The Cleveland Browns have been one of the league's more unexpected surprises this season. Despite an offseason that seemed to spell almost certain disaster, at least in 2026; trading away two-time Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) Myles Garrett and rolling with Deshaun Watson as the starter at quarterback; head coach Todd Monken heads into Week 4's divisional clash with a 2-1 record – the same as the rest of the AFC North. Ahead of the Sunday night game that will see them host the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monken made some humorous, tongue-in-cheek remarks about the future of current Steeler stars.
"I think it's about time that he retires." Monken said about ex-DPOY and six-time All-Pro T.J. "Heyward and all those guys, credit to (them) for how they've done it and how long they've done it." Monken would no doubt appreciate a spontaneous near-future retirement from his division rivals' top veteran players, but certainly on Watt's end the odds of that are seeming unlikely after starting the year in excellent form. Through three games, the younger of the two Watt brothers has 3.5 sacks, 1 pass defended and 1 pick-six.
The issue for Pittsburgh is more likely to come on the offensive side of the ball, where quarterback Aaron Rodgers was having a brutal start to the season before finding life in Week 3's close win against the Cincinnati Bengals, putting up 292 passing yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. Against Cleveland, the Steelers will have to contend with an improving defense lead by second years, linebacker Carson Schwesinger and defensive tackle Mason Graham.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
