Browns' Todd Monken Embraces Clean Slate Approach with Deshaun Watson

As the 2026 NFL season looms, the Cleveland Browns find themselves at a crossroads, and the spotlight is unwaveringly fixed on quarterback Deshaun Watson. With the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars just under two weeks away, Watson is poised to make his first regular-season start in nearly two years—a return that carries immense weight for a franchise that has invested heavily in his potential. Yet, new head coach Todd Monken is approaching the situation with a deliberate and refreshing perspective: a clean slate.

A Fresh Start in Berea

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Monken, who took the helm in Cleveland after a successful stint as offensive coordinator for the rival Baltimore Ravens, made it clear that he is not dwelling on Watson's past struggles. "I really, to be honest, haven't looked at it," Monken said. "I try to take everything at face value, what I see. It doesn't matter who the player is; I think we owe that to our players. I want to go into it thinking every player we have is elite, and all they have to do is prove me right." This philosophy extends to the entire roster, signaling a culture shift in Berea that prioritizes present performance over past narratives.

Watson's journey has been turbulent since his arrival in Cleveland. After sitting out the 2021 season in Houston due to a contract dispute, he has faced a litany of setbacks: an 11-game suspension in 2022, a season-ending shoulder injury in 2023, a torn Achilles in 2024, and a re-tear of the same tendon that sidelined him for all of 2025. Over the past five seasons, Watson has appeared in just 19 games, and when he has played, his production has been a far cry from his Pro Bowl days with the Texans. His EPA per dropback has ranked among the league's worst, including a -0.25 mark in 2024 that was the lowest of any quarterback over the past two seasons—a statistic that even placed him below Shedeur Sanders' disastrous rookie campaign.

Monken's Calculated Optimism

Monken's approach is not born of ignorance. Having coached in the NFL for six of Watson's eight seasons, including the last three with Baltimore, he has witnessed Watson's decline firsthand. Yet, he believes that a fresh set of eyes and a new system could unlock something dormant. "Different staff, different system," Monken noted. "We'll let it play out. We'll see where it goes starting a week from now." This strategy is as much about psychology as it is about strategy. By refusing to label Watson as a diminished player, Monken is creating an environment where confidence can be rebuilt—a crucial element for a quarterback who has faced immense scrutiny and injury adversity.

Still, there is an inherent risk in Monken's optimism. If Watson continues to underperform, the Browns may be forced to confront a harsh reality: that he is no longer an upper-tier starter. The quarterback room behind him lacks a proven alternative, meaning Cleveland has little leverage if struggles persist. But Monken seems unfazed, betting that a clean slate can inspire a resurgence. As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk points out, this is a high-stakes gamble that could define both Watson's legacy and Monken's head-coaching tenure.

The Road Ahead

With the season opener rapidly approaching, all eyes will be on Watson's first snap. The Browns' faithful, who have waited patiently through a litany of setbacks, are cautiously optimistic. Monken's message is clear: the past is the past, and the future starts now. As he put it, "I just want them to prove me right." For a franchise that has long chased stability at quarterback, this clean-slate approach may be the final piece in a puzzle that has eluded them for years. Whether it pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the 2026 season will be a defining chapter for both Watson and the Browns.