Full Breakdown
Browns Stick With Deshaun Watson for Week 2 Amid Fan Outcry
By Drooid · · How we work
Week 1 Performance and Immediate Backlash
In the season-opening loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson completed 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards, threw one interception, lost a fumble and was sacked five times in a 34-10 defeat. The outing marked Watson’s first regular-season start in 693 days after missing the 2024 and 2025 seasons with Achilles injuries. Fans reacted sharply on social media, demanding that backup Shedeur Sanders replace Watson mid-game and questioning the wisdom of keeping a $230 million contract player on the field.
Coach Todd Monken’s Decision to Keep Watson Starting
Head coach Todd Monken announced that Watson will remain the starter for the upcoming Week 2 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Monken emphasized that the decision was based on film review rather than a knee-jerk reaction to a single poor performance.
Official Statements & Responses
Monken told reporters that the tape “confirmed” his assessment of Watson’s play and that the team must improve “around him” and “call it better.” He added that the coaching staff will “evaluate everything” before the next game, stressing that the loss was a collective issue rather than solely the quarterback’s fault. The Browns organization has not indicated any intention to insert Sanders into the starting role, noting that Sanders last saw game action on Aug. 22 in a preseason contest.
Background & Context
Watson’s $230 million contract was secured after a 2022 trade with the Houston Texans. The quarterback missed most of the 2024 season and all of 2025 due to multiple Achilles injuries, returning only for the Week 1 start. His limited recent reps and the long layoff have been cited as factors contributing to rust and decision-making hesitancy observed in the Jaguars game.
Data & Statistics
- Completion rate: 73 % (16-of-22)
- Total passing yards: 205
- Touchdowns: 1 (46-yard pass in garbage time)
- Interceptions: 1
- Fumbles: 1
- Sacks taken: 5
- Passer rating: 97.7
- Team loss margin: 24 points (34-10)
- Time since last start: 693 days
Verbatim Quotes
- “I anticipate Deshaun will be our starter,” — Todd Monken, head coach
- “It's only been two weeks he's gotten all the reps, and there were some really good things on film, some things that you can build on,” — Todd Monken, head coach
- “It wasn't all him, it really wasn't all him, I mean, that's unfair,” — Todd Monken, head coach
Why It Matters
Keeping Watson as the starter signals the Browns’ commitment to their high-value investment despite early setbacks. The decision tests the coaching staff’s ability to develop a cohesive offense around a quarterback returning from a prolonged injury hiatus. It also places the franchise under continued scrutiny from a vocal fan base.
What's Next
The Browns will travel to Tampa Bay for Week 2, where Watson will face former Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, now with the Buccaneers. The outcome will likely influence whether the team maintains its current quarterback hierarchy or revisits the backup option before the scheduled home game on September 27.