‘This Is Upsetting,’ ‘Shameful’ — Browns Fans React As Todd Monken Is Unbothered by Backlash Over Deshaun Watson-Shedeur Sanders Decision

The Cleveland Browns have been in quarterback purgatory for many years, and that likely will remain the case as we enter the 2026 season. This offseason, they had a quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders.

Neither option stood out this offseason, but the Browns had to start someone, and much to the chagrin of the Cleveland fans, head coach Todd Monken went with Watson. Now, he is shooting down the backlash from his controversial decision.

Todd Monken Not Worried About Disgruntled Browns Fans

It couldn't be clearer that Browns fans don't like Watson and vice versa; however, that didn't affect Monken or his decision.

Monken spoke to the media about his decision to start Watson and whether he let fans' opinions factor into it.

"Absolutely not," he said. "Would I prefer we all be on the same page? Yeah, but that has nothing to do with my decision."

Monken may not be accustomed to the Browns faithful, but he is not gaining himself any brownie points with this decision and subsequent reaction. He made it clear that his job is to do what's best for the football team now and going forward. Browns fans were frustrated by his response.

One fan said, "This is upsetting. [Kevin] Stefanski would always take the fans into consideration. Shameful!"

Maybe one reason Stefanski is no longer with the Browns is that he worried about his perception among fans. Monken is obviously taking a different approach, and we will see how that works out for him.

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Another user said , "Man he better hope Watson plays well." Monken is putting a lot of faith in Watson, who has not played since 2024.

Sanders hasn't shown much when given the chance to play. He struggled last season (ranking No. 37 out of 38 eligible quarterbacks in PFN's QB Impact Score ) and clearly didn't show enough to win the starting job this offseason.

Another fan on X feels fans should be treated better, since they are the ones who pay to support the team. He said, "Yeah, who cares about the fans that pay for tickets…"

While fans play an important role for every NFL team, it doesn't seem like a good idea for an NFL coach to take advice from them. Just because fans want Sanders to start doesn't mean he is necessarily the best option for the team.

Browns fans seem pretty set on making things uncomfortable for their team at home games this season, so don't be surprised if there are plenty of boos.

One fan said, "He better hope and pray they don't come back 0-2 or he'll be bothered then! Good and bothered."

Another added , "Now let's ask Monken how he's gonna handle 60,000 people not only booing but throwing crap at Watson if he plays the home opener."

The Browns have their first two games on the road, then return home in Week 3 in what could be a rocky opener if Watson does not play well the first two weeks.

This is not an ideal start to the season for the Browns, and the games have not even begun yet; the only cure is to win games. However, that doesn't seem likely given this roster.