Browns blasted after shocking admission regarding Deshaun Watson

T odd Monken is facing criticism after admitting that he did not review Deshaun Watson ’s previous performances with the Cleveland Browns before naming him the team’s starting quarterback.

The new Cleveland head coach said he made the decision based on what he saw during the offseason, training camp and preseason, while setting aside the difficult three years Watson has experienced with the team.

“I really, to be honest, haven’t looked at it. To be honest, only from afar,” Monken said. “When people say, ‘You had to look at it,’ well, not really. I looked at it from afar when I was down the road, in crossover film or something, but I try to take everything at face value, what I see.”

Monken explained that his goal is to give every player a fresh start and evaluate them only based on their performance under the new coaching staff.

“It doesn’t matter what the player is, I think we owe that to our players, guys that are on the roster,” Monken said. “I want to go into it thinking every player we have is elite, and all they have to do is prove me right. That’s all they have to do.”

Criticism over his stance on Watson

Monken’s comments drew negative reactions from fans and analysts, who questioned why he did not study the 19 games Watson has played for the Browns since joining the team in 2022.

The criticism comes because Watson’s numbers in Cleveland have been disappointing. He has a 9-10 record as a starter, with 3,365 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions , far from the level he showed during his time with the Houston Texans.

Watson’s best stretch came in 2023 , when the Browns won five of the six games he started, but a shoulder injury ended his season. In 2024 , he won just one game before suffering a torn Achilles tendon that kept him out for the entire 2025 season.

Despite fan doubts, Monken chose Watson over Shedeur Sanders to open the season as QB1.

Watson had an inconsistent preseason: he completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards against the Chicago Bears, but struggled in his next appearance against the Buffalo Bills, finishing 5 of 12 passing for 36 yards and an interception in a 31-7 loss.

He was also booed by Browns fans, although Monken said the reaction from supporters did not influence his decision.

“My decision has to be based on what’s best for the Browns in Week 1 and throughout the season,” Monken said.

Cleveland will open the season with road games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before hosting the Carolina Panthers.