Monken Backs Watson as Browns QB1 Despite Blowout Loss — SkimNews
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- Todd Monken said Monday he expects Deshaun Watson to remain the Browns' starting quarterback for Sunday's game at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- Monken had sidestepped a question about Watson's status on Sunday after Cleveland's 34-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars before addressing it the following day.
- Monken said reviewing the game film confirmed his belief that Watson should continue as the starter, stating, "I anticipate Deshaun will be our starter."
- Watson finished 16-of-22 for 205 yards with one touchdown, one interception, and 38 rushing yards against Jacksonville.
- Cleveland trailed 24-0 at halftime, tying their worst halftime shutout in the past 35 years, per ESPN Research.
- The Browns managed only five first downs on six first-half drives and went 0-for-4 on third down through two quarters.
Why it matters: Monken's public endorsement of Watson after a historically bad first half — a 24-0 halftime hole and zero third-down conversions — signals Cleveland's commitment to a quarterback whose massive contract has long made him difficult to bench, at least heading into a Week 2 road game in Tampa.
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