{
  "id": 7411840,
  "title": "Todd Monken stands by Deshaun Watson after his performance in Browns’ opening loss sparks fan outcry",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/todd-monken-stands-by-deshaun-watson-after-his-performance-in-browns",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-14T22:23:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/todd-monken-stands-deshaun-watson-222344424.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Cleveland Browns fans are accustomed to their team not performing well during season openers. However, the 34-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday raised concerns, primarily due to Deshaun Watson's role as the starting quarterback. Deshaun Watson will likely continue as the starter for Week 2 against Tampa Bay, according to first-year coach Todd Monken. Monken praised Watson's performance in his first NFL game in 22 months, noting that he made several good plays and is expected to improve further. Despite Watson's 97.7 passer rating, he appeared tentative in the pocket, making short throws and tucking the ball when pressured. Monken stated that players do not have a choice in the matter and must perform their best for the team's success. One positive aspect of the game was the Browns' impressive performance on kickoff returns, averaging 38.0 yards per return. However, the team needs significant improvements in defensive fundamentals, as they had 12 missed tackles and allowed touchdown passes of at least 30 yards. Rookie right guard Austin Barber performed well, allowing only one pressure and making good blocks. Quarterback Myles Harden struggled, allowing four receptions for 54 yards, including a 30-yard touchdown that highlighted the need for better cornerbacks. Running back Dylan Sampson suffered a left knee injury and did not return for the game. The Browns' Week 1 record since returning to the league in 1999 is 3-24-1, placing them at the bottom of the standings, just ahead of the Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants, who are at 10-18. The next matchup for the Browns will be a game against former Cleveland quarterback Baker Mayfield, who will face them for the second time in Cleveland on September 27.",
  "summary": "Cleveland Browns fans are used to their team stumbling out of the gate and not playing well in season openers. For those wondering if Todd Monken would turn to Shedeur Sanders for Week 2 at Tampa Bay, the first-year coach said Monday: “I anticipate Deshaun will be our starter.” Watson finished 16 of 22 passing for 205 yards with a touchdown and an interception in his first NFL game in 22 months.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "SB Nation",
        "title": "Deshaun Watson’s awful interception on Browns’ first 2026 drive is a bad but predictable sign",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/deshaun-watsons-awful-interception-on-browns-first-2026-drive-is-a",
        "published": "2026-09-13T17:22:06.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Deshaun Watson uneven in first start since 2024: Week 1 stats",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/deshaun-watson-uneven-in-first-start-since-2024-week-1-stats",
        "published": "2026-09-13T20:07:22.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Todd Monken stands by Deshaun Watson after his performance in Browns’ opening loss sparks fan outcry",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/todd-monken-stands-by-deshaun-watson-after-his-performance-in-browns-7415834",
        "published": "2026-09-14T22:24:20.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}