Aug 1, 2026, 10:30 AM CUT

Deshaun Watson handed blunt response from Todd Monken over training camp performance

The training camp has begun, but Deshaun Watson has yet to find his rhythm, with two interceptions not only casting fresh doubt over his starting role but also catching the attention of Browns head coach Todd Monken himself.

When Todd Monken was asked for his opinion on Deshaun Watson's opening-day drills, the Browns head coach didn't sugarcoat his response, admitting he wasn't a fan of what he saw from the quarterback.

“Thought it s*****, that’s no fun, for him or for us on offense,” said Monken.

Watson endured a shaky session at training camp, throwing two interceptions during a non-padded drill. One was jumped by Denzel Ward, while a miscommunication on the other gifted Damarri Mathis an easy takeaway. Todd Monken elaborated on the performance during the press conference via the Cleveland Browns YouTube channel.

“There was some leakage up front, which can happen without pads on, so Deshaun had to slide, and we were just late on the end cut in the overlap corner. So really, neither one, in my mind, was really a bonehead decision; it really wasn’t. It was unfortunate, still a turnover; that’s the way it is,” said Monken.

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Watson opened the 7-on-7 period. However, his rhythm quickly faded as he failed to connect on consecutive throws and sent passes sailing outside the numbers.

Todd Monken didn't appear impressed by what he saw from Watson. However, he did praise Denzel Ward for his play.

“That was a great play by Denzel Ward. I was standing right behind it, and I thought it was an elite throw,” said Monken.

While the QB battle is in full swing and Watson keeps making one mistake after another, a former GM believes the Browns should reconsider.

Former GM urges Browns to commit to Sanders

It was only the first day, so one 11-on-11 session won't decide the QB battle. However, if Watson keeps making the same mistakes while Sanders continues to deliver accurate passes, the momentum could quickly shift in Sanders' favour.

Interestingly, former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, in his conversation with ESPN, expressed that the Browns should have chosen Sanders by now.

“As a GM, I had plenty of practice doing that. You’ve got to cut your losses. [Deshaun Watson] could walk on water and lead them to the Super Bowl; they’re not gonna extend him. If I’m Todd Monken, I gotta know what I have in Shedeur,” said Tannenbaum.

According to a tracker from ESPN Cleveland, Sanders is currently ahead in the QB race after completing 16 of 19 passes without an interception.

Watson finished 12 of 22 with two interceptions, while Gabriel went 7 of 9 with one interception during the practice session.

Sanders is making a strong case over Deshaun Watson, but will the Browns capitalize on the opportunity?

Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi