Things had gotten so bad so quickly for Todd Monken that there was already talk that he would last just one season as head coach of the Cleveland Browns. Then, on Sunday, it turned around just as fast.
With Deshaun Watson leading a second-half comeback to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-19, Monken was able to respond to his critics in his typical defiant fashion. Although his NSFW response to Mike Tomlin may have been a bit over the top for just one September victory, Monken has every right to feel that he has Cleveland heading in the right direction.
The Browns’ Week 2 win offers an encouraging sign about Monken, with Bleacher Report saying he “just might have what it takes” to succeed in the NFL.
“Browns’ Bounce Back Reflects Well on Todd Monken,” B/R NFL Staff wrote. “Instead of an overmatched Browns team on Sunday, we saw one that executed on both sides of the ball better than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the contest. Cleveland’s ability to regroup, get a road win, and return for its home opener with a .500 record suggests that Monken just might have what it takes to be a successful head coach.”
After getting overwhelmed in a 34-10 season-opening loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Browns put forth a much better effort against the Buccaneers. They trailed by just three points at halftime, with the defense limiting Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers offense to three field goals, after trailing 24-0 at the break in Week 1.
Then, after falling behind 16-6 to open the third quarter, the Browns were able to rally, thanks in large part to a 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown by rookie Denzel Boston that tied the game. Then, after a two-hour, 12-minute weather delay, Cleveland returned to the field looking like the more prepared team and was able to protect their narrow lead.
But most important of all was Watson getting his first victory since September 2024. He rewarded the faith Monken maintained in him by finishing 24 of 30 for 238 yards with no turnovers and a 121.9 passer rating. His 17-yard TD pass to Blake Whiteheart with 3:51 remaining proved to be the game-winner.
The victory not only strengthens Monken’s message to his team and his demands on the players, but it also goes a long way toward repairing his tenuous relationship with the fan base, which will now attend the game on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers with a much different outlook.
NEXT: Browns Put An End To Infamous Streak With Deshaun Watson
