Browns’ Deshaun Watson decision suddenly looks much more complicated

The Cleveland Browns waited nearly two years to see Deshaun Watson start another regular-season game. They may not want to wait much longer to consider their alternatives.

Watson’s return quickly became one of the biggest disappointments of NFL Week 1 as the Browns suffered a 34-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cleveland fell behind 31-0 early in the third quarter, turning what was supposed to be a fresh start into another uncomfortable quarterback conversation.

Watson threw an interception on Cleveland’s opening possession and completed only one of his five first-half attempts that traveled at least 10 yards through the air. His only touchdown came on a 46-yard completion to Denzel Boston with less than two minutes remaining.

By then, the outcome had been decided. 

Todd Monken refuses to single out Watson

Browns coach Todd Monken declined to place the loss entirely on his quarterback. Monken said Cleveland would evaluate every part of the performance, including the coaching, offense and defense. He also pushed back against the suggestion that Watson played tentatively.

HC Todd Monken on whether Deshaun Watson will remain the Browns' QB1 in Week 2. pic.twitter.com/GGzzAY0q9y

That public defense was understandable after one game. It did not sound like an unconditional commitment to Watson moving forward. Monken said he needed to review the tape before offering individual evaluations. That film session will be one of the most important of his young tenure in Cleveland.

The problem for Watson is that this was not an isolated poor outing. His production has consistently fallen short of expectations since the Browns acquired him, and every ineffective performance creates more pressure to explore another option.

MORE: Ben Johnson sends Bears urgent message after dominant Week 1 win

Shedeur Sanders conversation is not going away

Watson won Cleveland’s starting job after competing with Shedeur Sanders during training camp. Week 1 did little to end the debate. The Browns do not need to make an immediate change, but they cannot allow the quarterback position to sink another season while waiting for a breakthrough that may never arrive.

Sanders would bring his own uncertainty. Turning to a younger quarterback after one game could also look reactionary, especially when the entire team performed poorly in Jacksonville.

Still, Cleveland’s next few games now carry considerably more weight. Watson must show that he can consistently move the offense, protect the football and create explosive plays before the Browns fall out of contention. The organization gave Watson the opening assignment. It did not necessarily guarantee him the entire season.

After Cleveland’s Week 1 disaster, the most important quarterback competition in the NFL may not actually be over.

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