Why did the Browns choose Deshaun Watson to start vs. Texans: Orange and Brown Talk (Podcast)

The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback carousel has spun again, landing on a familiar face. Just days after rookie Shedeur Sanders nearly engineered a stunning comeback against the Saints, veteran Deshaun Watson is back under center, officially named the starter for Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans. It's a decision that followed a period of unusual silence from head coach Todd Monken, a silence that fueled speculation and had Browns fans wondering if a new era was dawning in Berea. Cleveland.com reports that Watson’s return marks a continuation of the team’s current trajectory, but one that remains delicately balanced on the performance of both quarterbacks.

The announcement, made Wednesday, put an end to a week of uncertainty following Watson’s concussion sustained against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 1st. While he initially returned to the game after missing just one play, he later exhibited concussion symptoms and was sidelined for the Saints matchup. Sanders, stepping into the breach, completed 297 yards and two touchdowns, displaying flashes of potential that had many wondering if a permanent shift was imminent. However, Monken’s rationale for sticking with Watson wasn’t about injury or perceived inadequacy, but rather a broader assessment of the team’s performance. “I had no intention of Deshaun not being our starter,” Monken stated, emphasizing the “full body of work” – the previous eight games – that has defined Watson's play.

Monken’s initial reluctance to address the quarterback situation during a Zoom call with reporters on Monday fueled speculation that the team might switch from Watson to Sanders. As The Plain Dealer notes, this delay amplified the intrigue surrounding the decision. “I don't even know why I have to say it publicly because it's really only our business in terms of who's going to play and who's not going to play,” Monken remarked, highlighting the team’s desire to keep internal discussions private. Despite Sanders’ solid performance, Monken asserted, “Deshaun's done a really good job for us. Five and three as a starter.”

Watson, currently playing under the final year of his historic $240 million guaranteed contract – a deal that reshaped both the Browns and the Texans when he was acquired five years ago – expressed understanding of the situation. “I understood it,” he said regarding being held out of last week’s game. He acknowledged that his future with the team is beyond his control, stating, “That’s up to Monk and the front office.” The 31-year-old quarterback has already spearheaded five comeback victories this season, demonstrating a resilience that Monken clearly values.

The Concussion and Subsequent Decisions

The events leading up to this announcement began with Watson sustaining a concussion in the first quarter of a loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 1st. He initially returned to the game, missing only one play, before exhibiting symptoms the following day. Following protocol, he was cleared to return on Saturday, but Monken opted to start Sanders against the Saints. Sanders’ performance – 297 passing yards, two touchdowns, and a 114.6 passer rating – prompted speculation about a potential shift in the starting role. However, Monken ultimately decided to revert to Watson, citing his overall body of work and the team's playoff aspirations.

Monken Explains His Decision-Making Process

Todd Monken’s hesitancy to publicly address the quarterback situation earlier in the week added fuel to the speculation surrounding a potential change. When questioned about his decision-making process, Monken explained his need to consult with his coaching staff before making a formal announcement. “Everything you're considering, but ultimately Deshaun's done a really good job for us,” he stated. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining team stability and focusing on the larger goal of competing for a playoff spot. “I anticipate him being the starter, but that's, again, we're week to week,” Monken added, highlighting the fluidity of the situation and the ongoing evaluation process.

What This Means for Cleveland

For Browns fans, this news is a complex mix of familiarity and hope. The team’s quarterback history has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, and the constant speculation surrounding the position only amplifies the emotional investment. Watson’s return brings a sense of stability, but also the lingering questions about his performance and the significant financial commitment the Browns have made. The team's offensive struggles, currently ranked 29th in scoring, remain a significant concern for residents who yearn for a return to competitive football. The decision to stick with Watson, despite Sanders’ showing, suggests a belief that the veteran can still lead the team to playoff contention, a goal that would undoubtedly bring a much-needed boost to the city’s morale.

Rodney’s Take: A Calculated Risk

Look, there’s no denying that the Browns have been in a quarterbacking wilderness for years. Bringing in Deshaun Watson was supposed to be the end of that, but it’s been anything but. While Monken’s decision to stick with him is understandable from a football perspective – the guy has led them to a winning record – it also feels like a calculated risk. Shedeur Sanders showed real promise last week, and the potential for a long-term solution might be staring us right in the face. But the Browns are in a tough spot, financially and competitively. That contract with Watson looms large, and the pressure to win now is immense. What’s concerning is Monken’s ambiguity about Watson’s future. “I anticipate him being the starter, but that's, again, we're week to week.” That suggests a lack of unwavering confidence, and it’s a sentiment that will resonate with fans who have seen this movie before. The Browns need to be honest with themselves about what they have in both these players and have a plan for the future – a plan that doesn't solely depend on Watson’s continued performance. It's a delicate balance, and whether they can strike it remains to be seen.

The Texans and Beyond

The Browns’ immediate focus is Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans, a team Watson previously led. This will be his third game against his former team, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup. The team’s bye week following the Texans game provides an opportunity for reflection and adjustments. However, Monken’s comments suggest that the quarterback situation remains fluid. “We're judged each week,” he stated, emphasizing the need for consistent performance from both Watson and Sanders. The Browns’ success in the coming weeks will depend not only on Watson’s ability to regain his form – he hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass in three games – but also on the team’s overall offensive improvement, which is currently ranked near the bottom of the league. NFL.com provides schedules and scores for all NFL teams.

Injury Updates and Team News

Beyond the quarterback drama, the Browns are also dealing with several other injury concerns. Rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston is currently sidelined with a toe injury and is in a walking boot, although Monken anticipates him returning to practice this week. The Browns’ official website provides updates on player injuries and team news. Veteran defensive tackle Maliek Collins, who had missed Sunday’s game due to illness and elbow issues, has returned to practice. However, other players, including safety Ronnie Hickman (concussion), center Elgton Jenkins (knee), and fullback Michael Burton (calf), remain out. The team will need to navigate these personnel challenges as they navigate a crucial stretch of the season.

The road ahead for the Browns remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the team’s success hinges on a delicate balance between experience and potential, between established leadership and emerging talent. As they prepare to face the Texans, the city of Cleveland holds its breath, hoping for a season of renewed hope and gridiron glory. For those seeking to support the Browns and the Cleveland community, donations to local charities and volunteer efforts are always welcomed. City of Cleveland Website offers information on local events and community resources. Families interested in youth football programs can find information through the Cleveland.com sports section and local youth sports organizations.