Todd Monken has explained why Deshaun Watson won the Cleveland Browns' quarterback competition against Shedeur Sanders, pointing to the veteran's higher ceiling to open the 2026 NFL season.
Monken took charge during the offseason after Cleveland finished 5-12 in 2025 and the new coach faced an important decision between Watson and Sanders, with the choice eventually going to the veteran returning from two major injuries.
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And Watson has retained the starting role, although inconsistent offensive performances have kept questions about his position alive as the coaching staff continues to evaluate what each quarterback could offer.
“I think what we saw as a collective staff was his best,” Monken said to The Pivot. “I think you try to look at what a player’s best is and then try to minimize the weaknesses. I think that’s with every player.
“I think that’s what we saw with Deshaun. It wasn’t like Shedeur didn’t have his fair share of great plays, but we just saw a little bit more from Deshaun at the top end. It’s a work in progress. We’re always under construction.”
Watson's early-season numbers have supported the decision to keep him under center as through six games, he has completed 111 of 174 passes for 1174 yards and seven touchdowns, with only two interceptions.
Cleveland's 4-2 record also gives Monken's team a strong platform to open the season in the AFC North despite its uneven displays, with the team leading the division heading into Week 7.
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd MonkenLAPRESSE
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The Browns' latest victory illustrated both the concerns surrounding Watson as Cleveland rallied from a 10-point deficit to beat the Baltimore Ravens 13-10, with their QB connecting with Jerry Jeudy for a 33-yard gain that set up Andre Szmyt's winning field goal.
Watson finished 16 of 26 for 164 yards as Cleveland managed only 107 yards entering the fourth quarter, before a fumble by Baltimore running back Derrick Henry gave the Browns their opening.
Carson Schwesinger forced the turnover and Tyson Campbell recovering at the Ravens' 35-yard line and Audric Estime, signed from Minnesota's practice squad during the week, then scored on a two-yard run to tie the game at 10 with 8:33 remaining.
Watson subsequently directed a 10-play, 62-yard drive in the final two minutes to put Szmyt in position to win it. But despite winning, the offense has yet to show sustained consistency.
Watson even endured boos during a first half in which the Browns recorded three first downs and five punts, reinforcing the pressure surrounding the quarterback position – the overall record aided by the defense supplying crucial moments.
Monken's next challenge is maintaining that belief while improving the team's execution as Cleveland hosts the 1-5 Tennessee Titans on Sunday, October 25, with an opportunity to strengthen its position in the division.
Results elsewhere could move the Browns into sole possession of first place if Baltimore and the Pittsburgh Steelers both lose and another victory would strengthen Watson's case to remain the starter as Cleveland aims to forge a genuine playoff push.