x
Todd Monken is pulling off a feat the Browns haven't seen in over a decade
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Todd Monken is pulling off a feat the Browns haven't seen in over a decade

The Cleveland Browns are coming off another strong win after their Week 6 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, which they won, 13-10. All this winning is pretty new for the Browns, and it's actually something they haven't seen in quite a long time.

Garrett Podell of CBS Sports has a feature out following the NFL's Week 6 games, grading all of the NFL's first-year head coaches. For Browns head coach Todd Monken, he gives a firm "A+" grade. That obviously says a lot.

In the piece, Podell notes that the Browns are doing something special. They're in "first place in the AFC North in Week 6 or later for the first time since 2014." So, this is something Cleveland hasn't seen in over a decade.

Cleveland Browns are finding success under Todd Monken

"That's absolutely incredible," he says of the showing. "There's certainly a smoke and mirrors element to it as the Browns have the worst point differential (-16) by a team with a winning record this season, but wins are wins."

What's especially interesting about the Browns is that they have a strong defense in place, even after trading away Myles Garrett. "Cleveland has a top-10 scoring defense at 20.3 points per game," Podell notes.

One negative is that the Browns have the NFL's fifth-worst scoring offense, per Podell, and quarterback Deshaun Watson does need to step it up. But "it's honestly really impressive that Monken has successfully developed rookie second-round pick wide receiver Denzel Boston, given Watson's limitations," Podell adds, noting that Boston leads the league with a 20.3 yards-per-catch average.

It's certainly a fun time to be a Browns fan.

Anne Erickson

Anne Erickson is an award-winning news reporter covering the NFL, NBA, college sports and more for Yardbarker. Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and other sports, and her work has been published by Fox Sports, ESPN and Newsweek, among others. She has also interviewed a bevy of big names in sports and entertainment, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, Lions edge Aidan Hutchinson and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!