After Pittsburgh Loss, Todd Monken Sends Blunt Message to Browns During Monday Press Conference

Discipline and composure

Cleveland had entered its AFC North matchup with a chance to reach 6-2 and stay unbeaten in division play. Instead, the Browns struggled on offense, gave up eight sacks and made several costly penalties.

Asked Monday about three unnecessary penalties, Monken said the team had not stayed poised or composed. He added that performance, not talk, shows what a team is. Monken said the message was broader than one disappointing game, and the Browns must show more discipline against New Orleans.

Shared responsibility for sacks

The Browns’ protection failed repeatedly against Pittsburgh’s aggressive defense, which sacked quarterback Deshaun Watson eight times. Monken called that total unacceptable and said the whole team had to own it.

He cited protection breakdowns, play calling and Watson’s ability to get rid of the ball as contributing factors. Monken said no single player or position group should take all the blame.

Cleveland also could not establish a consistent running game. Monken said the team fell behind, failed to find a rhythm and did not produce extra yards.

Coaches must make adjustments

Monken acknowledged that the coaching staff also needed to improve its approach, including how it schemes and coaches the running game. He said the Browns had not been at their best stopping the run in recent weeks.

The coach said Cleveland must identify what needs to change and work to improve execution. He stressed that fixing the problems is a shared task.

Looking beyond one defeat

Cleveland is 5-3 after eight games, and Monken said the team still has substantial room to grow. He said the disappointment reflected the Browns’ belief they could have been 6-2 and 3-0 in the division after winning on the road.

Monken said Cleveland had earned both its victories and the way it played against Pittsburgh. He urged the team to regroup, address what can be fixed and return to work Wednesday.