Against all odds, the Cleveland Browns keep winning games they would've lost last season. Unlike his predecessor, Todd Monken has made in-game adjustments that have helped the team stay in games.
Of course, relying on a game-winning drive as often as the Browns do isn't sustainable. The Browns must stop beating themselves, as they've already shown that they have the talent and skill to be a winning football team when they're at their best.
With a tough road matchup against the 5-2 Pittsburgh Steelers up next, Monken and his coaching staff can't stop to celebrate. They must keep putting in the work, and these four questions will most likely determine their fate in Week 8.
Cleveland keeps finding ways to win, but the Browns still have plenty to clean up
1. Can Deshaun Watson operate more under center?
The Browns' offense finally ran more plays under center, and it's no coincidence that it led to the running game's strongest performance of the season. Staying in shotgun all day wasn't going to help get Quinshon Judkins going.
The Browns, who entered Week 7 with the lowest percentage of plays under center, ran 21 plays under center against the Titans, tying a season high.
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) October 25, 2026
On those plays, Cleveland averaged 8 yards per rush and had a 62.5% success rate on designed runs, both season-best marks.
It's no secret that Deshaun Watson prefers the shotgun. Can Monken and his staff find a way to balance the offense and help the running game while making sure the quarterback doesn't turn the ball over?
2. Should KC Concepcion be the go-to guy?
KC Concepcion led the team with 10 targets, and he responded with eight receptions for 129 yards. He would've had a big play and his first career touchdown if it weren't for one bad drop, but he was by far the most impactful playmaker in the game.
Maybe this should be the new status quo. Denzel Boston is great and a ball-winner, and he should still draw several targets a game. But Concepcion is just more versatile and shifty. He proved he's ready for a bigger workload.
3. Is there something wrong with Andre Szmyt?
After years of woes at the placekicker spot, it seemed that the Browns didn't have to worry about that anymore. Szmyt, however, has missed field goal attempts in consecutive weeks, and while he's bounced back with some clutch makes late in the fourth quarter, this is becoming a concern.
The Browns' offense is a work in progress and can be better, but no team can afford to routinely leave points on the field. It might be a bit too early to worry about the Browns' second-year kicker, but this is something to keep an eye on.
4. How to avoid another slow start?
The Browns fell behind 14-0 in this one, and it could've been 21-7 in the second quarter if the defense didn't rise up for a crucial stop at the goal line. Deshaun Watson threw an early interception and the defense gave up easy rushing touchdowns on back-to-back possessions.
Monken must be better with the game plan and scripted plays. The Browns can't keep spotting their opponents early points and expect to come back and win in the second half, regardless of how good Watson has been in the fourth quarter of games.
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