Sports

Todd Monken Gets Major Praise After Browns’ Stunning Week 2 Bounce Back

Nairavoice · Sep 21, 2026 · 3 min read

The Cleveland Browns’ resurgence at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers not only earned a victory for the head coach, Todd Monken, but also provided him with a response to the embarrassing performance that his team had displayed in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Indeed, one week after their dismal debut, the Browns looked like an altogether different team in terms of preparation and readiness.

That shift is now drawing attention to Monken himself. Bleacher Report’s NFL staff praised the Browns’ ability to regroup, execute better on both sides, and return home at 1-1. The result has also put Monken’s coaching work under a brighter spotlight.

Todd Monken’s Browns Bounce Back Earns Major Praise

On September 21, BrownsNation shared a Bleacher Report assessment praising Monken after the Browns’ 23-19 road win over the Buccaneers. The Browns had been beaten 34-10 by the Jaguars in Week 1; however, Monken’s team responded with a much cleaner performance in Tampa.

“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.”

Todd Monken received praise for helping the Browns bounce back in Week 2, with their road win over the Buccaneers offering an encouraging sign for his potential as a head coach.

“Browns’ Bounce Back Reflects Well on Todd Monken,” B/R NFL Staff wrote. “Instead of an overmatched… pic.twitter.com/9Gl3lAGaCz

— BrownsNation.com (@BrownsNationcom) September 21, 2026

The turnaround was not instant. The Browns trailed 9-6 at halftime and later fell behind 16-6 before finally taking control. At halftime, the Browns trailed 9-6 and eventually fell behind 16-6 before taking control. In the second half of the game, the Browns managed to score 17 points, while on the other hand, the team’s defense was able to make key plays, which helped in protecting the lead during the long weather delay.

According to Monken, the changes in the second half of the game led to the offense’s success. This improvement in the offensive side was also brought about by Deshaun Watson’s excellent performance in the young season. He threw 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns and also added 22 rushing yards.

The coach also had another issue hanging over the team. After the Jacksonville loss, Mike Tomlin had used the familiar “Browns is the Browns” line while discussing Cleveland on NBC’s Football Night in America. Monken had already rejected that idea earlier in the week.

Monken said the players were frustrated with their Week 1 performance, an emotion they tapped into while preparing for the upcoming week. He added that he liked how the team reacted after losing, noting that they had to get back to work to improve on their mistakes.

Tomlin then commended the Browns’ performance, particularly their spirit and defense, during the Sunday night broadcast. Now, Monken heads into the Browns’ home opener with a 1-1 record, a bounce-back win behind him, and a team that has already shown it can respond after a difficult start.