Coaches rarely hand out much praise after a loss. The film still needs to be reviewed, the mistakes still need to be corrected and the focus usually shifts quickly to what went wrong. Sometimes, though, a performance stands out enough that a coach wants to acknowledge it right away. That was the case for Todd Monken after Sunday’s overtime loss in New Orleans.
Monken spoke about Shedeur Sanders after his first start of the season.
“I’m really proud of him … he gave us a chance at the end,” Monken said.
Todd Monken on Shedeur Sanders: “I’m really proud of him … he gave us a chance at the end.” pic.twitter.com/xxRSZNbD1v
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) November 8, 2026
Monken’s phrasing fits how the game played out. Sanders struggled to find a rhythm early, going 5 of 8 for 38 yards in the 1st half as the offense managed just 3 points. The Browns had only 80 total yards at the break and averaged 2.7 yards per play.
The 2nd half was a different story. Sanders led 3 scoring drives in the final minutes, starting with a 64-yard touchdown to KC Concepcion that gave Cleveland the lead with 5:21 left. After the Saints went back in front, he took a big hit while delivering a 30-yard strike to Jerry Jeudy on 3rd and 6, setting up Andre Szmyt’s 51-yard field goal with 8 seconds left.
In overtime, he answered the Saints’ opening touchdown by finding Harold Fannin Jr. for a 39-yard score. That is exactly what Monken meant. Every time the Browns needed a response, Sanders found one.
He finished 19 of 31 for 297 yards and 2 touchdowns with no interceptions. He was also sacked 5 times and still kept making throws from a crowded pocket.
The praise also stands out because of what Monken said earlier in the week. He told reporters he could not wait to see Sanders let it rip, and Sanders took his shots when the moment came. He was not perfect, but he gave the offense the kind of explosive plays it had been missing.
Monken did stop short of saying anything about next week. Deshaun Watson has cleared the concussion protocol and should be available against the Houston Texans.
Still, a coach saying he is really proud of a quarterback after a loss carries some weight. It shows Sanders earned real trust from his head coach in a high-pressure spot on the road.
The Browns are 5-4 now, and the decision at quarterback will be one of the biggest stories of the week. Sanders made it a much harder call.
NEXT: Todd Monken Shuts Down Big Shedeur Sanders Question After Loss
