Entering the 2026 season, the Cleveland Browns have Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback, a decision that has sparked significant dissatisfaction among the fans. Watson has faced criticism from Cleveland supporters following his comments about them in the media. Now, he is tasked with regaining their support, though his coach, Todd Monken, appears unconcerned about the negative reception.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Monken responded to questions about the fan discontent over Watson being named QB1. “Absolutely not,” he declared when asked if he was worried about the unpopularity of his decision. “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,” he stated. “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,” Monken explained, as reported by Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk.
Monken justified selecting Watson by emphasizing his capability to deliver explosive plays. “You’re not going to be elite on offense and score points if you can’t create explosives,” Monken pointed out. “It’s so hard to drive the football the length of the field without an explosive. You can look at the studies in terms of percentage of scoring a touchdown or getting a field goal with one explosive in a drive. Obviously, that comes after you’ve gotten the first first down. Every coordinator is going to say we’re chasing explosives, and everyone runs with, ‘Oh [you’re] chasing explosives.’ Well, no [expletive]. Everyone’s chasing explosives and trying to not to turn it over. And that’s what you’re trying to do. What’s the defense trying to do? Turn you over and not allow explosives. That’s really the big chess match is that. The ways that you win.”
Monken highlighted the importance of having explosive players and the ability to strategically execute plays against certain defenses. “So, 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.”
Watson’s success will depend on his capacity to create big plays and convert them into points. The pressure is on him to perform, as the boos from fans will not be a factor in deciding his place on the field.