Browns Coach: Watching Deshaun Watson Play Again 'Was Awesome'

The Cleveland Browns' quarterback play was not great Saturday. But coach Todd Monken was ecstatic to see Deshaun Watson on the field and throwing the ball around.

Monken lauded Watson for his return to NFL action, as he went 11-for-15 for 126 yards and lost a fumble while leading two scoring drives in his first game action since Oct. 20, 2024.

Watson primarily hit checkdowns, and the Browns went three-and-out on three of his six drives. He also fumbled on fourth-and-2, which set up the Bears' first scoring drive that cut the Browns' lead to 10-7.

Todd Monken: Watching Deshaun Watson Play 'Was Awesome'

Watson was still clearly rusty, and he didn't scramble particularly well. But the Browns got points on two of his first three drives, and Monken could see the potential in the 30-year-old veteran.

"It was awesome. It was so cool to watch him play," Monken told reporters after the game. "I get all of the frustration by fans. But for him to come back and work like he did is an unbelievable credit to him, and then to go out there, he was having fun today and that is so cool."

Watson's biggest play was a 43-yard screen pass to running back Dylan Sampson that helped set up KC Concepcion's 14-yard touchdown run on the first play of the second quarter. That play came on second-and-15 after Watson had a delay of game following his 2-yard quarterback sneak that extended the drive.

"I thought he really functioned at a high level," Monken said. "Certainly we don't want to be taking timeouts. We sure as heck can't take delay of games, but it was fun watching him play and watching us put the next step forward and see where we're at."

Deshaun Watson Went Further Ahead in the Browns' Quarterback Controversy

Watson started preseason Week 1, then he drastically outplayed Shedeur Sanders against the Bears. Monken confirmed that in so many words, if you read between the lines.

"Both of them had a turnover. One was a fumble, but I was really pleased with our quarterback play," Monken said. "To me, it felt like we are going to be able to throw the football, be effective in that, certainly do a better job coaching in the run game and in protections and our play actions and everything that we do, we're going to get better at. But I was pleased with our quarterback play."

Watson was by no means perfect. He couldn't execute a two-minute drill, which is what led to the Bears' game-tying field goal right before halftime. But he is confident in his continued growth.

"[I] had some challenges with some injuries and suspension, and now being able to get a full offseason and continue to work my way back up, even though it takes time," Watson said. "But at the same time, I don't doubt myself in any way that I can't play at a high level."