The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima

Mark Schlereth and Mike Evans react to the Browns naming Deshaun Watson as their starting QB for Week 1 and why Shedeur Sanders should still stay ready.

Ken Carman discusses his recent golf outings and struggles on the course before transitioning to the Ohio State football outlook. He and Anthony Lima analyze the Buckeyes' 2024 schedule, the high cost of tickets for the Texas matchup, and the possibility of Marcus Freeman eventually coaching at his alma mater. They also share memories of iconic college football stadiums and game-day atmospheres across the Big Ten. 01:40 - Ken Carman's Golf Renaissance 06:43 - Golf Etiquette and Scores 13:07 - Ohio State Playoff Outlook 17:13 - College Football Ticket Costs 23:00 - Iconic Football Stadium Memories

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima react to the controversial decision to name Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders. They discuss the mounting fan protests at the Jim Brown statue and analyze Watson's recent apology to the city. They also welcome Mike Tannenbaum and Jason Lloyd to break down organizational dysfunction and the Cleveland Guardians' recent success. 01:55 - Watson Named Starter 10:15 - Ownership Interference Debate 17:45 - Deshaun Watson's Apology 26:50 - Trusting Todd Monken 34:55 - Player Fan Disconnect 43:05 - Haslam Ownership Scrutiny 53:05 - Mike Tannenbaum Interview 01:04:25 - NFL Performance Meritocracy 01:11:15 - Guardians Winning Streak 01:20:05 - Adam The Bull 01:30:15 - Season Win Predictions 01:39:05 - Shedeur Sanders Future 01:50:55 - Jed York Scandal 02:00:30 - Jason Lloyd Analysis 02:11:45 - Underestimating Fan Outrage 02:21:55 - Hostile Browns Relationship 02:35:45 - Tampa Bay Backlash

Ken and Lima react to the polarizing news that Deshaun Watson will start for the Browns despite heavy fan backlash and poor preseason play. They debate the unprecedented possibility of fans rooting against their own team to force a change at quarterback. They also break down Watson's recent apology to the city and why it might not be enough to mend the fractured relationship. 01:50 - Watson Named Starter 05:10 - Monken's Faith In Watson 08:40 - Fans Rooting Against Browns 13:25 - Watson's Broken Confidence 19:45 - Watson Apologizes To Fans 23:30 - Ken Rejects Watson's Apology 27:15 - Trusting Monken's Decision 34:45 - Potential Player Backlash 39:30 - Disconnect With The Fans

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima react to the Cleveland Browns naming Deshaun Watson the starter despite heavy criticism from the fanbase. Former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum explains why he would lean toward a younger quarterback like Shedeur Sanders, and they examine the Cleveland Guardians' recent success on the diamond. 01:50 - Deshaun Watson Named Starter 06:36 - Defining A Football Decision 14:25 - Mike Tannenbaum Interview 24:16 - Watson's Relationship With Fans 34:02 - Guardians Sports Update 40:26 - Lane Kiffin Story

The discussion covers the decision to name Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback, sparking fan protests at the Jim Brown statue and calls for Shedeur Sanders. They analyze roster depth issues and the impact of leadership versus stats, while the Neutral Zone segment details legal troubles for Jed York and injury woes for the Chargers. 01:50 - Fan 15 Event Details 05:01 - Jim Brown Statue Protests 08:40 - Browns Win Total Discussion 12:41 - Watson Named Starting QB 18:00 - Shedeur Sanders Comparison 24:04 - Shedeur Trade Market Discussion 32:11 - Jed York Legal Trouble 37:33 - Browns Roster Foundation Debate

Jason Lloyd joins Ken Carman and Anthony Lima to discuss the "legitimate backlash" from fans after the Cleveland Browns named Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback. They analyze whether the decision came from offensive coordinator Todd Monken or ownership following Watson's controversial post-game comments toward the fan base. The conversation explores the future of backup Shedeur Sanders and why some fans are now openly rooting against the team to teach the organization a lesson. 02:55 - Watson Named Starter 08:03 - Head Coach Authority 13:12 - Shedeur Sanders Future 18:20 - Intensifying Fan Backlash 27:40 - Frustrated Listener Calls 36:16 - Teaching Browns Lessons

Ken and Anthony close out the show fielding a stream of angry caller voicemails and phone calls venting about Deshaun Watson, including one loyal fan who vows to drive to Tampa just to boo him in person during Week 2. Ken admits for the first time in fifteen years he understands why some fans might be quietly rooting against the team, framing it as fans wanting the organization to finally learn its lesson. The show wraps with a nod to the Guardians, who remain in the playoff hunt as their opponent's season came to an end.

Ken and Anthony argue the post game presser, not the starter decision itself, is what turned a bad situation into an outright revolt, pointing to protests at the Berea facility and posters on the Jim Brown statue as proof. Ken admits he never thought this would go well but is stunned by just how bad it's actually gotten, and doubles down on refusing to accept Watson's apology no matter what happens on the field. Callers pile on with grim predictions for Week 1, and the show closes by bracing for what happens to the locker room if the losing continues into Week 3.

The Athletic's Jason Lloyd joins the show and doesn't hold back, saying the Browns brought this backlash on themselves and admitting the organization clearly underestimated how angry fans would be. Lloyd explains why he still believes the Watson decision was genuinely Todd Monken's call, walks through how the failed 2026 quarterback draft class left Cleveland stuck, and lays out why he thinks Shedeur Sanders' path in Cleveland is narrowing no matter how this season plays out. Ken and Anthony also press him on the growing fan backlash outside the Berea facility and what it could mean if the losing doesn't stop soon.

Ken and Lima bring in producer John to break down the Jed York arrest in East Palestine, Ohio, questioning how a billionaire owner ends up shopping the undercover ad menu and pointing out there's basically no real punishment coming his way. They also dig into the Chargers' offensive line injuries and what it means for Justin Herbert's Super Bowl odds, plus whether the Falcons' surprise breakout undrafted quarterback could ever be more than a training camp story.

Ken and Anthony can't figure out why Todd Monken is holding Shedeur Sanders out of Thursday's game, floating two competing theories: an ownership directive to protect the more marketable quarterback from injury, or a front office quietly trying to preserve his trade value. They also dig into whether there's any real trade market for Shedeur right now, and rip into his camp, specifically agent Quincy Avery, for online behavior they think is actively hurting his image. A caller pushes back, arguing the real reason is simpler: Monken can't afford to have Shedeur outplay Watson again before Thursday.

Ken drops his season win total after weighing the Browns' thin depth at edge rusher and secondary, landing on five wins even as he admits part of him wants to believe in more. A caller pushes the case for tanking outright, and Ken lays out why fans should always want the number one pick over a few meaningless late season wins, using a hypothetical Arch Manning breakout as the example. The show also touches on the Jim Brown statue getting used as a protest site against the Deshaun Watson decision, plus a debate over which other Browns legends deserve their own statue.

The Guardians ride their longest winning streak since May back to a .500 record and into possession of the final American League wild card spot, with Jo Adell and Austin Hedges both delivering big nights against the Angels. Ken and Anthony debate whether Hedges is having a career year fluke on par with Brady Anderson's famous power surge, and dig into the service time calculus holding back red hot prospect Rafael Velasquez, who has torched Triple-A pitching lately. The show closes out with a Lane Kiffin gag involving Todd Monken and a mysterious phone call about Dae'Quan Wright.

Former NFL GM Mike Tannenbaum joins Ken and Anthony and admits he would not have picked Deshaun Watson to start, while explaining why he still trusts Todd Monken's read on the situation. Tannenbaum breaks down why he'd never trade Shedeur Sanders, calls Dillon Gabriel's Thursday game a big audition, and drops the line that the NFL is "a ruthless meritocracy," a phrase Ken immediately pushes back on. After the interview, Ken and Anthony debate whether fans will actually boo Watson at home if the Browns somehow start 2-0, and Ken can't even remember any of Watson's supposedly good performances over the last five years.

Ken and Anthony take calls debating whether Todd Monken's quarterback decision is really football driven or a directive from ownership protecting stadium PSL sales, with one caller pointing to the Browns' win totals under the Haslams as proof it's bigger than coaching. Another caller tries to argue Watson quit on the team, but Ken pushes back hard on that framing. The segment also revisits the Joe Flacco era as a painful reminder of what the offense looked like with a capable quarterback, and why that memory makes the current frustration even harder to shake.

Ken goes on a personal rant vowing to boo Deshaun Watson from home, home or away, and admits he wants him to fail after Todd Monken's decision to name him the starter. Ken and Anthony worry the situation is about to create real tension between the fans and the locker room, predicting players will publicly beg fans not to boo once Watson struggles. They also dig into why so many Browns fans, exhausted by the whole saga, are ready to just eat the cap hit and move on, with Mike Tannenbaum set to join the show later that morning.

Deshaun Watson apologizes to fans for lashing out after his preseason performance, but Ken isn't buying it. Ken lays out why he can't accept the apology, from his belief Watson will end up trashing Cleveland on a player podcast down the road to his stance that fans have every right to boo. Ken and Anthony also dig into whether Todd Monken deserves trust for making the call, and Ken admits he doesn't want Watson back next year no matter how this season goes.

Todd Monken names Deshaun Watson the Week 1 starter over Shedeur Sanders, and Deshaun addresses his own self-doubt in a shaky presser. Ken and Anthony dig into the fan backlash, the theory that ownership is protecting stadium PSL sales rather than trusting Watson to play well, and why they think this decision won't hold past a game or two of poor play.

Cleveland sports radio is in absolute meltdown mode after the Browns officially named Deshaun Watson their Week 1 starter over Shedeur Sanders. Grab your popcorn for a rant-filled breakdown of press conference trainwrecks, massive fan outrage, and peak Cleveland sports dysfunction.

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima dissect a disastrous Browns preseason performance where fans booed Deshaun Watson, leading to a defensive post-game press conference. They compare Watson's struggles and massive contract to the rising potential of Shedeur Sanders and the legacy of the recently retired Nick Chubb, while also discussing Guardians baseball and a humorous mistaken identity story involving Nick Wilson. 01:50 - Browns QB Competition 07:45 - Watson's Physical Limitations 14:35 - Nick Chubb Retirement 22:10 - Todd Monken Evaluation 28:50 - Salary Cap Penalties 36:10 - Emergency Management Meetings 45:40 - Monken's Presser Review 53:45 - Cleveland Legends Legacy 01:01:00 - Accountability And Faith 01:07:30 - Comparing Chubb And Watson 01:16:00 - Lima Likes Guardians Baseball 01:22:40 - Da'Quan Wright LSU Move 01:30:30 - Media Feuds Discussion 01:38:30 - Interview With Daryl Ruiter 01:47:15 - Crisis Management Failures 01:55:40 - Fan Reputation Debate 02:03:00 - Professional Criticism Discussion 02:13:30 - Roster Cuts Penalty 02:22:35 - William Hung Watson Cameo

Ken and Lima analyze Deshaun Watson's struggling preseason performance and his controversial reaction to being booed by Cleveland fans. They discuss the financial burden of his contract and debate whether a change at quarterback is necessary despite significant cap penalties. 01:50 - Watson Performance and Contract 07:30 - Watson Comments On Fans 12:20 - Franchise Culture and Chubb 22:45 - Debating The Starting Quarterback 31:10 - Handling The Heel Role 37:00 - Final Quarterback Decision Talk

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima dissect the tension following the Browns' preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills, highlighting Todd Monken's comments on the quarterback battle. They explore the fan base's growing frustration with Deshaun Watson's behavior and performance, alongside a breakdown of Shedeur Sanders' preseason showing. The segment also includes a review of the Guardians' recent win streak and prospect developments. 02:15 - Monken Post-Game Reaction 06:45 - Watson Earring Interview Tenor 10:50 - Fan Privilege To Boo 15:10 - Benchings And Dead Cap 20:50 - Caller Criticisms Of Watson 24:55 - NFL Owners Relish Chaos 28:40 - Watson Post-Game Comments 34:30 - Guardians Lima Likes Segment 39:10 - Shedeur Sanders Preseason Play

Ken Carman recounts a humorous incident of mistaken identity on the highway involving Nick Wilson. The conversation then shifts to a stark critique of the Browns quarterback situation featuring Daryl Ruiter, who argues that Deshaun Watson appears washed compared to the rising Shedeur Sanders. They also analyze the growing divide between players and fans following a series of disappointing performances. 01:52 - Ken's Mistaken Identity Story 06:25 - Shedeur Sanders' Preseason Rise 16:08 - Daryl Ruiter on Quarterbacks 20:58 - Deshaun Watson Performance Debate 24:57 - Managing Team-Fan Relations 28:13 - Nick Chubb's All-Time Rank 35:02 - Predicting Future Fan Reactions

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima evaluate the tense atmosphere in Cleveland as Todd Monken prepares to name a starting quarterback. They weigh Deshaun Watson's poor preseason performance and massive contract against the potential of Shedeur Sanders. They also share a humorous Cameo from William Hung and take calls from frustrated listeners regarding the franchise's direction. 01:50 - Morning Routines and Houseguests 05:10 - Browns QB Decision Looming 08:40 - Financial Realities of Watson 12:34 - Monken's Support for Deshaun 18:17 - William Hung Cameo Troll 22:14 - Fans Slapped by Decision 27:32 - Shedeur Sanders Performance Debate 38:53 - Shedeur's Coin Toss Confusion

The hosts dig into Deshaun Watson's postgame remark blaming Browns fans' history of booing him rather than his performance, and debate whether that framing holds up given the two picks and shaky play. They also break down Shedeur Sanders' coin toss blunder from his WEWS interview with Aditi Kinkhabwala, joking that whoever knows to show up for the coin toss should be named starter. A caller from Seven Hills argues Shedeur has shown steady improvement each week and just needs the next three weeks to close the gap, while a caller from Albuquerque makes the case for starting Watson so the team still has upside options if he fails.

The crew debates whether Todd Monken will name Deshaun Watson the starter despite his rough preseason performance, and whether that decision would be a slap in the face to Browns fans or just Monken doing what he thinks is best for the locker room. A caller from Bedford pushes back hard, arguing that starting Watson would tank Monken's credibility and confirm the organization never really wanted Shedeur Sanders in the first place. The hosts agree that if they owned the team they'd start Shedeur, but debate whether Monken picking Watson is really about appeasing the locker room rather than spiting the fanbase.

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima float the theory that Deshaun Watson may have sabotaged his own audition on purpose, freaking out under the boos and venting frustrations he'd been sitting on for years. A caller pushes the idea that Todd Monken keeps talking himself into squeezing something out of Watson no matter what happens on the field, and Carman and Lima wonder aloud what it says about Monken's read on Shedeur Sanders if Watson gets the nod anyway. The two also dig into the $86 million cap penalty boxing the Browns in and admit even they can't fully explain Monken's continued faith in Watson.

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima run a hypothetical where the Browns start 2-0 with Deshaun Watson playing average football, debating whether the home crowd would still turn on him or if winning erases the boos entirely. Carman argues it's simple, fans everywhere boo bad performances and cheer good ones, and pushes back hard on the idea that Cleveland's reaction is uniquely toxic compared to any other city's fan base. The two also revisit Watson blaming the media and fans for his picks, with Carman sarcastically taking the blame himself, before bracing for the possibility that the Browns still name Watson the starter.

Daryl Ruiter joins Ken Carman and Anthony Lima to make the case for Shedeur Sanders, pointing to a clean operation and zero non-competitive throws against Deshaun Watson's disastrous outing, and lays out a full "boo tracker" for how often Watson got booed on Saturday. Ruiter argues the Browns should treat Watson like the Texans did before trading him, paying him out but never playing him again, and rips the organization for mismanaging the crisis rather than protecting its young players. The two also look ahead to Todd Monken's decision day and close out with a tribute to Nick Chubb's place among the greatest Browns of the post-1999 era.

Ken Carman shares a mistaken identity mishap from Saturday's drive home before he and Anthony Lima pivot to Shedeur Sanders, arguing his composed performance and growing command of the offense got buried under the Deshaun Watson meltdown coverage. Carman also addresses a nasty online exchange involving people close to Sanders targeting Daryl Ruiter, saying the Browns are not happy about it and that Sanders would be wise to distance himself from it. The two end up agreeing Sanders earned the starting job on Saturday, with Lima even floating the theory that Watson may have torpedoed his own chances on purpose.

Lima runs through his weekend likes, from the Guardians ripping off four straight wins to Jo Adell's historic RBI pace and Rafael Ramirez's power surge in the minors, before Carman and Lima circle back to Shedeur Sanders' sharp preseason outing against the Bears. They also debate whether third-round pick Austin Barber has already outplayed his draft slot and get sidetracked by the odd case of a Browns practice-squad player heading straight back to LSU on a booster deal.

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima work through caller after caller demanding the Browns move on from Deshaun Watson, floating everything from cutting him outright to the reserve/non-football illness list, while Carman keeps circling back to the $86 million dead cap hit that ties the team's hands. Carman and Lima predict Watson won't survive as the starter past week three even if he opens the season under center, and they connect the fan fury to Nick Chubb's retirement as a reminder of what the Watson trade cost the roster. The two also dig into Watson's postgame comments about faith and regret, calling them tone deaf given his role in the team's mess.

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima dig into Todd Monken's postgame comments and wonder if his "full body of work" language is a sign he's already softening on benching Deshaun Watson after Saturday's meltdown. A caller pushes back that some of the boos still trace to Watson's off-field history, but Carman and Lima counter that five years of losing football, not old allegations, is what turned fans on him. The two also compare the fan reaction to Nick Chubb's beloved status in Cleveland, arguing winning, not just being a good guy, is what earns the city's love.

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima revisit Deshaun Watson's postgame comments blaming fan hostility on something "personal" rather than performance, with Carman admitting he blew his own on-air prediction that Watson wouldn't get booed. Callers pile on, with one Browns fan arguing the team has been "conditioned" to tolerate Watson and pushing for Shedeur Sanders, Taylor Green or Dylan Gabriel to take over instead. Carman and Lima wonder whether Watson's comments crossed a line and question if Monken's decision on a starter got harder overnight.

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima debate whether Todd Monken should hand the Browns starting job to Shedeur Sanders after Deshaun Watson's disastrous preseason showing, with Carman admitting he wants Sanders in but worrying a rushed move could set the rookie up to fail. They dig into Watson's history in Cleveland, from the trade to the guaranteed money to his lack of community presence, arguing fans never had a reason to embrace him. The hosts also field angry voicemails demanding Watson be benched or cut immediately.

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down the fallout from a brutal Deshaun Watson preseason performance against the Bears, where fans booed and Watson called the reaction "personal." Carman rips Watson for the contract, the lack of community presence and now blaming the fanbase, while noting the Browns are financially trapped with him for at least one more year. The segment turns into a wider gut-check on the franchise's quarterback mess, contrasted with Nick Chubb's retirement a day earlier as a reminder of what fans actually respect.

92.3 The Fan presents a selectin of inteviews and guest appearances from during the past week with The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima, Baskin & Phelps, and The Afternoon Drive. Featuring Mary Kay Cabot, Andrew Siciliano, and Jason Lloyd.

92.3 The Fan presents a selection of conversations about the Cavs from during the past week by The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima, Baskin & Phelps, and The Afternoon Drive. The guys discuss the addition of Peyton Watson, and whether Watson changes this team's overall outlook. Plus, thoughts on James Harden's new three-year, $90 million extension.

92.3 The Fan presents a selection of conversations from during the past week on The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima, Baskin & Phelps, and The Afternoon Drive. Ken and Anthony insist that the Browns' camp competition for the starting QB job has been fair, and if Shedeur Sanders doesn't win, it's his own fault. Plus, Ken defends Shedeur from being dubbed 'The Checkdown King' by an opposing player; The Afternoon Drive debates whether Browns fans have earned the right to boo Deshaun Watson; and breaking down the Browns' joint practice with the Bills.

92.3 The Fan presents a selection of conversations from Ken and Anthony during the past week. The guys call out 'toxic' behavior from a certain segment of Shedeur Sanders supporters; ponder the prospect of Deshaun Watson getting booed during Saturday's preseason game vs. the Bills; and debate the possibility of an expansion NFL franchise being located in London. Plus, a cocaine scandal at Penn State and the latest on Akron's fan play-caller contest.

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the Browns' joint practice performance against the Buffalo Bills, specifically evaluating the quarterback battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. They weigh in on high school football results, Joe Burrow's comments on team urgency, and interview Nathan Zagura for an inside look at training camp developments. 01:50 - Joint Practice Edgy Recap 06:30 - High School Game Rules 12:08 - Monken Encouraged By Practice 17:47 - Shedeur Sanders Passing Decisions 27:40 - Watson Operational Advantages Debate 37:02 - James Harden Cavs Extension 41:28 - Defensive Performance Against Bills 47:02 - Quarterback Competition Fairness Analysis 55:00 - Sal Capaccio Bills Interview 01:02:59 - C.J. Gardner-Johnson Trash Talk 01:09:37 - About Last Night Segment 01:16:18 - Joe Burrow Bengals Ultimatums 01:24:47 - Afternoon Show QB Opinions 01:34:47 - Daryl Ryder Browns Interview 01:44:41 - Mike Hall Jr Retaliation 01:51:52 - Fans Booing Deshaun Watson 02:05:02 - Nathan Zagura Practice Breakdown 02:11:54 - Wide Receiver Core Analysis 02:23:16 - High School Offensive Evolution