Todd Monken entered the 2026 season facing plenty of questions after taking over as the Cleveland Browns' head coach. His decision to name Deshaun Watson QB1 drew particular skepticism, with many wondering whether Watson could rediscover his old form. Four weeks later, however, the conversation has changed dramatically as Cleveland sits at 3-1.

The Browns have won three straight games after opening the season with a heavy loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Watson has led fourth-quarter comebacks against Tampa Bay, Carolina and Pittsburgh, while Monken's offense has steadily improved. Suddenly, Cleveland is atop the AFC North, something few expected when the season began.

That turnaround has even changed the opinions of those who doubted Monken. Browns reporter Daryl Ruiter recently admitted that he was wrong about the first-year head coach, praising how he has handled Watson and the team.

"I give Todd Monken credit. I think he handled that situation with Deshaun brilliantly. I'll admit, I was wrong about Todd Monken. He's doing a hell of a job. Team's 3-1...they're listening to him. Deshaun's listening to him."

Ruiter's comments capture just how quickly the perception around Monken has shifted. Cleveland's unexpected success has given the coach considerable credit, particularly for getting Watson and the offense moving in the right direction.

Todd Monken Reveals What Fueled the Browns' 3-1 Turnaround

Monken recently admitted that even he would have been surprised if Cleveland reached 3-1 after that opening loss. He credited his players for responding to the defeat, saying they did not blink and instead returned to work with greater determination.

That resilience has become a defining feature of the Browns' season. Three consecutive fourth-quarter comebacks have shown that Monken's team can remain composed when games become difficult.

There is still a long season ahead, but Monken has already changed the conversation in Cleveland. What once looked like a questionable start now looks like the foundation of a promising season.

Written by

Joseph Nithin