‘Todd Monken Will Be Fired Within 2 Years’: Kurt Benkert Predicts Browns Trouble

Todd Monken endured a difficult unofficial head coaching debut as the Cleveland Browns suffered a 34-10 defeat to the Chicago Bears in their preseason opener on Saturday.

The Browns initially scored the first 10 points of the game, including a rushing touchdown from rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion. However, Cleveland failed to score again for the remainder of the contest, raising questions about the team’s performance under its new head coach.

Kurt Benkert makes bold prediction about Todd Monken

The Browns’ disappointing performance prompted former Green Bay Packers quarterback Kurt Benkert to make a strong prediction about Monken’s future in Cleveland.

“Monken will be fired within 2 years,” Benkert wrote on social media.

The prediction came after Cleveland struggled on both sides of the ball and failed to maintain the momentum it established early in the preseason matchup.

Browns quarterbacks struggle against Bears

Cleveland’s quarterback performance was one of the biggest concerns from the game. Second-year quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel combined for only 102 passing yards on 11 completions while throwing two interceptions.

Deshaun Watson performed slightly better statistically, finishing with 126 passing yards on 11 completions. However, the overall quarterback production was not enough to prevent Cleveland from suffering a heavy defeat.

The Browns are still evaluating their quarterback situation ahead of the regular season, with Monken yet to announce his Week 1 starter.

Todd Monken praises Deshaun Watson

Despite the team’s disappointing result, Monken praised Watson for his performance and his return to preseason action.

“It was awesome. It was so cool to watch him play,” Monken said, while acknowledging the frustration surrounding Watson’s recent struggles.

Monken added that Watson appeared to be enjoying himself and believed the veteran quarterback operated at a high level during the game.

Deshaun Watson compares Monken to Bill O’Brien

Watson has also spoken positively about working with Monken. Before the preseason game, the Browns quarterback compared his new coach’s approach to what he experienced with former Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien.

“He’s been great. He kind of reminds me of what I had when I first got drafted in Houston with Bill O’Brien,” Watson said.

Watson praised Monken’s intensity, high standards and player-focused approach. He also highlighted the freedom quarterbacks receive to make adjustments based on defensive looks.

Browns face important decisions before Week 1

Monken still has several important decisions to make before Cleveland begins its regular-season campaign. The quarterback competition involving Watson, Sanders and Gabriel remains one of the biggest storylines surrounding the team.

The Browns will have another opportunity to evaluate their quarterbacks when they face the Buffalo Bills in their next preseason game.

Cleveland’s regular season begins on September 13, 2026, when the Browns travel to face the Jacksonville Jaguars. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on CBS.

While Benkert’s prediction is currently only an opinion, Monken will be under pressure to demonstrate that his coaching approach can produce better results once the regular season begins.