Deshaun Watson led the Cleveland Browns to a 23-19 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2.
Not only did the Cleveland Browns get their first win of the Todd Monken era in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but Deshaun Watson also played well.
The former Houston Texans star went 24/30 for 238 yards and two touchdowns. Watson's second TD pass was to Blake Whiteheart with under four minutes left in regulation. It wound up being the game-winning play.
“I'm so happy for him,” Monken said of Watson. “Good for him. Good for 22 months working his (tail) off to get to where he's at. I'm gonna leave it at that.”
The Browns beat the Buccaneers by a final score of 23-19.
Watson will now start in Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers in Cleveland's home opener.
“I'm just happy we got the win,” Watson said. “I'm right where I'm supposed to be. I'll leave the journey in God's hands and let the outcome be the outcome.”
Monken may have benched Watson for Shedeur Sanders in Week 3 had Watson struggled in Week 2. However, Watson came through in the clutch and led the Browns to their first win since January.
Watson has 443 passing yards and three passing touchdowns through two games. He has one interception and is completing 76.9% of his passes. The three-time Pro Bowler missed the entire 2025 season recovering from the Achilles tendon tear he suffered in 2024.
Browns fans may still boo Watson in the home opener. After all, two dozen women accused Watson of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage sessions and Watson is only 10-11 as Cleveland's starting QB.
However, for one day, things went well for Watson and the Browns and we haven't been able to say that in a long, long time.
"Every week I'm getting more confident and more comfortable with myself," Watson said. "Like I told the team, 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. So whatever we got to do to make the team win and keep the guys moving, I'm ready for it."
