Monken expects to stick with Watson as Browns' QB1 vs. Bucs
Daniel OyefusiSep 14, 2026, 02:14 PM ET
- Daniel Oyefusi covers the Cleveland Browns for ESPN. Prior to ESPN, he covered the Miami Dolphins for the Miami Herald, as well as the Baltimore Ravens for The Baltimore Sun.
Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken said Monday that he expects Deshaun Watson to remain as the team's starting quarterback this Sunday at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Monken had sidestepped a question on Sunday after the Browns' 34-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars about whether he would stick with Watson as the starter.
Asked Monday whether he had decided on who would start in Week 2, Monken said, "I anticipate Deshaun will be our starter."
Watson finished 16-of-22 for 205 yards against the Jaguars with a touchdown, an interception and 38 rushing yards.
Monken said that after watching the film, it confirmed to him that Watson should continue as the starter.
The Browns trailed 24-0 at halftime, tying their worst halftime shutout in the past 35 years, according to ESPN Research. Through two quarters, Cleveland had only five first downs on six drives and were 0-for-4 on third down.
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