Deshaun Watson’s controversial comments on Saturday after the Cleveland Browns’ 31-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills sent the NFL world into a frenzy. The boos from the home crowd also convinced many that he may have lost his case to become the Browns’ starting quarterback.
However, in a twist, Browns head coach Todd Monken revealed that Watson’s remarks won’t be held against him in the QB1 competition with Shedeur Sanders. This, though, hasn’t gone down well with fans.
NFL Fans Slam Todd Monken’s Stance on Deshaun Watson
Monken was speaking to reporters via a Zoom call on Sunday. The Browns HC revealed he would make the decision on the starting quarterback on Monday. At the same time, his answer to when asked how Watson’s postgame presser comments would impact his decision was quite telling.
ESPN reporter Daniel Oyefusi shared on X: “Browns coach Todd Monken was asked how Deshaun Watson’s postgame presser impacts his QB1 decision: “It does not.”
“Monken will name a starting quarterback tomorrow,” he further reported.
Monken also seemed to empathize with Watson during the presser, saying, “We didn’t play well enough collectively, and I’m sure that was frustrating for him, and it was for us as well.”
“None of us like to be booed. We all like to be appreciated. I think that’s just human,” he added. “I think he emptied his heart a little bit, and I don’t think that says who he is.”
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That wasn’t what most people in the NFL world were expecting to hear from Monken. His answer, in defense of Watson’s comments, became a talking point, and it clearly did not sit well with many fans.
“I’m about to lose respect for Todd Monken,” one fan wrote.
I’m about to lose respect for Todd Monken. https://t.co/koEJbX5bJr
— Shawn (The Sports Freak) (@TheSports_Freak) August 23, 2026
For some Browns fans, Monken’s eventual decision on the quarterback could determine whether they continue to support the Browns this season.
“I promise you if he starts he lost me and the fanbase,” one Cleveland supporter wrote, while another took a harsher tone: “If they name that fool the starter, count me out. I’m done with this garbage [expletive] franchise.”
i promise you if he starts he lost me and the fanbase https://t.co/h9zB28UeVD
— Mason Martinez (@masonmartinez26) August 23, 2026
Meanwhile, MoreForYouCleveland noted that Watson’s comments about the fan base should make it impossible for him to win the starting job.
“You absolutely CANNOT name Deshaun Watson the QB after he went full scorched earth on the fan base and said he didn’t know if he could mentally handle things.”
You absolutely CANNOT name Deshaun Watson the QB after he went full scorched earth on the fan base and said he didn’t know if he could mentally handle things. https://t.co/rWhXhMFCh7
— MoreForYouCleveland (@MoreForYou_CLE) August 23, 2026
Others were sarcastic, saying Watson getting the starting job was already inevitable: “They’re going to name Deshaun as starter 😂” and also that “the funniest, most cleveland browns thing they can do rn is name him opening day starter.”
the funniest, most cleveland browns thing they can do rn is name him opening day starter https://t.co/8PoRLBsRYm
— b cunningham (@BurdsIVue) August 23, 2026
Another added, “Todd is 100% naming Watson the starter. It’s obvious by the way he is answering these questions. Interested to see the fan reaction”
“Lmao dumpster fire Cleveland can’t stay outCleveland’sands way..” one fan posted.
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Some questioned his on-field performances and whether the veteran quarterback could still perform at the level required to be the Browns’ starter.
“I’m starting to fail to understand like what more do is he need to think about 🤷🤷🤷,” they wrote. “Watson can’t play anymore”
I’m starting to fail to understand like what more do is he need to think about 🤷🤷🤷. Watson can’t play anymore
— Ti-FuhFuh_YRN (@Tifuhfuh_YRN) August 23, 2026
As for Watson, he has started only 19 games for the Browns over four years in Cleveland, largely due to injuries that kept him off the field. A torn Achilles ended his 2024 season and kept him out last year. Notably, during the 2024 campaign, PFN’s QB Impact Metric gave Watson a 59.9 grade, the lowest mark among quarterbacks.
Watson went 5-of-12 for 36 yards and an interception after entering in the second half against the Bills. With Monken set to announce his QB1 decision on Monday, all eyes will be on whether he still hands Watson the starting role over Sanders despite the controversy of the last 24 hours.
