Deshaun Watson was not a hot pick to be the Browns’ QB, but he has his team at 2-1 after a Week 3 game-winner.
The Deshaun Watson experience with the Cleveland Browns has, for the most part, been a disaster. The QB was traded for in a deal that many have since viewed as the worst NFL trade ever. He was then given a record-breaking contract that was similarly criticized. In Cleveland, Watson has dealt with off-the-field drama, a suspension, poor play, and multiple achilles tears.
Despite all of that, the quarterback was able to earn the starting QB job ahead of the 2026 season, and he has turned the boos into cheers in Cleveland. Watson has the Browns at 2-1 after leading the team to late-game victories in back-to-back weeks. During Cleveland’s Week 3 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, Watson was forced out of action for one play, but he re-entered the game and threw a game-winning touchdown pass to Harold Fannin Jr.
Browns coach Todd Monken has had his quarterback’s back from the get-go, including when Watson criticized Cleveland’s fan base for booing him before the season. Now, The Dawg Pound seemingly has Watson’s back, too.
“To get knocked down, then to come back in and make a play, and then the two-point conversation,” Monken started about Watson’s late game performance. “This is about him… I’m really happy for him.”
#Browns Todd Monken on how cool this was for Deshaun Watson, who turned the boos to cheers: pic.twitter.com/cQQXEM9KHG
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 27, 2026
Browns’ games haven’t been pretty this season, at least not early on in the action, but Watson has figured out a way to thrive late.
“I’d like to start out a hell of a lot faster than that,” Monken said. “It’s a compliment, but for God’s sake. But it says a lot about [Watson]. Say it like it is. To come back and continue to play well.
Browns coach Todd Monken on Deshaun Watson’s strong finishes. pic.twitter.com/YHBnyXvtH7
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) September 27, 2026
The Deshaun Watson experience with the Cleveland Browns has, for the most part, been a disaster. The QB was traded for in a deal that many have since viewed as the worst NFL trade ever. He was then given a record-breaking contract that was similarly criticized. In Cleveland, Watson has dealt with off-the-field drama, a suspension, poor play, and multiple achilles tears.
