Now that Deshaun Watson has been named the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback, it’s time to examine what that really could mean for the offense. Todd Monken was hired as head coach for his expertise on that side of the ball, and now it’s up to him to get the most out of his hand-picked choice for the job.
In two preseason games, Watson did not show an ability or desire to throw the ball downfield, which would limit the unit’s explosive potential. But there is another aspect to his game that could create some big plays.
Analyst Nathan Zegura is hinting at the Browns’ new offensive plans with Watson, which will include the quarterback running more than one might expect.
“With the weapons out wide, with the weapons to stretch the field both horizontally and vertically, there will be space if you make it 11-on-11. I think we could see some situations where Taylen Green gets some work in the red zone. Yes, I do think we’ll see some RPOs. They have so much stuff in their bag of tricks from working with Lamar Jackson. We will see some of that, in addition to [Deshaun] just throwing the football,” Zegura said.
"With the weapons out wide, with the weapons to stretch the field both horizontally and vertically, there will be space if you make it 11-on-11. I think we could see some situations where Taylen Green gets some work in the red zone."
➡️ @NathanZegura w/ @KenCarman and… https://t.co/y2M4XOhmGu pic.twitter.com/726PsEgozv
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) August 28, 2026
That may be a questionable strategy, considering Watson’s lengthy injury history and the fact that he is coming back after almost two years on the sidelines and tearing his Achilles tendon twice. But Monken doesn’t seem like someone who will deviate from what he thinks is right, evidenced by his choice of Watson over Shedeur Sanders in the first place.
Monken, coordinator Travis Switzer and offensive line coach George Warhop had great success with Jackson as a big part of the running game while they were together with the Baltimore Ravens. Whether Watson is capable of that at this point in his career seems to be a dubious proposition.
During his peak years with the Houston Texans, Watson was a rushing threat, with a 551-yard season in 2018 and seven rushing TDs in 2019. Of course, he was a much younger player then, and he is now about to turn 31 years old next month and is coming off a major leg injury.
That is why Green is a potentially intriguing option, if he makes the 53-man roster. The rookie sixth-round pick from the 2026 NFL Draft displayed his explosive potential in the preseason finale against the New England Patriots on Thursday, with 66 yards on the ground, including a 30-yard scramble that led to a 98-yard TD drive.
Playing behind a rebuilt offensive line, Watson may also find himself running even more than Monken would like, and it remains to be seen if he can still handle that part of the game.
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