Browns Coach Monken Responds to Tomlin's Criticism: 'F--k That!'

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken publicly rebuked former Steelers coach and current NBC broadcaster Mike Tomlin for his remarks regarding the Browns' Week 1 performance. Monken's strong response came after the Browns secured a 23-19 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

"Browns are gonna Browns. F--k that!" Monken declared during his postgame press conference, his voice filled with emotion. "The guys took that to heart." Monken's outburst was a direct reference to Tomlin's earlier commentary on ESPN, where he quoted former Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster's phrase "the Browns is the Browns" in discussing Cleveland's Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson corroborated Monken's sentiment, confirming that the players were motivated by Tomlin's assessment. "Monk said what he said. That's how we all feel," Watson stated.

Tomlin, speaking on NBC's "Sunday Night Football" broadcast before the Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs game, addressed the Browns' reaction with levity. "Hey, I'm glad that I can still motivate, although I'm not coaching anymore," Tomlin said with a laugh. He further elaborated on his broadcasting role, jokingly noting, "I love my role, that's what I have to say for myself. You know why? Because I can provide bulletin board material with no personal consequence."

Tomlin also acknowledged the Browns' defensive performance in their win against the Buccaneers. "You got to give them credit for what transpired this week, particularly on their defense. … Cleveland's defense showed up today. They had three sacks, five quarterback hits and they just did a really good job of playing with spirit, and I respect that," he commented.

The Browns' victory over the Buccaneers marked a significant turnaround after their initial loss, with their defense playing a key role in the outcome.