Deshaun Watson Leads Browns Comeback Over Buccaneers in 23-19 Week 2 Victory

Watson Answers the Call in Cleveland’s Comeback Victory

Deshaun Watson may have done enough to earn a few more starts for the Cleveland Browns. Watson threw two touchdown passes, including a go ahead 17 yard touchdown pass to Blake Whiteheart in the fourth quarter, as the Browns rallied for a 23-19 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday in a game delayed 2 hours, 12 minutes by lightning.

The Browns improved to 1-1 with the comeback victory, while the Buccaneers fell to 0-2. Although Cleveland coach Todd Monken would not officially name Watson the starter for next Sunday’s home opener against the Carolina Panthers, Watson’s performance should quiet any immediate questions about his place atop the depth chart. After a difficult Week 1 loss to Jacksonville, Watson delivered the kind of performance Cleveland needed.

Watson completed 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions while posting a 121.9 passer rating. It was his best game since Sept. 24, 2023, against Tennessee.

Watson Shows Signs of His Old Form

The performance was particularly significant considering what Watson has endured over the past two seasons. Before starting Cleveland’s lopsided 34-10 loss to Jacksonville last week, Watson had not played since 2024 after tearing his Achilles tendon twice. His comments criticizing Browns fans during the preseason also created additional speculation about whether Cleveland would turn to another option if Watson struggled.

Instead, Watson responded with arguably his strongest performance since joining the Browns. He connected with Denzel Boston on a 55-yard touchdown pass late in the third quarter to tie the game at 16. Boston caught a slant, broke three tackles and raced down the field for the score.

Watson then delivered again in the fourth quarter, converting four third downs on the drive that culminated in his 17 yard touchdown pass to Whiteheart. The score gave Cleveland a 23-19 lead with 3:51 remaining. For a quarterback whose future in Cleveland appeared increasingly uncertain entering Week 2, Watson provided a timely answer.

Mayfield and Watson Renew Their Cleveland Connection

The game also marked the first meeting between Watson and Baker Mayfield, two quarterbacks whose careers have been directly linked through the Browns. Cleveland selected Mayfield No. 1 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, but the Browns traded for Watson in 2022 in a blockbuster deal that eventually led to Mayfield’s departure.

Mayfield was released by the Carolina Panthers later that season and eventually landed with the Los Angeles Rams before revitalizing his career in Tampa Bay. He has since made two Pro Bowls and recently received a three year, $165 million contract extension from the Buccaneers.

Watson entered Sunday’s game with a 10-11 record in five seasons with Cleveland and appeared to be running out of opportunities to prove he could remain the Browns’ starting quarterback. Against Mayfield, however, Watson delivered when Cleveland needed him most.

Buccaneers Nearly Complete Late Comeback

Mayfield kept Tampa Bay within striking distance throughout the afternoon and helped the Buccaneers take a 19-16 lead in the third quarter.

He willed Tampa Bay into the end zone on the opening drive of the second half, scrambling for a first down on third and 9 with a stiff arm before escaping pressure on the next play. Mayfield stepped up in the pocket and threw a 5 yard touchdown pass to Emeka Egbuka, who slipped but managed to make the catch while sitting on the ground.

Mayfield finished the game with one interception, which Cleveland converted into three points. The Buccaneers had another opportunity late in the fourth quarter after Elijah Roberts stopped Quinshon Judkins on fourth and 1, giving Tampa Bay possession at the Cleveland 34 yard line. The Buccaneers eventually reached the Cleveland 28, but the game was suspended at the two-minute warning because of lightning. When play finally resumed, heavy rain began falling again.

Bucky Irving ran twice, and Mayfield connected with Ted Hurst to move Tampa Bay to the Cleveland 13. A holding penalty, however, pushed the Buccaneers backward. Facing fourth and 10 from the Cleveland 20, Mayfield’s final pass toward Egbuka in the end zone fell incomplete, sealing Cleveland’s victory.

Kickers Keep the Game Tight

The game also featured a strong performance from both kickers. Tampa Bay’s Chase McLaughlin connected on four field goals, including kicks from 59, 45, 31 and 31 yards. Cleveland’s Andre Szmyt was perfect on three attempts, hitting from 50, 34 and 34 yards.

The seven combined field goals kept the game close throughout before Watson’s fourth quarter touchdown pass ultimately provided the difference.

Monken Wants Browns to Move Forward

After Cleveland’s disappointing Week 1 loss to Jacksonville, Monken pushed back against the idea that the Browns were simply repeating the same mistakes that have plagued the franchise. Sunday’s comeback gave Cleveland an opportunity to reinforce that message.

Watson avoided turnovers, made big throws in critical situations and engineered two touchdown drives that helped Cleveland erase Tampa Bay’s lead. The Browns will now turn their attention to their home opener against Carolina, with Watson putting himself in position to remain under center.

Browns and Buccaneers Next Sunday Game

Cleveland will host the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 27. Watson’s performance against Tampa Bay gives the Browns plenty to consider as they prepare for their home opener. Tampa Bay will return home Sept. 27 to face the Minnesota Vikings as the Buccaneers look to avoid falling to 0-3.