Todd Monken is doubling down on his controversial quarterback choice, dismissing fan outrage to prioritize explosive plays and long-term evaluation heading into a high-stakes Week 1 road test.
The Cleveland Browns aren't going to be intimated by the fan base under head coach Todd Monken.
Days after Deshaun Watson made comments that outraged the fan base, Monken named the veteran quarterback the starter for the Browns’ Week 1 contest at the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Many Browns fans were upset at the announcement, wanting the team to move on from a quarterback that has struggled with his health and playing ability since he was traded to the team in 2022.
On Tuesday, Monken told reporters he didn't care that many Browns fans hadn't embraced Watson as the starter. Monken believes starting Watson is the "best" choice for Cleveland.
“Absolutely not,” Monken said, via Pro Football Talk. “Would I prefer that we would all be on the same page? Yeah, but that has nothing to do with my decision, and it can never have anything to do with my decision.”
“My decision has got to be about what’s best for the Browns in Week 1 and all the way through the season, and as long as I’m the head coach here.”
Starting Watson is the best choice for the Browns as an organization. The team needs to see if he can put up good tape before moving on from him.
However, it remains to be seen if Watson gives the Browns the best chance to win early in the season.
Monken believes Watson will give the offense a better opportunity to convert chunk plays.
“Everyone’s chasing explosives and trying not to turn it over," Monken said. "And that’s what you’re trying to do... Obviously having explosive players helps that.
"Being able to scheme it up against certain looks and then being able to execute because your protection has to hold up when you get those opportunities. I’m confident in Deshaun and our ability to push the ball down the field, otherwise we wouldn’t be starting him.”
The Browns’ first two contests are on the road, giving Watson a chance to prove he can still produce those chunk plays before the team has to prepare to play at home. Given the reaction fans had to Watson during the preseason, a two-game trial balloon could be all Watson gets.
Unless Monken still believes it’s in the Browns’ best interest to start Watson.
