Immediately after the Browns' Week 1 blowout loss to the Jaguars, head coach Todd Monken declined to commit to Deshaun Watson as his Week 2 starter. He said he needed to watch the tape first to make a decision.
Well, Monken has apparently watched that tape, and he came away more impressed than the rest of the football-watching world.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Monken said that Watson will likely be the Week 2 starter in Cleveland's Sunday matchup with the Buccaneers. According to Monken, he saw some "really good things" in the film from Watson's performance. The embattled quarterback threw an interception in the opening drive, had a fumble and his lone touchdown came when the game was out of hand.
Yet, that was enough to stick with Watson
over Shedeur Sanders, apparently.
Browns HC Todd Monken told reporters that he anticipates QB Deshaun Watson will start Sunday at Tampa Bay. Monken said "there were some really good things on film."
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 14, 2026
It's one thing to stick with Watson for one more week, but needless to say, Monken's reasoning had fans awfully confused.
How social media reacted
Release the tapes Todd https://t.co/EOmkeMDYAV
— MoreForYouCleveland (@MoreForYou_CLE) September 14, 2026
Dude, come on.
— Sam Monson (@SamMonsonNFL) September 14, 2026
This is just getting embarrassing now. https://t.co/hZDDFQKg4U
I just don’t get it https://t.co/SARN01uB0A
— Harrison Graham (@HGrahamNFL) September 14, 2026
“There were some really good things on film” pic.twitter.com/vwf3kFnMG2 https://t.co/qQ4KuQDwYo
— Elijah (@ElijahGotNext) September 14, 2026
https://t.co/pFxUDhnKbw pic.twitter.com/uAjEnEziaT
— B (@lifestylebrazyy) September 14, 2026
Todd Monken is one and done.
— Nick Karns (@karnsies817) September 14, 2026
See you for the coaching search. https://t.co/e5dGfqCmaD
here's how those "really good things on film" played out for your #DawgPound pass catchers....#TrustTheTrinity not Todd... https://t.co/mZ7JMw4P0v pic.twitter.com/5IF2fBM8Kg
— Ray G (@raygarvin) September 14, 2026
No shot he actually believes this. I just know the ownership is forcing this because of the contract https://t.co/RJHpJ0Euzv
— Grey - Nuggets Stan Account (@GreysonAdams907) September 14, 2026
The Browns have one more game on the road before their home opener in Week 3 against the Panthers. We'll have to see if Monken is waiting to make that change for the home fans.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Todd Monken's reason for starting Deshaun Watson in Week 2 had fans so confused
