How Deshaun Watson bought himself another week as Browns starter after stunning Bucs win

Almost all signs over the last few weeks have indicated that Deshaun Watson's run as the Browns' starting quarterback won't be too long. 

Between his negative reception from Cleveland's fanbase, the Browns' young roster in a rebuilding year and Watson's Week 1 struggles against the Jaguars, at some point in the coming weeks, Todd Monken was anticipated to make a change to Shedeur Sanders. But Watson may have just given himself a longer opportunity.

Facing former Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, Watson had a surprisingly effective performance against the Buccaneers, leading Cleveland to a 23-19 upset win after a lengthy weather delay.

Here's a look at how Watson's standout Week 2 could give him a longer run than anticipated running Cleveland's offense.

MORE NFL WEEK 2:

• Why Caleb Williams' hamstring injury may doom Bears season
• Tyler Shough's controversial TD leads Saints to Ravens upset
• How Jets blew double-digit lead to Packers
• Inside Caleb Williams' recovery timeline for hamstring
• Which Week 2 upset loss comes with most cause for concern?

How Deshaun Watson bought himself another week as Browns starter

For weeks, all indications have suggested that while the Browns' front office did want to start their 2026 season with Watson starting — at least giving their $230 million man a chance to compete — he wouldn't have a long run as QB1. Cleveland is still trying to find a long-term quarterback answer, and by the time expected losses stacked up, any combination of Sanders, Taylen Green and Dillon Gabriel could get some opportunities.

A Week 2 win over Tampa Bay, an expected NFC contender led by a motivated Mayfield, may change the calculus.

On Sunday morning, ESPN's Ian Rapoport reported that Cleveland was expected to make a more official "evaluation" for its Week 3 starting quarterback, with "no firm decision" made on Watson's near-term future. The Browns' home-opener next week has been viewed as a "natural evaluation point."

In other words, Watson was likely playing for his QB1 role in Week 2. Another rough performance was likely to send Sanders out to play in Week 3. Instead, the veteran had one of his best outings in some time, totaling 238 yards and leading the Browns to their first win of the season.

Watson had Cleveland's offense rolling at some points, making some precise passes, including a 55-yard touchdown connection with Denzel Boston.

As Rapoport phrased it in his reporting on Sunday morning, prior to the Browns' win: "If Watson plays well and leads Cleveland to a victory, the Browns have an easy decision. If it does not go well for Watson in a loss, a change could be coming."

Based on that assessment, Watson likely bought himself at least one more week of starting, if not more, when Cleveland locked in the win.

The fourth down pass is incomplete and the Browns are going to get the win pic.twitter.com/ltudX4Zv1t

Deshaun Watson stats vs. Buccaneers

• Completions/Attempts: 24-30
• Completion Percentage: 80%
• Passing Yards: 238
• AVG: 7.9
• Rating: 121.9
• Rushing Yards: 22
• Rushing TDs: 0

Watson's performance against the Buccaneers on Sunday was his first multi-touchdown game since September 2024 against the Giants and his highest passing yardage total since September 2023 against the Titans.

In many ways, it was the most effective Watson's been as an NFL quarterback in years. He wound up leading the Browns in rushing with just 22 yards on the ground.

By almost any stat or metric, it was the best Watson has looked in a Browns uniform.