Browns likely to keep Deshaun Watson as starter for Week 3 home game
Cleveland head coach Todd Monken indicated that quarterback Deshaun Watson will remain the starter for the upcoming home matchup against the Panthers after his performance in the win over Tampa Bay.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson completed 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns in Cleveland's 23-19 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and head coach Todd Monken said he expects Watson to start again in Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers.
"Really? I'm gonna enjoy this win and I thought he played his ass off. I'm gonna leave it at that. I'm so happy for him," Monken told reporter Zac Jackson of The Athletic. The Browns will host the Panthers on Sunday and then travel to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, giving Watson two home games within a four-day span. Analysts noted that while Watson's numbers fell short of a 400-yard, five-touchdown benchmark, his efficiency may be sufficient to retain the starting role, though performance pressures could increase if the team struggles in the upcoming week.