Browns Coach Monken Aims for Smoother Offense Despite 4-2 Start

Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Todd Monken acknowledged that the team's offense has experienced more growing pains than anticipated through the first six games of the season. However, he expressed that he is not frustrated, especially given the team's 4-2 record and current lead in the AFC North.

"I would just say you’re expecting it to go a lot smoother than it’s gone," Monken said Monday. "In a lot of ways, over the last few weeks, there’s certain parts of what we’re doing that I feel better about. In some ways I feel like we still have some work to do."

The Browns have demonstrated a capacity for winning close games, holding a 3-0 record in contests decided by three points or fewer. This resilience was evident in their recent 13-10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, a game in which the Browns' defense significantly limited the Ravens after an early deficit.

Baltimore took an early 10-0 lead and outgained Cleveland substantially in the first quarter. However, the Browns' defense held the Ravens to only 124 yards in the remaining three quarters. A key play occurred when linebacker Carson Schwesinger stripped the ball from Derrick Henry, leading to a touchdown that tied the game.

Despite injuries affecting the running back position, Jaleel McLaughlin averaged 4.6 yards per carry, and Austin Estime, recently signed, scored the game-tying touchdown. Rookie receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston were largely contained, but Jerry Jeudy recorded his best performance of the season with four receptions for 69 yards.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson has shown a pattern of struggling through the first three quarters of several games, only to excel in the final 15 minutes. He engineered his fourth game-winning drive in the fourth quarter this season, a mark tied for the most in the league. "I guess that’s why you just say it’s a 60-minute game, is you’ve got to play every minute," Monken stated.

The Browns face a challenging stretch with three consecutive road games. They are scheduled to play at Tennessee next week, followed by a rematch with Pittsburgh on November 1, and a visit to New Orleans on November 8. The team has notably allowed a league-high 44 points in the first quarter and has been outscored by 38 points during the initial 15 minutes of games.

In the secondary, rookie safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren played a significant role, recording six tackles, including one for a loss, and a pass defensed after Grant Delpit suffered a concussion in the first quarter. Meanwhile, rookie left tackle Spencer Fano allowed eight pressures and a sack against Ravens linebacker Trey Hendrickson.

Several players are currently dealing with injuries. Delpit is in the concussion protocol, linebacker Justin Jefferson left Sunday's game with a hip injury, running back Quinshon Judkins is sidelined with an ankle issue, and defensive tackle Mason Graham has a knee injury.