Deshaun Watson will learn a great deal about his future in roughly 24 hours, as the former Houston Texans first-round draft pick and franchise quarterback is set to find out if he has earned the starting job for the Cleveland Browns.
The decision, according to Browns head coach Todd Monken, will not be influenced by Watson’s recent comments. That also applies to the fallout from them.
However, even if it is strictly a performance-based decision, Watson may be in for bad news.
Ex-Texans Star Deshaun Watson on Notice Amid Fallout
GettyDeshaun Watson will learn his fate for Week 1 in the next 24 hours or so.
Asked directly, Monken told reporters on August 23 Watson’s outburst “does not” affect his decision-making regarding the Browns starting QB job, adding I anticipate making it tomorrow” regarding decision that figures to be vital in dictating the rest of the former Texans star’s career.
“I still have a few things to weigh out, and I’m not going to get into that. but we anticipate naming the starter tomorrow.”
Monken defended Watson against the backlash, citing a moment of humanity.
“I talked to all of our players, beyond even yesterday’s postgame or things we did in the game or each week. So, I’ll keep those conversations private. But again, I think Deshaun spoke from the heart,” Monken said.
“We all want to play well as a team and individually. I think he was–there’s no question we were all frustrated. Certainly could have coached better, could have played better.”
Monken said he is “not concerned” about facing a road atmosphere if Watson is named QB1.
“I’m not concerned about that,” Monken said. “What I’m concerned about is us playing well as a team and on offense. Because cause when you play well, none of the other stuff matters. Just play well. Play well, coach well, score points, win games, and none of that will even matter. ”
Todd Monken Defends Deshaun Watson
GettyDeshaun Watson still has the backing of Browns HC Todd Monken.
Monken said that he has not gotten any sense that Watson no longer wants to be in Cleveland, and attributed his frustrations directed at fans at least partly to the QB’s performance.
“All I Seeing from him is a player that’s worked awfully hard to get back to where he is now, and given himself a chance to compete at the highest level,” Monken said. I’ve been really pleased with how he’s worked, how he’s approached every day. And listen, we didn’t play well enough collectively, and I’m sure that was frustrating for him, and it was for us as well.”
The first-year HC said, “None of us like to be booed.”
“We all like to be appreciated. I think that’s just human,” Monken said, adding, “I think he emptied his heart a little bit, and I don’t think that says who he is. I see the competitor in him, I see the everyday work he puts in, and he wants to be back. He wants to get back to where he was as best he can. And that’s hard. And again, I think the moment just got him after the game and it can get all of us.”
There has been a strong media push for the Browns to cut ties with Watson, despite the massive dead cap hit. That has paled in comparison to the reaction of former players to Watson’s remarks, including ex-Texans weighing in on the Browns’ QB1 job.
Monken spoke highly about Watson’s work ethic and belief in his talent. He also tied the fan reactions to the polarizing QB are the results of being in a “performance-based business.”
The coach added that people in their position have “run to this smoke.”
Deshaun Watson Sparks Major Backlash
GettyFormer Texans QBs David Carr and Brock Osweiler both weighed in on the Browns QB situation.
Former Texans QBs Brock Osweiler–Watson’s predecessor by one season–and David Carr–both weighed in on the Browns’ QB situation. Carr praised Watson’s competition, Sheduer Sanders, while Osweiler echoed that, citing performance over anything else.
Former NFL stars Chad Johnson and Shannon Sharpe also cited Watson’s performance for the fans’ reactions. Ex-NBA star Joe Johnson believes the situation has affected him mentally.
Will Compton, a former NFL LB, said Watson’s “lack of awareness” was “fascinating.”
“The funny thing about the Deshaun Watson situation is it’s entirely about his play,” Super Bowl champion Mitchell Schwartz said in a post on X on August 23. “The fans (mostly) loved him the first year or two and defended him. Since then, everything has to do with how bad he’s been in conjunction with his contract. The personal side is the cherry on top.”
Former QBs Robert Griffin III and Chase Daniel weighed in on the Browns’ QB competition and Watson’s comments, respectively.
Former CB and Super Bowl champion Asante Samuel said Watson will realize he “f***** up.”
Gehrig Dieter, who spent five years in the league as an undrafted free agent, winning a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs along the way, said in his post on X, “Throw for 300 and a couple TD’s and win and let’s see if they are booing you buddy.”
Former Texans QB Deshaun Watson On Notice Amid Fallout From Blowup