Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken tore into his quarterbacks after Wednesday’s practice, calling the group’s “embarrassing” seven-on-seven interceptions a shock. The criticism landed as Monken manages the starting job battle between Deshaun Watson and Sh
Todd Monken didn’t just sound disappointed after Wednesday’s practice. He looked genuinely frustrated, watching a sequence that left him shaking his head at the simplest part of the job.
“We threw interceptions in 7-on-7 for God’s sakes. Who does that? There’s no pass rush. It was embarrassing,” Monken said after the Browns’ second voluntary organized team activity practice of the offseason.
The outburst comes as the first-year coach oversees a quarterback battle that will define the start of Cleveland’s season. Monken is steering the fight for the starting job between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. while Dillion Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green are taking backup reps during team sessions.
Monken’s message didn’t leave the impression he was panicking about the overall competition. He insisted both quarterbacks are doing well, then pointed back to the same routine questions the team has been asking for weeks.
“Nothing’s really changed other than it’s a different day and you’re firing the same questions,” Monken said. “I mean, we’re going to rotate those guys and play the best player, and we’ll see.”
In the first-team 11-on-11 drills, Watson and Sanders both received plenty of snaps—Watson at the beginning and Sanders later. Monken said he liked the progress both have shown over the course of the offseason. while also setting a clear deadline for when the starter needs to be identified. His only timeline is by the September 13 opener at Jacksonville.
Watson’s recent Cleveland history remains complicated, but Monken still sees value in what the quarterback brings. Watson missed last season after tearing his Achilles tendon twice. yet he has gone 9-10 as Cleveland’s starter since being acquired from Houston in 2022. Over that stretch, he has thrown 19 touchdown passes, 12 interceptions, and owns an 80.7 passer rating.
Monken spoke with real energy about Watson’s athletic profile, even with the injury history on everyone’s mind.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a surprise, but it’s exciting to see – it’s a weapon for him. It’s one of his superpowers, his athleticism,” Monken said.
Watson found rookie Denzel Boston on a deep ball, with Boston making the catch in the end zone while being covered by Tyson Campbell and Ronnie Hickman.
The coach also made it clear he’s giving Watson a fresh runway, despite how bleak the conversation around his future looked last year.
“I think it’s really cool that he still has an opportunity, with a chance, to showcase his ability and see where he’s at. I’m all for it,” Monken said.
Sanders, meanwhile, arrives with less résumé baggage but a different kind of spotlight. He started the final seven games of his controversial rookie season last year, going 3-4. In those starts, he recorded seven touchdown passes and 10 interceptions, while struggling at times with footwork and learning the playbook.
Monken praised Sanders’ development since then, framing it in terms of both progression and command.
“I think Shedeur’s come miles in terms of his progressions, getting the ball out, his understanding of concepts. I think he’s really, really come a long way,” Monken said.
Cleveland’s quarterback decisions are unfolding under a broader reshaped staff. Monken took over as coach earlier this offseason from Kevin Stefanski, and he is now working as part of a new staff that includes a new defensive coordinator as well.
For star defender Myles Garrett, the key point is availability. Defensive Player of the Year Garrett is not expected to be at any of the Browns’ practices until the mandatory minicamp begins on June 9. Monken said he has not yet met face-to-face with Garrett. Garrett set the NFL’s single-season sack record last year with 23.
As the offseason continues. Monken’s harshest comment—about interceptions in seven-on-seven with no pass rush—lands like a warning label on the competition. He’s promising rotation and a performance-based approach. but Wednesday’s practice made one thing unmistakable: the margin for error. even in drills. won’t be treated as harmless.
Todd Monken Cleveland Browns Deshaun Watson Shedeur Sanders Dillion Gabriel Taylen Green Denzel Boston Tyson Campbell Ronnie Hickman Myles Garrett NFL quarterback battle