The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for a pivotal season, but right now, the spotlight is on press conferences and planning. With the NFL combine underway, GM Andrew Berry shared insights on Tuesday about the team's focus areas, including offensive line needs and wide receiver traits, while also providing updates on various player injuries, notably RB Quinshon Judkins.
Wednesday brought new head coach Todd Monken to the forefront. It's his first head coaching gig in the NFL, and he navigated the media landscape with a mix of thoughtfulness and candor during a 20-minute session with the press, followed by a more intimate 10-minute chat with Cleveland media. Monken didn’t shy away from calling out a reporter for a tricky question about the quarterback situation.
Monken's passion for coaching was evident when discussing the work-life balance, echoing sentiments familiar to Browns fans from former HC Kevin Stefanski. He took ownership of past challenges with the Ravens, emphasizing a team-first mentality.
Quarterback discussions were inevitable, and while Monken aims to name a starter soon, he’s not rushing the decision. He highlighted the playmaking prowess of QB Shedeur Sanders, a point of excitement for many fans.
In a move that resonates with the Cleveland faithful, Monken is working on persuading OL Joel Bitonio to return, having already initiated conversations weeks ago.
While Monken touched on various topics, he was less forthcoming about his personal coaching strengths, focusing instead on adapting to his new role at the NFL level.
This marks a fresh chapter for the Browns, with Monken bringing a distinct approach and some colorful language to his media interactions. Whether his style offers more substance than Stefanski's is up for debate, but there's no denying that Monken is setting a new tone for the team.