Deshaun Watson
Sep 20, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) looks to pass during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Before Sunday’s game between the Cleveland Browns and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, reports surfaced indicating that the Browns were planning to “evaluate” Deshaun Watson during the game as the team considered whether or not to make a change at the position. After the game, it seems that the team has made up its mind.
Watson played well in the 23-19 win over Tampa Bay on Sunday, and it seems that it was enough for him to continue on as the team’s starter for at least another week.
Browns planned to ‘evaluate’ Watson
Ahead of Watson’s second start of the season on Sunday afternoon against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NFL insider Ian Rapoport of ESPN reported that the Browns were planning to “evaluate” Watson on his performance through the first two games before making a decision on his status as the team’s starter.
“While no firm decision has been made for Week 3, the belief is that the first two games would serve as a natural evaluation point. In other words, the Browns could use the return to Cleveland for their Week 3 home opener and a two-game sample size as the impetus for a quarterback change,” Rapoport wrote for ESPN.
This news came after the Browns struggled on offense during the first week of the season. He Watson and the offense struggled again against the Buccaneers, it likely would have resulted in a quarterback change. Now, however, it doesn’t seem like that’s going to happen.
‘I’m so happy for him’
Watson bounced back in a big way on Sunday afternoon, completing 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns to lead Cleveland to a 23-19 victory.
Play Episode 47minThe Play-By-PlayJoe Buck Extends As NFL Broadcaster Shakeup Looms; World Series To ESPN? Plus Kaep's Media TourJoe Buck is returning to ESPN and will call another Super Bowl in 2031, as well as potentially the World Series again in the future.What does this mean for Troy Aikman and the rest of the NFL broadcaster world? Plus, the Colin Kaepernick media tour and our Hot Mic takes from around sports media.It's The Play-By-Play LIVE!1:15 Buck extension, will Aikman stay too?10:00 Predictions for Greg Olsen & Mike Tomlin22:40 ESPN wants Buck to call World Series, will it happen?34:55 Why Netflix could end up with Sunday Night Football40:05 Kaep's media tourAwful Announcing on X: https://twitter.com/awfulannouncingAwful Announcing on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awfulannouncingAwful Announcing on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awful\_announcing/Awful Announcing on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@awful\_announcing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
After the game, Browns head coach Todd Monken was asked whether or not Watson would remain the team’s starter for the team’s home opener against the Carolina Panthers next week, given the report from earlier in the day.
Monken made it pretty clear that would be the case. In fact, he was rather incredulous that the question was even being asked.
“Really?” Monken said, via Zac Jackson of The Athletic. “Really? I’m gonna enjoy this win and I thought he played his [expletive] off. I’m gonna leave it at that. I’m so happy for him.”
Needless to say, it sounds like Watson will indeed get the chance to start for the Browns on Sunday. We’ll have to see what kind of reception he gets from the crowd as it will be his first game starting since he was booed by the Cleveland crowd last month.
Lane Kiffin
Lane Kiffin
Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson
Sophie Cunningham and Sydney Sweeney
Sophie Cunningham and Sydney Sweeney