It’s a Victory Monday for Cleveland Browns fans everywhere after the Browns took care of business in Week 3 of the NFL season with a 21-18 win over the Carolina Panthers to start their home schedule. 

Cleveland’s home opener was a loud environment, and Browns fans made a difference in the outcome. After the game, head coach Todd Monken got honest about what the fanbase means to this team.

Todd Monken praised Browns fans after the win

Monken didn’t hold back when talking about the Cleveland faithful following the victory over Carolina.

“Got the greatest fans in the world, man,” Monken said. “All Browns fans want is to be part of something special, something to cheer for. Just give them a chance, right? Play tough, play physically, that’s what they want. And the better we play, the more we deserve to be cheered. When you don’t, you don’t. That’s what we live by.”

The Browns trailed late after leading 10-3 at halftime, but quarterback Deshaun Watson engineered a game-winning touchdown drive capped by a 14-yard touchdown pass to tight end Harold Fannin Jr. to give Cleveland the 21-18 victory. Safety Ronnie Hickman then sealed the win with an interception on the Panthers’ final drive.

Monken pointed directly to the crowd’s impact on that final defensive stand.

“There at the end, they made a difference,” Monken said. “They make a difference. You don’t think that made a difference there at the end? Snap count, they jump offsides, right, that gives us five yards further back. Changes play calls. So, that was awesome at the end.”

And for Thursday night, Pittsburgh Steelers. What are we now? No matter what…did Pittsburgh win today? Did they? So, what are we, all tied at first? We’re all in first place? So, right, so we’re playing for first place. Holy s—, isn’t that cool or what? I mean, so our guys, we’re ready to rock and roll. We’ll be good to go. But appreciate the fans, you know, and we’re not perfect, we’re not, coaching or playing, but we’re going to fight like hell to get there. I promise you.”

Browns head to a big Thursday night matchup against Pittsburgh

The Browns offense put up 259 total yards in Week 3 against the Panthers and were outgained by Carolina, who had 360 yards. Still, Cleveland’s offense came alive when it mattered and got points on the board to secure the home win and move to 2-1 on the season.

Thursday night against the Steelers is going to be a tough one for the Browns. Pittsburgh just beat the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3, and as Monken noted, every team in the division is tied atop the AFC North standings. A win over the Steelers could show this team is really ahead of schedule. 

Monken’s comments about the fans are going to be well received, and his energy with this team so far has been a bright spot. The passion and accountability he’s brought to the building has been a complete shift from what the Browns have had from the head coach position in the past. 

Cleveland will look to keep the momentum rolling on a short week when the Steelers come to town Thursday night.