It’s a way of life in the NFL that the quarterback gets too much blame for a loss and too much credit for a win. In the first two weeks of the Cleveland Browns’ season, Deshaun Watson has proven that to be true.
He did deserve plenty of the blame for their season-opening blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, though head coach Todd Monken was correct in saying that there was plenty to go around. Now, with Watson receiving justified praise for earning his first NFL victory in more than two years, it is important to acknowledge all of the other factors in their 23-19 upset of Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Analyst Anthony Lima revealed why Week 2’s win could be huge for the Browns, as they had many contributors on both sides of the ball, in addition to the coaching staff.
“Well, [I’m pulling] for the team. This isn’t about [Deshaun Watson] long-term. It was night and day from the opener. Here’s why this is important: It had been four years of waiting for Deshaun Watson to earn any respect, but I have to say, him and the team playing well would also mean other guys and young players, which this team is obviously predicated on, having to show some positive steps in moving forward. It was a good week. They coached it well this week. That showed proof of concept that I didn’t know they would be able to do. That’s why it’s a big kudos to not only Deshaun Watson, but everybody in that room,” Lima said.
"Did you find yourself pulling for him during the game?"
"Well, for the team…this isn't about him long-term."
➡️ @KenCarman and @SportsBoyTony react to the #Browns Week 2 win behind Deshaun Watson at QB https://t.co/EPghltSYo0 pic.twitter.com/bpxx7xSgtf
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) September 21, 2026
Putting forth an all-around effort in a second consecutive road game coming off a disastrous debut speaks well of Monken’s ability as head coach. The fact that it relied on his faith in Watson being rewarded in a big way just adds to the confidence in both of them going forward.
Watson was 24 of 30 for 238 yards with two second-half touchdown passes. The first was an explosive play by rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston, who took a short pass and broke three tackles on his way to a 55-yard score. Then, Blake Whiteheart gave Cleveland the lead with his 17-yard TD catch with less than four minutes remaining.
After falling behind 24-0 and 34-3 in Week 1, the Browns defense responded by holding Mayfield and the Buccaneers offense to one touchdown. It also posted three sacks and one turnover.
Coming out of a two-hour weather delay to play the final two minutes of the game, Cleveland was able to keep Tampa Bay out of the end zone after it reached the 13-yard-line. It included linebacker Carson Schwesinger making a one-on-one stop of Mayfield on a scramble.
Now, Monken faces a new challenge of keeping the Browns focused following an emotional win as they prepare for the home opener against the Carolina Panthers this coming Sunday.
NEXT: Browns' Week 2 Win Offers Encouraging Sign About Todd Monken
