Watson Calls Home Boos 'Disrespectful' as Sanders Makes His Case in Cleveland Loss
Coach Todd Monken says Watson's comments about the boos won't factor into the QB decision, and that he expects to name a starter between Watson and Sanders on Monday.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson called Saturday's fan boos "disrespectful" in his first home game since tearing his Achilles tendon in October 2024, while backup Shedeur Sanders used what's being described as his last real preseason chance to make a case for the starting job in a 31-7 loss to Buffalo.
What did Watson say?
"I think the whole world knows it has nothing to do about the performance. It's a little [more] personal than that. So, I think it's a disrespectful thing," Watson said. "Last time I played on this field, I tore my Achilles. And that same fanbase, they cheered when I got hurt." He added, "I feel like I get more love in road games than I do home games." Coach Todd Monken responded simply: "Win, play good football, and everybody will be fine." Watson went 5 of 12 for 35 yards with an interception across four drives.
How did Sanders perform?
Sanders completed his first eight passes and finished 9 of 11 for 74 yards with a touchdown and an interception, a pass tipped and picked off by Damar Hamlin, working behind Cleveland's second-string offensive line. He showed more patience in the pocket than during his rookie season, according to reporting on the game.
When will Cleveland name a starter?
Monken is described as nearing a decision between Watson and Sanders, though no exact timeline has been announced. Watson has started just 19 games for Cleveland since 2022 due to injuries and an NFL suspension.
Did Watson's comments affect the decision?
Monken said no. "He emptied his heart a little bit, and I don't think that says who he is," Monken said of Watson's remarks on the boos. On the QB decision itself, Monken said, "We have to take in the full body of work," and, "I look at it as what has been the full body of work and then ultimately who gives us the best chance to win Week 1." He said he expects to name the starter on Monday.
With Watson named the starter, what's the latest on the QB room?
Watson was ultimately named the Week 1 starter over Sanders. The battle for the roster spots behind them shifted to Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green, and Gabriel made a statement in the preseason finale, a 37-13 win over New England, going 12 of 15 for 186 yards and three touchdowns, all in the first half. Green added 66 rushing yards. Asked whether Gabriel's performance affected Sanders' hold on the No. 2 job, Monken said, "No, I don't see it that way," but otherwise stayed noncommittal on whether Cleveland keeps four quarterbacks on its 53-man roster.
Players in this story
Sources
- ESPN: Browns' Watson calls fans' boos 'personal,' not based on play
- ESPN: Browns' Monken: Watson's comments not a factor in QB decision
- ESPN: Browns' Monken noncommittal on 4-QB room as Gabriel shines
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