The Cleveland Browns had a terrible start to the season after getting demolished by the Jacksonville Jaguars, 34-10, at EverBank Stadium on Sunday.
The Browns looked hapless against the Jaguars, who got a masterful performance from quarterback Trevor Lawrence. He toyed with Cleveland's defense, throwing 18-of-23 for 245 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
After the game, NBC Sports' Mike Tomlin took a not-so-subtle jab at Cleveland.
âÂÂIn the words of my friend JuJu Smith-Schuster, the Browns are the Browns,â said Tomlin.
On Tuesday, Browns coach Todd Monken fired back, albeit diplomatically.
âÂÂEverybody's entitled to their opinions. That's what you do when you go from coaching to television. We have to own that. We didn't play very well. I don't see it that wayâÂÂBrowns being Browns. Every week is different. Every team is different. We just didn't play well (in Week 1),â said Monken in a video posted by The 33rd Team's Ari Meirov.
âÂÂIt's one week. That's not Browns being Browns. That's Browns playing poorly for one week.âÂÂ
Article Continues Below#Browns HC Todd Monken on Mike Tomlin saying âÂÂBrowns is the Brownsâ on NBC:
âÂÂEverybodyâÂÂs afforded their opinions. ThatâÂÂs what you do when you go from coaching to television. ⦠ItâÂÂs one week. ThatâÂÂs not Browns being Browns; thatâÂÂs Browns playing poorly for one week.â https://t.co/F7meVJ1r0n pic.twitter.com/xu5vEhNMxr
â Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 15, 2026
Tomlin transitioned to broadcasting after stepping down as coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers in January following their loss in the wild-card round of the playoffs.
He was recently linked to the New York Jets as a potential replacement for coach Aaron Donald if things go south in the first few weeks.
As for Monken, some believe he also has a short leash with the Browns despite signing a five-year, $50 million contract in January. The team's early issues at quarterback have not helped his cause.
The Browns will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2.

