From NBC Sports · · 2m
Todd Monken's first win comes with a warning
The Browns' new head coach isn't celebrating the victory over Tampa Bay. He's already focused on what comes next.
In brief
The Browns' new head coach isn't celebrating the victory over Tampa Bay. He's already focused on what comes next. One win doesn't mean arrival. Monken is pushing his team to improve every week rather than rest on early success. Originally reported by NBC Sports.
Quick answers
- His message: so what, now what?
- Rather than celebrate, Monken told his team the win is just a starting point. He plans to ask them Wednesday if they're willing to take the same jump from Week 1 to Week 2 again, or if they think they've already arrived.
- What is the key takeaway from Todd Monken's first win comes with a warning?
- One win doesn't mean arrival. Monken is pushing his team to improve every week rather than rest on early success.
Monken gets his first NFL win
The Cleveland Browns defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday in Todd Monken's first game as an NFL head coach. A lengthy weather delay extended the contest before the Browns secured the victory.
A long path to the sideline
Monken has been coaching for nearly four decades, starting with college football before finally reaching his first NFL head coaching job. The victory in Tampa marks a major milestone in his career.
His message: so what, now what?
Rather than celebrate, Monken told his team the win is just a starting point. He plans to ask them Wednesday if they're willing to take the same jump from Week 1 to Week 2 again, or if they think they've already arrived.
“"So what, now what?" Are we willing to take that same jump?”
Week to week is the reality
Monken stressed that every team is a different matchup and the Browns need to focus on what they'll do this week to improve. He noted the team didn't turn the ball over in the win, unlike Week 1 when they had two turnovers in the first four drives.
“every team's a different matchup, and we got the right guys to do it”
Cleaning up on both sides
Monken acknowledged the team has plenty to improve in both coaching and playing. The jump from Week 1 to Week 2 showed progress, but he's not satisfied with the current state of the team.
“we got a lot to clean up, coaching and playing”
Cleveland's long drought
The Browns have struggled to find sustained success since returning to the league in 1999. Monken's approach of pushing for continuous improvement reflects how much work the franchise still needs to do.
The right guys to do it
Despite the high bar he's setting, Monken expressed confidence in his roster. He believes the team has the right players and coaching staff ready to work and improve each week.
“we got the right guys to do it, that's what I love about our group”
The big picture
One win doesn't mean arrival. Monken is pushing his team to improve every week rather than rest on early success.
