Deshaun Watson is making an increasingly strong case for Todd Monken to stick with him as the Browns' starting quarterback. Fresh off a comeback victory over the Buccaneers in Week 2, he led another late rally, this time lifting the Cleveland Browns over the Panthers in their home opener on Sunday. Watson finished 16 of 30 for 144 yards and two touchdowns with zero interceptions, along with 45 rushing yards, leading the Browns to a 21-18 win.
While there were doubts about how Browns fans would treat Watson, the home crowd rallied behind him all game long. Even Watson admitted postgame that the reception left him a little "teary-eyed." "It's amazing, I mean it's great. I just wanted to finish the job for 'em.
So, yeah, it was one moment I got a little teary-eyed," Watson told reporters. "Just feeling that energy, you know, I put so much work to get back here, to be in this moment here. To be able to show that I can finish these drives, finish these games, and get a W to the city, and this organization." More news: Giants Targeting These 6 QBs to Replace Jaxson Dart: Report Watson was booed repeatedly by Browns fans during their preseason loss to the Bills on Aug. 22, his first NFL game since tearing his Achilles in October 2024.
He went just 5 of 12 for 36 yards and an interception. After the game, he called the boos "disrespectful" and "personal," saying the same fans cheered when he got hurt. Watson later apologized for his comments, but the criticism didn't let up, as he'd lashed out at one of the last fanbases that might still be in his corner.
But Browns fans have made it clear that none of that matters as long as Watson keeps winning. Cleveland has now won two straight games they were expected to lose, and at 2-1, are tied for the top spot in the AFC North. More news: Top Analyst Thinks Josh Jacobs’ Packers Career is Over More news: Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs Joins Hall of Famer Barry Sanders in Exclusive NFL Club It's still far too early to know how this will play out, but with many predicting the team to be winless at this point, Browns fans couldn't have asked for a better start, and Watson deserves much of the credit.
And next up, they'll get a perfect chance to show they're for real. The Browns host the rival Steelers in Week 4 on "Thursday Night Football," a team that barely escaped Cincinnati with a win on Sunday. Beat them, and the conversation around Cleveland could change quickly.
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