Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken has named Deshaun Watson the team's starting quarterback for the upcoming NFL season. Watson, who has been sidelined by injuries and an NFL suspension, will take the starting role over Shedeur Sanders and is slated to begin the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 13.
Monken's decision follows an incident during a recent preseason game where Watson was booed by a portion of the home crowd. The quarterback, still working back from a torn Achilles tendon, described the boos as "disrespectful" and "personal." Watson has had a tumultuous tenure with the Browns since his arrival four years ago, marked by off-field issues that led to an 11-game suspension in 2022, injuries, and a significant contract. He received boos during a loss to the Bills, where he completed 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards and threw an interception after entering the game in relief of Sanders.
Watson expressed his frustration with the fan reaction, particularly recalling that some fans cheered when he sustained a season-ending Achilles tendon injury in a previous game. "Last time I played on this field, I tore my Achilles and that same fan base, they cheered when I got hurt," Watson stated. He indicated that he feels more appreciated in road games than at home, suggesting the home crowd's animosity is primarily directed at him when he is on the field.
Sanders, who was competing with Watson for the starting position, voiced his disapproval of the boos directed at his teammate. "I don't appreciate that at all," Sanders said. "Regardless of competition, we're all human beings. I think we all need to understand that."
Coach Monken acknowledged the difficulty of the situation but expressed confidence in Watson's ability to win over fans through performance. "You don't want to get booed? Let's play good football," Monken said. "Win, play good football, and everybody will be fine. That's just part of it."
Watson, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, has started only 19 games for the Browns since being acquired from Houston for three first-round draft picks. He underwent surgery for a shoulder injury in 2023 and is now recovering from his Achilles tendon injuries.