The Cleveland Browns' quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders is close to an end.
Head coach Todd Monken told reporters on Sunday that he expects to name his Week 1 starting quaterback and that Saturday's comments from Watson regarding booing from Cleveland fans won't factor into his decision.
Sanders started Saturday's preseason loss to the Bills, completing 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Watson, in contrast, went 5-of-12 passing for 35 yards with an interception while working with reserves.
“We have to take in the full body of work," Monday said on Sunday. "That’s one opportunity that they had on the field, just like the week before (was) an opportunity, just like the practices against the Bills were an opportunity to showcase their ability. … I look at it as what has been the full body of work and then ultimately who gives us the best chance to win Week 1.”
The dominant story Saturday in Cleveland, however, centered on Watson's reaction to getting booed by Browns fans in his first game action at home since he tore his Achilles during a game in Cleveland in October 2024.
RELATED CONTENT
Watson told reporters on Saturday that he felt the booing was "disrespectful."
"It has nothing to do about the performance. It's a little bit [more] personal than that," Watson said. "Last time I played on this field I tore my Achilles, and that same fan base, they cheered when I got hurt. What does that have to do with anything about performance?"
Monken said Sunday he felt Watson spoke from the "heart" on Saturday and that he will keep any conversations he had with the veteran QB private.
“He wants to in the worst way play winning football for the Browns organization and the fans," Monken said of Watson. "(Saturday's game) didn’t go as we had hoped, or he did I’m sure. I think we have to be a little bit careful of judging someone right after going out there to play. Feeling like he put in the work and to not perform as well as he would have wanted. And like I said, we all want to be appreciated.”
Monken added: “I’m not going to let one half of football, one frustrating moment, dictate what our decision is going to be that we think is in the best interest of the Browns moving forward and especially Week 1.”
Monken said that he was not concerned about the first home game -- Week 3 against the Panthers.
"I'm concerned about who gives us the best chance to win first week," he said.
The Browns conclude the preseason on Thursday against the Patriots.