“Coming out of retirement to help the Browns,” Rochell wrote on Instagram, adding, “I’m actually ready #jk #theyneedmeback.” The post arrived in the wake of Cleveland’s 34-10 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the season opener, a game that marked Monken’s first as Browns head coach after Kevin Stefanski’s departure.
In the loss, quarterback Deshaun Watson was making his first start in nearly two years following a torn Achilles. He completed 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards, threw one touchdown and one interception, while absorbing five sacks and a fumble. The Browns did not cross midfield again after their opening drive and trailed 24-0 before finally scoring a late touchdown with two minutes remaining.
Monken arrived in Cleveland with a résumé that included three seasons as the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator from 2023 to 2025, during which Lamar Jackson earned the NFL MVP award in 2023. Before that, Monken helped Georgia win national championships as the Bulldogs’ offensive coordinator in 2021 and 2022. The Browns highlighted that background when introducing him, describing his offense as innovative and emphasizing his track record of developing talent. The season opener, however, showcased a day where the offense struggled to find rhythm against Jacksonville.
The game also marked a significant roster shake-up for Cleveland, which had traded two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in the offseason in exchange for pass rusher Jared Verse and draft capital. The move represented another major transition as the team entered a new era under Monken.
Defensively, the Browns’ longtime identity appeared to falter as Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence posted an impressive performance, at one point recording the highest passer rating of his career. Lawrence spent most of the fourth quarter on the sideline as Jacksonville built a comfortable lead.
Following the game, Monken addressed the media with a calm, team-centric message. He stressed that the focus would be on collective accountability rather than singling out individuals. “It’s a ‘we’ thing. It’s not a me thing, it’s not a they thing, it’s a we thing. We’re going to fight like hell to get better. That’s what I’ve always done. That’s what we’ll continue to do,” Monken said, underscoring the team-wide effort he expected moving forward.
Rochell’s playful post served as a reminder of the franchise’s ongoing transition. He spent seven seasons in the NFL with the Chargers, Colts, Browns, and Raiders, finishing his career with 113 tackles and 9.5 sacks before retiring in February 2023. His post didn’t alter the immediate focus for Cleveland, who would look to rebound in their next game, scheduled for September 20 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.
Looking ahead, the Browns aimed to address both sides of the ball, using the early-season setback as fuel for improvement under Monken. The team would need to stabilize the offense under the new system, reduce turnovers, and shore up pass protection while continuing to adapt to the newly reshaped defensive unit. As the season progresses, Monken’s approach to coaching and player development would be put to the test as Cleveland sought to translate promise into consistent on-field results.
