Cleveland Browns to continue with Deshaun Watson as starting quarterback for Week 2
Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken announced Monday that Deshaun Watson is expected to remain the starting quarterback for the upcoming Week 2 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This decision comes despite a season-opening 34-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, where the team’s offense struggled early.
Monken indicated that after reviewing the game tape, he saw aspects of Watson’s performance that could be built upon. He noted that Watson had only received full practice repetitions for two weeks, following a training camp competition where reps were split with Shedeur Sanders.
Evaluating Watson’s Performance and Future
In the game against the Jaguars, Watson completed 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. The Browns offense managed only five first downs in the first half, and the team trailed 34-3 after three quarters. Cleveland’s only touchdown came in the fourth quarter on a 46-yard pass to Denzel Boston.
Monken defended Watson’s play, stating that he did not play tentatively despite an early interception and the overall slow start from the offense. He also mentioned that he liked Watson’s practice week leading up to the game and believes he will continue to improve. Monken emphasized that placing the blame solely on Watson for the loss would be “unfair,” suggesting the team’s play-calling and overall execution also needed improvement.
Watson’s return to play marked his first start in 23 months. In his seven starts during 2024, he did not exceed 200 passing yards in any game. He missed the entirety of the previous season due to a twice-torn right Achilles tendon, with the first injury ending his 2024 season in Week 7.
Since his trade to the Browns in 2022, Watson holds a 9-11 record as the team’s starter. This trade involved the Browns sending three first-round picks to Houston and signing Watson to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract.
Upcoming Challenges and Fan Sentiment
The upcoming game against Tampa Bay will feature a matchup with quarterback Baker Mayfield, who was the Browns’ No. 1 draft pick in 2018. Cleveland traded Mayfield to Carolina in the summer of 2022 after acquiring Watson. Mayfield recently signed a three-year extension with Tampa Bay, and this will be his first time playing against Watson since the trade. Mayfield previously quarterbacked Carolina against Cleveland in the 2022 season opener while Watson was serving an 11-game suspension.
The situation presents a potential challenge for Watson, as an underwhelming performance against Mayfield could highlight the Browns’ 2022 decision to move on from Mayfield. Multiple sources within the NFL suggest that team ownership will consider these circumstances.
The Browns began their season with road games, and the Week 3 home opener against the Carolina Panthers is anticipated to be a significant event. During the preseason, Browns fans booed Watson, leading him to express that if he were named the starter, he would feel like he was playing 17 road games. His comments were perceived by some as critical of the fans.
Monken acknowledged the need for the team to play better around Watson and for improved play-calling. He expressed confidence that Watson would also perform better. The coach reiterated his belief that Watson provides the team with the best opportunity to move the ball and score points, despite the offensive struggles in Jacksonville.
Watson’s extensive NFL experience was a factor in Monken’s decision to name him the starter, with the coach hoping this experience would benefit the Browns during their initial consecutive road games. However, the operational aspects of the offense in Jacksonville were not smooth. The home opener against Carolina in Week 3 could be a crucial moment for Watson to demonstrate significant improvement, especially after the fan reaction during the preseason.
The Browns will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
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Source: foxnews.com
