Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was flagged twice early on Sunday for penalties against Browns rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion, including a second penalty for a shot to the head that knocked Concepcion out of the game. After the game, Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken was asked if he thought Fitzpatrick's hit was a dirty hit.
"Well, I mean, that's just a bang-bang play. Minkah has been in this league a long time. He's not a dirty player. I've never seen that out of him. It's a bang-bang play, and unfortunately it happened to our guy, and that's part of the league."
I completely understand what Monken is saying here, but I disagree; it was a dirty hit. He went high, leading with his helmet, and made contact with a defenseless receiver moments after he ripped the same guy's helmet off by the facemask.
#Browns HC Todd Monken on the hit by Minkah Fitzpatrick that gave KC Concepcion a head injury, taking him out of the game:
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) October 11, 2026
"Well, I mean, that's just a bang-bang play. Minkah has been in this league a long time. He's not a dirty player. I've never seen that out of him. It's a… pic.twitter.com/KeyAr6FzSo
Fitzpatrick also has a history of questionable hits, including going low on Nick Chubb and blowing out his knee when he was with the Steelers a few years ago. With the track record established, it shouldn't surprise anyone if the league comes down with a fine or a one-game suspension due to his repeat offenses.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns HC doesn't believe hit on KC Concepcion was a dirty hit