Tony Rizzo credits Todd Monken for Deshaun Watson’s turnaround

Tony Rizzo credits Browns coach Todd Monken for Deshaun Watson’s early-season improvement and says the quarterback’s recent play has put questions about Shedeur Sanders’ role on the back burner.

Speaking with Chris Russo on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Unleashed on Friday, October 2, Rizzo discussed Cleveland’s quarterback situation after the Browns’ 27-24 win over Pittsburgh Thursday. The victory was Cleveland’s third straight and improved its record to 3-1.

“Nobody saw what Watson is doing right now in him except for Monken,” Rizzo said. He described the training-camp competition as close and said Watson had not stood out then.

Russo asked whether owner Jimmy Haslam’s investment in Watson had influenced the starting decision. Rizzo said he believed it was the coach’s choice.

“I believe that the coach picked him as the starter,” he said.

Rizzo said Watson had won over the home crowd against Carolina and received cheers when Cleveland introduced its offense before the Steelers game. He also described a following for Sanders, who entered for one play against the Panthers.

“He’s got a huge, huge fan base,” Rizzo said of Sanders.

The Browns’ unofficial Week 4 depth chart, released September 28, listed Watson first and Sanders second. Rizzo said Watson’s recent performance had quieted the immediate debate.

“The fact that Watson is playing well has put that on the shelf for right now,” he said.

Rizzo described Sanders’ adjustment as including getting the offense out of the huddle and to the line before the play clock ran down. He acknowledged his limited access to the team’s practices.

“I don’t know, Chris, I’m not in that building,” he said.

Asked how much substance there was to Cleveland’s start, Rizzo said Watson’s health remained a key condition.

“Watson’s got to stay healthy,” he said. “So far, knock on wood, he’s been able to do that.”

He also praised the team’s response to its coach: “They’re playing hard for Todd Monken right now.”