Coaches rarely tip their hand in a postgame press conference, choosing instead to protect information while still saying enough to make their feelings clear. That balancing act played out clearly in Tampa on Sunday, where Todd Monken was asked about his plans at quarterback going into Week 3.
Monken did not confirm a starter for Week 3, but his praise for Watson left little room for doubt.
“I’m gonna enjoy this win. I thought he played his a** off. I’m so happy for him. I’m just gonna leave it there. Good for him. Good for 22 months of working his butt off to get to where he’s at. I’m gonna leave it at that; I’m so happy for him. This is a player’s game. There’s nothing like the locker room,” Monken said.
#Browns Todd Monken says Deshaun Watson played his b—- off and he’s happy for him. Wouldn’t answer if he’ll start next week but it’s obvious: pic.twitter.com/wWwjHLXTX4
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 20, 2026
The 22-month reference lines up with Watson’s long road back from multiple Achilles injuries that kept him off the field for nearly two full seasons.
Given everything that built up around the quarterback position over the past week, from criticism to many analysts saying Watson likely is playing his last game, that kind of comment would normally read as a real signal of uncertainty. Instead, the tone of Monken’s answer, paired with genuine emotion about Watson’s personal journey, points toward a coach fully in his corner heading into the following week.
Watson backed up that praise on the field, finishing 24 of 30 for 238 yards and 2 touchdowns without a turnover in the comeback win. That kind of performance, especially after a rough opener against Jacksonville, gives Monken every reason to want to stick with him.
None of this fully closes the door on Sanders getting an opportunity at some point this season, and Monken’s refusal to name a starter outright keeps that door technically open. But between the performance itself and a coach speaking about his quarterback this way, all the signs point toward Watson getting the chance to lead Cleveland into its home opener with a very different level of confidence than he carried into Week 2.
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