Insider Questions Deshaun Watson's Mental Toughness
Todd Monken chose the veteran over Shedeur Sanders, and Watson said boos from Browns fans were disrespectful.
- On Monday, Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken named Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback for the September 13 regular season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, finalizing a decision that has drawn significant criticism from the local fan base.
- Monken opted for Watson despite a strong offseason push from second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders; the choice remains unpopular due to Watson's history of off-field legal issues, injury concerns, and recent clashes with fans.
- During Saturday's preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, fans booed Watson. The 10-year veteran later called the reception "disrespectful" before apologizing, stating he let his emotions get the best of him.
- Former NFL analyst Robert Griffin III questioned Watson's mental fortitude, suggesting the quarterback struggles to perform when not "celebrated." ESPN Cleveland's Tony Grossi similarly expressed doubts about Watson's ability to overcome public backlash.
- The $230 million quarterback faces immense pressure to perform, as his performance could define Monken's future with the franchise. Watson's success in the upcoming season remains the primary variable determining if the long-shot gamble pays off.
11 Articles
11 Articles
"There is no way in h*ll": NFL analyst Mike Florio spells doom for Deshaun Watson getting "two-week audition" after being named QB1
Deshaun Watson has been entrusted with the starting job for at least the Cleveland Browns' first game of the 2026 season, and at least two people believe it will be a period of intense pressure.
Mike Polk Jr.: The Cleveland Browns made their choice with Deshaun Watson. Now the controversy continues
From the boos to the regrets (or lack thereof) Mike Polk Jr. shares his thoughts on some of the most notable moments from Deshaun Watson's candid postgame comments.
RG3 Suggests Shedeur Sanders vs. Deshaun Watson QB1 Battle Wasn't Decided by Browns HC Monken
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III does not feel it was Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken's decision to name Deshaun Watson as his team's Week 1 starter over Shedeur Sanders.
'His ego has taken so many hits': Criticism mounts over Deshaun Watson's self-confidence
Sep 8, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) walks off the field after the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesAfter revealing that Deshaun Watson would be the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns’ season on Monday, outrage has spread amongst the sports community. The 10-year veteran has not been in good graces since calling fans out for …
Joe Thomas Has Honest Admission About Todd Monken's QB Decision
(Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) Ever since Todd Monken named Deshaun Watson as the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback earlier this week, people have been perplexed, trying to find a reasonable explanation. Shedeur Sanders would have been the much more popular choice, and even if there was a gap in talent between him and Watson, it did not seem to be vast enough to warrant the backlash. However, at his core, Monken is a football coach,…
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