The Cleveland Browns entered Week 8 with plenty of momentum after consecutive victories over the Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans. However, their trip to Pittsburgh quickly brought that optimism crashing down.

The Steelers handed Cleveland a convincing 27-6 defeat, exposing problems across both sides of the ball. The Browns committed costly penalties, struggled to establish their running game, and allowed Pittsburgh to dominate on the ground.

It was a particularly concerning performance after the progress Cleveland had shown in recent weeks. The Browns also lost control of the game early, with turnovers on their first two offensive drives putting them under immediate pressure.

Unfortunately, the defeat exposed issues that extend beyond one disappointing afternoon. Cleveland finished with just 34 rushing yards, while its defense surrendered 200 yards on the ground. The offense also allowed eight sacks and struggled to overcome repeated penalties.

That has prompted ESPN Cleveland's Tony Grossi to question whether Todd Monken can turn things around quickly enough.

“How do we lead the league in pre-snap penalties? How is that? We got a new coach! Your first-quarter problems, your run game problems, your run game defense, you're a mess right now.”

Grossi also questioned Cleveland's ability to win consistently if those problems continue. With nine games remaining, the Browns cannot afford to let these weaknesses become season-long issues.

The challenge now is whether Monken and his coaching staff can find solutions before the season slips away.

Todd Monken Accepts Responsibility for Browns' Disappointing Performance

Monken has not shied away from the team's shortcomings. Speaking after the loss, he acknowledged that Cleveland needed better coaching and execution.

He also stressed that allowing eight sacks was unacceptable, describing the problem as a collective responsibility rather than blaming one individual.

The Browns head to New Orleans next, with their meeting against the Saints offering an immediate opportunity to respond. However, another poor performance could make Grossi's concerns increasingly difficult to dismiss.

Written by

Joseph Nithin