Todd Monken defends Minkah Fitzpatrick after 'dirty' hit on KC Concepcion

The New York Jets defense played their best game of the season on Sunday, and it was in large part thanks to head coach Aaron Glenn dialing up an aggressive, blitz-heavy game plan to keep the Cleveland Browns uncomfortable.

Not only that, but the Jets set the tone early with some big hits. On Cleveland's first offensive possession of the game, Browns wide receiver KC Concepcion exited the game with a head injury following a hit from safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. The former All-Pro defensive back was flagged for unnecessary roughness on the play.

Browns fans were quick to call out Fitzpatrick for the "dirty" hit. They likely thought back to a play three years ago when Fitzpatrick still played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he ended former running back Nick Chubb's season with a low hit.

But it's only fans who believe in the notion that Fitzpatrick is a "dirty" player. Don't take my word for it; hear it from Cleveland head coach Todd Monken.

Todd Monken downplays idea that Minkah Fitzpatrick is 'dirty'

Speaking with reporters after the game, via ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi, Monken was asked about Fitzpatrick's helmet-to-helmet hit on Concepcion and whether he felt that the blow was egregious. Browns fans may want to cover their ears for his measured response.

"It's just a bang-bang play. I mean, Minkah has been in this league a long time. I mean, he's not a dirty player... Unfortunately, it happened to our guy. That's part of the league. And yeah, not having KC is a part of it, but everybody's missing players. It's the NFL."

Thankfully, Concepcion is okay. He posted on his Instagram after the game, saying, "Y'all know I'm good." Hopefully, he doesn't miss any extended time and returns to the field as soon as possible for the Browns.

But again, the notion that Fitzpatrick's hit was anything more than a "bang-bang" play, as Monken described it, is silly. The Jets' defensive back wasn't trying to injure Concepcion; he was just trying to make a play.

It was Fitzpatrick's second game back from injury for the Jets, and he's proving to be a key chess piece for Aaron Glenn's defense. The former Miami Dolphins draft pick had five tackles and a pass breakup, but let an interception slip through his fingers late in the game.

Hopefully, he keeps bringing the same energy and high-level play week in and week out for the Jets' secondary.

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