Todd Monken and the Cleveland Browns enter the 2026 season with a big dilemma. While they are yet to name the starter between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson, the head coach dropped a blunt take on the veteran. 

The Browns' 2026 training camp started on July 28 and runs through August 25. But Watson already opened on the back foot with Monken being unapologetic about his review from the camp.

“Thought it sucked, that’s no fun, for him or for us on offense,” said Monken as posted by the Browns’ YouTube channel on July 30. 

During the presser, his review came about Watson’s throw as the veteran quarterback has been sidelined since October 20, 2024, during a Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Monken explained that the second play came on a play-action call, and the Browns should have reacted better when the defense got pressure on Watson and threw the play off schedule.

"There was some leakage up front, which can happen without pads on, so Deshaun had to slide, and we were just late on the end cut in the overlap corner,” the head coach added. “So really, neither one, in my mind, was really a bonehead decision, it really wasn't. It was unfortunate, still a turnover, that's the way it is."

This take from Monken has been raising eyebrows since it momentarily felt like Watson would win the QB1 race against Shedeur Sanders.

Watson is healthy again and showed excitement to work with an offensive-minded head coach who has succeeded with mobile quarterbacks. Browns coaches also praised his form and athleticism during spring practices.

But just before training camp, the Browns no longer feel confident about Watson. 

Saturday brought the Browns to the halfway point of their eight-day installation stretch. They will rest on Sunday before holding six straight practices, including Monday’s first session in pads.

In such crucial time, as Monken made his feelings clear about Watson, the veteran quarterback dropped a bold take about himself. 

Deshaun Watson returns with confidence

Watson missed all of last season after tearing his Achilles in October 2024. But being sidelined for more than a year, he now feels confident about proving himself in the 2026 season. 

“I feel really good. I feel healthy,” Watson said during the presser on August 1. “I’ve just got to continue to build that football shape. I think that’s the biggest thing I’m working on through this process each day, just trying to build that endurance, build that football shape, because it’s been a while since I’ve really been on the field with 11-on-11.”

It was not about the torn Achilles that became a roadblock for Watson. He had to undergo surgery to treat his shoulder injury in 2023. Besides Monken, the analysts also took note of how Watson struggled during the training. 

Zac Jackson of The Athletic described Watson’s first practice as a “prolonged series of misses, picks and floaters.” The turnovers have increased the pressure on Watson as he tries to stay ahead of Sanders, who started seven games last season.

Cleveland is not expected to settle the starting quarterback competition until at least after the Aug. 22 preseason game against Buffalo.

Now, after Monken’s review of Watson, who do you think will win the starting quarterback competition? Let us know in the comments. 

Read more at Quarter Back Central.

Written by

Soheli Tarafdar

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar