Todd Monken Addresses Potential QB Change In Week 2

The questions about Deshaun Watson’s job security started almost immediately after Cleveland’s 34-10 loss to Jacksonville, and reporters wasted no time asking Todd Monken about his future plans at the position. A blowout defeat in his head coaching debut left plenty to sort through, but nothing drew more attention than whether Watson would remain the starter heading into Week 2.

Monken made his stance clear when asked about a potential change at quarterback.

“I’d rather just talk about today because I haven’t even had time to look at the tape. I’m sure as hell not firing me. I’m not firing our staff. I’m not getting rid of all our players. He happens to be one of 53. So, we’ll evaluate everything. We just didn’t play good enough…didn’t coach well enough,” Monken said.

"I'm sure as hell not firing me. I'm not firing our staff. I'm not getting rid of all our players. He happens to be one of 53. So, we'll evaluate everything. We just didn't play good enough…didn't coach well enough." #Browns head coach Todd Monken on whether he'll stick with… pic.twitter.com/zNLRbGd29m

— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) September 13, 2026

Watson finished 16 of 22 for 205 yards with a touchdown and an interception, numbers that looked decent until factoring in how much of that production came after Jacksonville had already built a commanding lead.

Monken is barely one game into his tenure, and taking public ownership of the play calling and preparation reflects an early attempt to shield his players from bearing all the blame.

Fans have not shown the same patience. The reaction following Sunday’s loss made clear that plenty of Browns fans are already looking toward Shedeur Sanders.  Monken’s comments do not close the door on a change, but they do suggest he is not ready to make one out of frustration after a single game.

Evaluating everything, as Monken put it, leaves the door open without committing to anything specific. That kind of answer buys time, but it does not erase the fact that Watson continues to show the same struggles that have defined much of his time in Cleveland.