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Todd Monken praises Deshaun Watson after Browns' preseason loss

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 16, 2026, 1:53 AM

Last updated Aug 16, 2026

Todd Monken praises Deshaun Watson after Browns' preseason loss

Summary

Following the Cleveland Browns' 34-10 loss to the Chicago Bears in their preseason opener, head coach Todd Monken remarked positively on quarterback Deshaun Watson's performance. Watson led the only two scoring drives despite a mediocre outing, completing 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards. Monken acknowledged frustrations with Watson's play but commended his work ethic. NFL pundit Skip Bayless criticized Monken's support of Watson, suggesting the coach may have prematurely chosen him as the starting quarterback. Meanwhile, rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel struggled in their performances, failing to generate scoring drives.

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By the Numbers

•Browns lost 34-10 to the Chicago Bears in preseason opener on August 15.
•Deshaun Watson led two scoring drives in the game.
•Todd Monken praised Watson but noted areas for improvement.
•Skip Bayless questioned Monken's commitment to Watson as QB1.
•Rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel had disappointing outings.

Latest Updates

1:53 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Doesn’t Seem To Be a Shedeur Sanders Fan’ — NFL Pundit Takes Dig at Browns HC Todd Monken’s Stance on QB Battle

What they're saying

"
Since trading for quarterback Deshaun Watson and giving him a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract, the decision has backfired in the Cleveland Browns’ face, as he’s played just 19 games over four seasons and passed for just over 3,300 yards. While he led the only two scoring drives in Cleveland’s opening preseason game, his outing was fairly mediocre.
— Yahoo Sports

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