After a disappointing Week 1, Cleveland coach Todd Monken publicly backed Deshaun Watson, saying he saw “some really good things on film,” and announced Watson will start in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Still, ESPN reports the Browns plan to reassess the quarterback position after Week 2, treating the first two games as a built-in evaluation window — a stance that contrasts with Monken’s immediate show of support.
Watson’s struggles since joining Cleveland in 2022 have been well-documented, and Week 1 only reinforced concerns when he threw an interception and lost a fumble in a 34-10 loss to Jacksonville. Frustration among the fan base has been visible for some time — Watson was booed at a preseason home game, which he called “disrespectful.” With the team’s first home game coming in Week 3, another poor outing could bring more public backlash if he’s still the starter.
After Week 1, Watson pushed back on media expectations, saying reporters act as if he should be throwing for 400 yards and five touchdowns every game and that his focus is simply doing his job to help the team win. Many saw that comment as out of touch. If the Browns decide to move on, backup Shedeur Sanders — who battled Watson for the starting job in the offseason and is listed second on the depth chart — is the likely replacement. Sanders flashed potential as a rookie but also struggled (seven TDs and 10 INTs across seven starts), yet somehow earned a Pro Bowl nod.
The Browns have strong reasons to test Sanders now: they need stability at quarterback after investing in offensive talent, and a clear answer would shape offseason strategy. If Sanders shows growth, Cleveland might have a long-term option; if not, the front office will need to aggressively pursue a new quarterback. Barring an exceptional performance in Week 2, Watson’s run as the Browns’ starter appears to be running out of time.
Fan Take: This situation matters because quarterback uncertainty can derail a team’s season and force major offseason decisions that affect the league’s QB market. It also highlights the growing impatience NFL teams have with established veterans who can’t deliver, accelerating opportunities for younger quarterbacks to take charge.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
