3 Reasons Why the Cleveland Browns are 3-1 Despite Losing Myles Garrett
The Cleveland Browns are 3-1 for the first time since 2021, and head coach Todd Monken leading the pack better than expected.
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Jared Verse (Image via IMAGO)
The odds of Cleveland Brown starting the season on a positive note were very low. Most analysts projected the team to be a total dumpster fire due to the lack of identity at quarterback.
Fans wanted the Browns to start afresh with Shedeur Sanders, but the shadow of Deshaun Watson’s guaranteed contract overshadowed their demands.
To make matters worse, the owners and general manager sat down and decided it was time to part ways with the best player on their team—arguably one of the best in league history, Myles Garrett.
Garrett, who broke and reset the single-season sack record last year, joined the Los Angeles Rams on a package deal that saw former first-round edge Jared Verse come to Cleveland along with additional draft picks.
Garrett becoming a Ram made sense. They reached the NFC title game a few months ago and are among the favorites to go all the way in 2026. As for the Browns, this trade signaled the start of another rebuilding phase (a never-ending one). Verse made the roster younger but less experienced, regardless of his high upside.
All that happened under the supervision of newly appointed first-time head coach, 60-year-old Todd Monken. Considered an offensive guru, Monken helped Lamar Jackson establish himself as an NFL powerhouse, winning multiple MVPs.
Fans expected Monken to develop Sanders into a touchdown machine, but the owners waved their magic wand, and he was no longer the starter.
Watson, who last played competitive football back in early 2024, got the nod from Monken. It hit a few nerves to say the least. Luckily, for the veteran signal caller, the first two games were away from Cleveland. So even if he played poorly, fans wouldn’t be able to say it to his face.
On opening day, the Jacksonville Jaguars won 34-10 against the Browns. Watson played uninspiring football and the offense looked bland. He threw a touchdown pass, but it was non-consequential.
Monken led the Browns’ cavalry back to Florida to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Browns won by four points—Watson threw two touchdowns.
In week three, Browns fans turned up in numbers at Huntington Bank Field for the season’s first home game against the Carolina Panthers. Watson threw two more touchdowns to secure a three-point victory.
On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Steelers came to town. Historically, the Steelers have struggled at their rival’s backyard, and it showed.
Watson set up three touchdowns to lead a 27-24 win over the Steelers. The Browns fans rightfully acknowledged the resurgence. But why are the Browns suddenly playing good football? The stars are aligning at the right time.
Deshaun Watson is not overdoing it
When Monken, or rather the Browns, picked Watson to start instead of Sanders, fans feared the worst was yet to come. Since his blockbuster trade, Watson had missed more than 40 games, battling lawsuits and injuries.
But before all the chaos, Watson was a top quarterback who led the Texans to multiple winning seasons. Rediscovering half of that form would have delivered wins as Watson played efficient football.
Through the four games, he has 855 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Those aren’t spectacular numbers, but he doesn’t need to play like Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes all the time—simple and error-free football will lead to victories. So far, he has done exactly that.
The Browns’ investment in younger players is paying off
The Browns put the draft picks acquired in the Myles Garrett trade to reinforce the offense. They drafted highly regarded receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston in the first few rounds. Boston has 13 catches for 284 yards and has scored 2 touchdowns in his first four appearances. Concepcion has 17 catches for 144 yards.
The second-years, running back Quinshon Judkins and tight end Harold Fannin Jr., have arguably been the team’s best players on offense besides Watson.
Judkins has 59 carries for 177 yards and 1 touchdown, along with 15 receptions for 96 yards. Meanwhile, Fannin leads the Browns receivers with 3 touchdowns on 17 receptions.
In defense, Jared Veres has yet to reach his peak. In 171 snap counts, he has put up 7 pressures, earning a 57.2 PFF grade. He has 10 tackles, 3 TFLs, and zero sacks. Nevertheless, Verse’s presence has allowed second-year edge Mason Graham to shine. Graham has 8 tackles, 9 pressures, and 4 sacks.
This ain’t the old Browns. It’s got new swag. We’re a lot more aggressive. We’re getting after it a lot more. This is something different here. We’re going to make this whole city rock.
Jared Verse said after the win over the Steelers (H/T FOX Sports)
Defensive ends Isaiah McGuire, Adin Huntington, and Sam Williams and defensive tackles Maliek Collins and Mike Hall Jr. have chipped in with five combined sacks.
Todd Monken is leading from the front
The Browns were tipped to finish last in the AFC North and play for top-10 picks in December. But so far, Monken has proven the critics wrong. The defense is once again among the best in the league. They rank 13th in points allowed, 4th in yards allowed, and 3rd in sack percentage.
The offense still needs a lot of work. It ranks 21st in points per game, 26th in yards per game, and 27th in rushing yards per game, but the team is winning games, and they have Monken to thank for.
But the question stands: how long can the Browns keep this winning streak intact? The Browns have missed the playoffs more times despite starting 3-1 in their history. 2021 was the last time they started 3-1. They finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs.
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Ishan Misra
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