As the 2026-27 NFL season approaches, the Cleveland Browns are set to embark on a new chapter under the leadership of head coach Todd Monken. With the team gearing up for what they hope will be a transformative year, all eyes are on the quarterback position, where Monken has made the pivotal decision to start Deshaun Watson over newcomer Shedeur Sanders.
Monken, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, is tasked with revitalizing Watson’s performance as he prepares for his first regular season game since 2024. During a recent press conference, Monken addressed Watson's struggles to generate explosive plays during his time with the Browns, revealing that he has not closely analyzed Watson's past performances in Cleveland.
“I really, to be honest, haven’t looked at it,” Monken stated. He elaborated that his observations of Watson's game have been somewhat distant, noting, “When people say, ‘You had to look at it,’ well, not really. I looked at it from afar when I was down the road, in crossover film or something, but I try to take everything at face value, what I see.” Monken emphasized the importance of treating every player on the roster with respect, regardless of their history.
Watson's tenure with the Browns has been marred by inconsistency and injury. Since joining the team in 2022 on a lucrative five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract, he has struggled to meet the high expectations set for him. Over the course of 19 games, Watson has amassed 3,365 passing yards, with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His performance was further hindered by a season-ending Achilles injury that sidelined him for the entirety of the 2025-26 season.
Last season, Watson's injury forced both Shedeur Sanders and third-round pick Dillon Gabriel to step in as starters, highlighting the challenges the Browns faced in his absence. Monken's decision to name Watson the starter for Week One reflects his confidence in the quarterback's potential, especially given Monken's successful history with mobile quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson.
In addition to his lack of review of Watson's past games, Monken shared his philosophy on player evaluation. He expressed a desire to approach every film session with the belief that each player is elite, stating, “I want to go into it thinking every player we have is elite, and all they have to do is prove me right.” This mindset aims to foster a positive environment where players feel empowered to showcase their abilities.
Monken's optimism may be bolstered by Watson's previous achievements, particularly his standout season in 2020 with the Houston Texans, where he threw for 4,823 yards, 33 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions. However, the challenge remains for Monken to harness that level of performance as the Browns prepare for the upcoming season.
As the Browns look to make a statement in the 2026-27 NFL season, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Todd Monken and Deshaun Watson. The success of their partnership could determine the trajectory of the franchise in the coming years.
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