Monken Expects Deshaun Watson to Remain Browns Starter for Week 2

Coach Todd Monken stated Monday that he expects Deshaun Watson to start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following his 205-yard performance in the season opener.

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken announced Monday that he expects Deshaun Watson to remain the team's starting quarterback for this Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The decision follows a 34-10 season-opening loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, in which Cleveland trailed 24-0 at halftime. During that contest, Watson completed 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards with one touchdown and one interception, while adding 38 rushing yards.

Monken noted that film review confirmed Watson should continue as the starter, stating it would be unfair to blame the veteran for all offensive struggles. The Week 1 loss saw the Browns offense go 0-for-4 on third downs and record only five first downs through the first two quarters. Watson, who turned 31 on Monday, was appearing in his first regular-season game in 693 days after missing the 2025 season due to two separate Achilles tendon tears.

Since joining Cleveland via trade in 2022, Watson has posted a 9-11 record as a starter. He currently holds a 33.1 QBR with the franchise, the second-lowest mark in the NFL among quarterbacks with at least 15 starts during that span. Monken originally named Watson the starter on August 24 following a training camp competition with Shedeur Sanders.