Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson Has One More Test After Strong Browns Week 2 Performance 1
Deshaun Watson needed a response in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he delivered one when the Cleveland Browns had very little room for another quarterback setback. The veteran looked far sharper in Week 2, helping the Browns erase a double-digit deficit and leaving them with its first win of the season.
That performance changed the conversation around Watson. After a rough opening week, the Browns suddenly have a more stable situation heading into their home opener against the Carolina Panthers.
Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns Face Another QB Test
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun WatsonCleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
The QB completed 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns with the Browns’ 23-19 win over the Buccaneers on September 20. He also added 22 rushing yards while throwing no interceptions and posting a 121.9 passer rating. The Browns needed him to make plays, especially with the running game struggling to create much.
His second touchdown proved decisive. Watson found Blake Whiteheart for a 17-yard score with under four minutes remaining, putting the Browns ahead for good.
“Deshaun Watson’s standing as the Cleveland Browns’ QB1 was teetering on the edge of oblivion. He responded by completing 80 percent of his passes and helping lead Cleveland to a victory. The next test comes when Watson and the Browns play their first home game. Watson must string together multiple solid performances in order for the rumors of him being replaced by Shedeur Sanders are finally quieted.”
Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report gave Deshaun Watson a B for his Week 2 performance, noting that he completed 80% of his passes and helped the Browns secure a victory.
"Deshaun Watson's standing as the Cleveland Browns' QB1 was teetering on the edge of oblivion. He responded by… pic.twitter.com/2BOwncWXp8
— BrownsNation.com (@BrownsNationcom) September 22, 2026
Sobleski also made it clear that one strong outing does not erase the questions surrounding Watson. His view was that the Browns need to see more consistent production before the noise around Shedeur Sanders fully disappears.
That is where Week 3 becomes important. In the Browns’ home opener against the Panthers, set for September 27, the veteran will make his first regular-season start in front of the Browns faithful after coming back from his Achilles injury.
Watson has already thrown for 443 passing yards, with three touchdowns and one interception in just two games. Watson has completed 76.9 percent of his pass attempts so far, which is an impressive stat, although the Browns have yet to know if he can keep it up.
With all of that said, the 31-year-old seemed confident after the Browns’ victory over Tampa Bay, stating that he feels increasingly comfortable each week and has faith in his preparation from his time away. Consistency, however, remains the challenge. Week 2 gave Watson some breathing room.
The Browns, therefore, not only have an important home game ahead but also another opportunity for Watson to prove that his most recent performance can be turned into a trend rather than a one-week burst.