksonville before beating Tampa Bay. Next up is a home matchup with the Carolina Panthers in Week 3.
Carolina visits Cleveland on Sunday, September 27 at 1:00 PM EDT at Huntington Bank Field. The game airs on FOX.
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