Monken Praises Browns Defense For Improvement

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Browns defense is earning praise for its performance against the Carolina Panthers. Coach Todd Monken gave defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg a game ball after the Browns pressured Carolina quarterback Bryce Young on 26 of his 50 drop-backs during Sunday’s 21-18 victory. This pressure limited the Panthers to one touchdown and four field goals. Nine Browns players had multiple pressures, with Jared Verse leading the way. The Browns are now 2-1 for the first time since 2023. They’re preparing for a Thursday night showdown against AFC North rival Pittsburgh, which is also 2-1.