Monken: Outside Opinions Won't Influence Browns' Starting QB Pick
Browns head coach Todd Monken said Tuesday that fan sentiment will not affect his decision on the starting quarterback, with Deshaun Watson set to open the season. Watson has gone 9-10 with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 19 games since joining Cleveland in 2022. Rookie Shedeur Sanders, a 2025 fifth-round pick, struggled in eight appearances last season with a 18.9 QBR.
Monken’s comments come as Cleveland prepares to carry four quarterbacks on its roster, a sign of uncertainty beneath the surface. Watson’s production since arriving in 2022 has fallen well short of his Houston peak, when he led the NFL in passing yards and earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections. His Cleveland tenure has been interrupted by suspension and injuries, limiting him to 19 total starts.
Sanders, selected in the fifth round of the 2025 draft, showed clear rookie struggles in eight appearances, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns and posting a low QBR. Neither option offers Monken a proven, reliable answer, leaving the coach to weigh experience against potential while fans grow restless over the team’s direction at the sport’s most important position.
This decision could shape fan engagement and team morale in Cleveland, where quarterback play has been a persistent frustration. If Watson struggles early, public pressure for Sanders may intensify, potentially creating a distraction in the locker room. Conversely, sticking with Watson could test fan patience and affect attendance or viewership. The outcome may also influence how other teams approach veteran quarterbacks with troubled histories versus developing young backups, though each situation carries its own risks and rewards.