The Cleveland Browns brought the former Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator, Todd Monken, as their new head coach. But not everyone believes it’s a good idea.

Jake Vulinec, the host of Overtime on 92.3 The Fan, criticized the move, claiming, “I saw the experiment play out. You called it a swing and a miss. I think everybody in the city is ready to move on. And God forbid, I mean, you give Todd Monken zero PR help throughout this entire process.” 

"You want to make it 10 times worse? Let him go up there in the press conference and tell them that he really likes what he sees in Deshaun Watson. There will not be a less popular coach in the NFL… before he's ever coached a game."

While the Browns may still be exploring internal development paths and roster flexibility, the public appetite for another Deshaun Watson-centered plan appears nonexistent. It might be the worst trade in NFL history. 

That places Monken in a precarious spot. He must navigate football decisions while avoiding a public relations misstep that could define his tenure before it begins.

So far, Monken's resume is noteworthy enough that justifies Brown's interest. He is the one responsible for Lamar Jackson’s MVP resurgence and Georgia's record-breaking attacks.

Vulinec continued, “Even if Monken thinks that he can get something out of him, I don’t know how, as an organization, you turn around and look at that and go, ‘That’s our best option.’ After watching Shadeur play this year and go, ‘Ah, maybe we saw a little bit.’ … There’s just no way you can do that.”

While the fans stand against the notion of continuing with Watson at the center, does he really have a chance to be the Browns’ QB?

Insider Weighs In on Todd Monken’s Strategy Involving Deshaun Watson

Mary Kay Cabot, an insider for the Browns, told 32.3 The Fan, “So, he knows what Deshaun Watson is capable of when healthy. And we also know this about Todd Monken: he’s all about the mobile dual-threat QB.” 

“Can Deshaun even run anymore like that, coming off of two ruptured achilles? We don’t know, but he will have a chance to show what he can do.”

The trade for Watson was a bad experience for the Browns. His cumulative stat line shows 19 games played with 19 TDs vs. 12 INTs, and an 80.7 passer rating. That’s below average for a QB with a $230M contract. 

Monken inherits a quarterback whom fans no longer trust, and results that never justify the cost. Watson may get an opportunity, but performance will decide Cleveland’s direction.

Written by

Krushna Pattnaik

Edited by

Joyita Das