Todd Monken is diving headfirst into his role as the Cleveland Browns head coach, and one thing is clear: quarterback questions come with the territory. Known for his directness, Monken has shed light on the quarterback dynamics in Cleveland, and it's intriguing.
During the NFL’s annual league meetings, Monken revealed some telling insights. Shedeur Sanders has been a regular at the Browns' facility, while Dillon Gabriel has been notably absent.
Meanwhile, Monken hasn’t been diving deep into Deshaun Watson’s past game tape. With an open quarterback competition expected, Monken’s approach to Watson’s film is certainly worth noting.
When ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi pressed Monken on this, the coach’s response was revealing. Monken admitted to watching a bit of Watson’s tape but not enough to draw major conclusions. He acknowledged Watson’s mixed performances but emphasized that too many unknown variables make past tape less relevant.
At the AFC coaches breakfast, Monken reiterated his stance, indicating he’s not overly concerned with Watson’s past performances. Instead, he’s focused on the future.
Monken expressed his belief in Watson’s talent, stating, “I’ve seen a really good football player. We’re excited to work with him.”
This signals a fresh start for Watson, free from past judgments.
On the surface, Monken’s comments might seem surprising, as if he’s willing to overlook Watson’s struggles. However, it aligns with Cleveland’s broader message by retaining Watson on the roster.
Monken doesn’t need extensive film study to know Watson’s Cleveland tenure has been rocky. After all, Watson hasn’t played since October 2024 and has faced significant injuries since.
The true test for Watson will unfold on the practice fields in Berea this offseason. Monken will evaluate whether Watson is ready to reclaim a starting role or if he’ll remain on the sidelines. The Browns are entering a new chapter, and Monken is ready to see what unfolds.