Watson leads Browns to 23-19 win over Buccaneers, bolstering his starting role
Deshaun Watson threw for 238 yards and two touchdowns as the Cleveland Browns upset Tampa Bay, improving his recent performance and likely securing his job for the next game.
Deshaun Watson delivered a strong performance for the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, completing 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns, including the go-ahead score, as the team defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-19 on the road. The victory marked Watson's first win as a starter since Week 2 of the 2024 season after a six-game losing streak, the longest active streak for a quarterback in the league.
The Browns trailed 16-6 in the second half but rallied, with Watson completing 17 of 21 passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns in the final two quarters. He also contributed 22 rushing yards and threw a 55-yard touchdown to rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston, his longest passing touchdown since 2020. The go-ahead drive featured a 17-yard touchdown pass to tight end Blake Whiteheart with 3:51 remaining, and Watson converted four third-down attempts on the drive.
Coach Todd Monken praised the win, saying, "I'm going to enjoy this win. And I thought he played his a-- off. I'm so happy for him. I'm just going to leave it there, right?" Watson added, "Every week I'm getting more confident and more comfortable with myself. I feel good. I'm healthy. I trust the work that I've put in the last two years and if you got to put the ball in my hands, I'm ready for it."
The win prevents the Browns from starting the season 0-2 and positions Watson to likely start in the upcoming home opener against the Carolina Panthers in Week 3. NFL Network reported that the first two games would serve as an evaluation period for the quarterback situation.