Todd Monken defends Deshaun Watson as the Browns weigh their starting quarterback decision. (Image via AP)Deshaun Watson's future with the Cleveland Browns has taken another turn as the team prepares to settle its quarterback competition. Watson and Shedeur Sanders remain in the race for the starting job. While Watson's comments after being booed by Browns fans created a new wave of criticism, coach Todd Monken says the reaction will not shape his decision.Todd Monken separates Deshaun Watson’s emotions from his Browns futureWatson endured a difficult night during Cleveland's 31-7 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills. The quarterback was booed by sections of the home crowd and struggled to give them much to cheer about, completing only 5 of 12 passes for 35 yards and an interception.After the game, Watson pushed back against the reaction and said he believed the boos were about more than his performance."I think the whole world knows it has nothing to do about the performance," Watson told reporters during his postgame news conference. "It's a little bit more personal than that. So, I think it's a disrespectful thing. I'm gonna keep whatever I feel with me and my family, internally, on how I feel about that and just move on."Watson also recalled the response he received from some Browns fans when he suffered his Achilles tear in October 2024. He described the situation as a mental battle and said he feels more support when playing on the road.Monken, however, has chosen not to make the incident bigger than it needs to be. The Browns coach defended Watson's emotional response and suggested it came from the frustration of a poor performance."None of us like to be booed. We all like to be appreciated. I think that's just human," Monken told reporters. "I think he emptied his heart a little bit. I don't think that says who he is. I see the competitor in him. I see the every day work he puts in. He wants to get back to where he was as best he can. And that's hard. I think the moment just got him after the game, and it can get all of us."Monken has also been impressed by Watson's work since returning from his Achilles injury. He pointed to the effort Watson has put into his comeback and his willingness to compete for the job.Deshaun Watson still has to prove his value on the fieldMonken's support may help Watson outside the field, but the quarterback's performance remains the biggest factor in Cleveland's decision.Watson's second preseason outing was especially important because his first appearance had offered more encouraging signs. He completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards in that game and looked comfortable managing the offense.Against Buffalo, that rhythm disappeared. His 35-yard performance gave Sanders another opportunity to strengthen his case for the starting role.The rookie has remained part of a genuine quarterback competition, meaning Watson cannot rely only on his experience or Monken's public support. Cleveland needs to decide which quarterback gives the team the best chance to win when the regular season begins.Monken has not revealed his choice, but he confirmed that the Browns planned to name their starter soon."I still have a few things to weigh out, and I'm not going to get into that. but we anticipate naming the starter tomorrow."If Watson is chosen, Monken does not expect the tension with Browns fans to become a lasting problem."I'm not concerned about that," Monken said. "What I'm concerned about is us playing well as a team and on offense. Because cause when you play well, none of the other stuff matters. Just play well. Play well, coach well, score points, win games, and none of that will even matter."For Watson, the coming decision could have a major impact on his future in Cleveland. Monken has made one thing clear: the quarterback's emotional reaction to the boos will not determine his fate. What Watson does on the field still will.