Deshaun Watson Silences Critics With Big Win Over Buccaneers

Watson delivers under pressure

Deshaun Watson entered Sunday's game with massive pressure on his shoulders. Rumours were circulating that his starting job was on the line after a poor performance in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. That game was his first regular season start since an Achilles injury ruled him out of the entire 2025 season.

The quarterback responded with one of his best games since joining the Cleveland Browns. Watson completed 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns, guiding the Browns to a 23-19 road upset against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The victory marked Watson's first win as a starter since Week 2 of the 2024 season, ending a streak of six consecutive losses.

Second half comeback

Cleveland trailed 9-6 at halftime and struggled with only 59 net yards in the first two quarters. However, Watson turned things around in the second half. He completed 17 of 21 passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns in the final two quarters. Watson also led the team with 22 rushing yards.

He threw a 55 yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston to tie the game in the third quarter. It was Watson's longest touchdown pass since November 2020. Later, he threw a 17 yard touchdown pass to Blake Whiteheart with 3:51 remaining to put the Browns ahead.

A lightning delay of over two hours paused the game at the two minute warning. After the break, a red zone defensive stand secured the victory for the Browns.

Monken and Watson react

Browns coach Todd Monken praised Watson's effort after the game. Monken said, "I thought he played his [butt] off. I'm so happy for him." Monken added that he was happy for him after 22 months of hard work.

Watson also expressed growing confidence. "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."

The game was also a notable matchup against Baker Mayfield, whom the Browns traded to the Carolina Panthers in July 2022 after signing Watson to a 230 million dollar contract.