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Monken: QB Decision Not Up for Locker Room Vote
15 Sep
Summary
- Coach Monken declared players have no vote on the starting quarterback.
- Deshaun Watson will start again after a 34-10 loss to Jacksonville.
- Team support is mandatory, regardless of individual player feelings.
Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken has unequivocally stated that the team's quarterback decision will not be subject to a locker room vote. Following a disappointing 34-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1, Deshaun Watson is set to start again. Monken made it clear on Monday that players do not have a say in play-calling and are expected to support the chosen quarterback. Watson, who was named one of Cleveland's five captains for Week 1, will lead the offense again in Tampa Bay.
Watson's first regular-season start in nearly two years saw him throw an interception on the opening possession. He finished the game completing 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards and one touchdown, with his most significant play being a 46-yard touchdown pass to rookie Denzel Boston late in the game. Monken acknowledged both positive aspects and areas for improvement in Watson's performance, citing operational issues that need to be addressed by the entire offense, including coaching and play execution.
Despite struggles with penalties and stalled possessions against Jacksonville, which contributed to the overall offensive inefficiency, Monken defended the decision to stick with Watson. The Browns' defense also struggled, allowing four touchdown passes from Trevor Lawrence. However, if the offense continues to sputter in Tampa Bay, the pressure to give Shedeur Sanders a chance in the following home opener against Carolina will intensify.
