Monken leaves the door open<\/p>\n
The quarterback controversy intensified when Monken was asked whether Watson would remain the starter for next week\u2019s game at Tampa Bay. While he was not asked directly about Shedeur Sanders or rookie Taylen Green, Monken said the Browns would evaluate everything without committing to Deshaun.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d rather just talk about today because I haven\u2019t had time to even look at the tape,\u201d Monken said. \u201cI\u2019m sure as hell not firing me, not firing our staff. I\u2019m not getting rid of all of our players. So, he happens to be one of 53.\u201d<\/p>\n
Monken repeatedly defended Watson<\/a> by emphasizing that Cleveland\u2019s offensive problems extended beyond its quarterback.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re putting this on Deshaun, which is unfair,\u201d Monken said. \u201cMy decision-making is what\u2019s best for the Browns now and moving forward.\u201d<\/p>\n Still, the absence of a direct commitment was impossible to ignore. Monken did not announce a quarterback change, but he also did not rule one out. That uncertainty will dominat<\/a>e the conversation surrounding the Browns as they prepare for the Bucs.<\/p>\n Watson thought the pressure was behind him<\/p>\n Watson admitted he experienced a wide range of feelings before playing his first full game in nearly two years.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a lot of emotion, honestly,\u201d Watson said. \u201cTwo years off, back against the wall. It\u2019s definitely a lot of emotions, a lot of anxiety.\u201d<\/p>\n Deshaun was encouraged that his body held up, but remaining healthy will not quiet the questions about whether he can still lead Cleveland\u2019s offense. He said he will continue moving forward regardless of the criticism surrounding him.<\/p>\n \u201cI have a lot of support in that locker room,\u201d Watson said. \u201cAfter the game, they told me to keep my head up, keep pushing forward, keep working. They\u2019re behind me.\u201d<\/p>\n Watson was also asked how his previous adversity could help him prepare for next week.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve got to embrace it,\u201d Watson said. \u201cThat\u2019s the only way. I thought I was going to be gone two years ago, but I guess not. Just embrace it and keep pushing through until you break that wall through.\u201d<\/p>\n
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