Todd Monken continues to affirm his support for Deshaun Watson as the Cleveland Browns quarterback regains his form throughout the 2026 NFL season.

Monken started his first year as the Browns' head coach, off to a 1-1 start two games in. He named Watson as the starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders, believing the former can return to star form and help Cleveland win games.

Despite Watson's controversy and season-ending injuries in past years, Monken appeared on the Pat McAfee Show to explain why he maintains belief in the quarterback.

“I have a huge belief in all of our players, especially Deshaun, because I've seen it. Now, had he been away from the game for a while, yes, and playing only whatever it was, 19 games over five years. That's going to sting not only his confidence level but also, system-wise, like, who is he? And all I saw was a guy that just continued to work,” Monken said.

“He had no reason to work over the last 22 months to come back. He had all the money was guaranteed for God's sakes. I mean, shoot, he'd already had a heck of a career, but for him to come back and work like he did [is great]…I was happy for him all the work he put in because isn't that why we do it? Don't we do this for our players to try and create the best version of our players that we can and show belief in them and then let the chips fall where they may.”

“I have a huge belief in all of our players, especially Deshaun [Watson].”

—Browns HC Todd Monken on his starting QB 📈

(via @PatMcAfeeShow) pic.twitter.com/zLoSXEICve

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 25, 2026

What lies ahead for Deshaun Watson, Browns

Deshaun Watson has delivered a solid performance to lead the Browns to their first win of 2026. It's the first step to what can present potential for a rebuilding Cleveland squad.

Two games into 2026, Watson has completed 40 out of 52 passes for 443 yards and three touchdowns and one interception. Cleveland is 1-1 after losing to Jacksonville then beating Tampa Bay.

The Browns will look forward to their next matchup, being at home. They host the Carolina Panthers in Week 3 as kickoff commences on Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. ET.