Stephen A. Smith Believes Browns Player Has Flipped The Script Entirely

When the Cleveland Browns traded for Deshaun Watson in 2022, they thought they were getting a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback who led the NFL in passing yards. Instead, what they got over the past four seasons was an injury-riddled player who was one of the worst QBs in the league when he was able to take the field.

So, this year, after being sidelined for 22 months by an Achilles injury, not much was expected of Watson when he was named the Browns’ starter. It was widely thought to be a very limited experiment that was going to end quickly once he proved he was no longer a viable NFL quarterback.

Now, after a second straight comeback victory, Watson is riding momentum and fan support that no one saw coming. It is an incredible turnaround that the 31-year-old has earned with his performances.

ESPN host Stephen A. Smith said he is seeing glimpses of the old Watson and calling for him to keep it going.

“That last TD pass by Deshaun Watson to put the Browns up. Now THAT’s the Deshaun Watson we loved and remembered. Extending plays. Scrambling out of the pocket. Pinpoint TD pass. There ya go. Give us more! Give us more,” Smith posted.

That last TD pass by @deshaunwatson to put the @Browns up…..Now THAT’s the @deshaunwatson we loved and remembered. Extending plays. Scrambling out of the pocket. Pinpoint TD pass. There ya go. Give us more! Give us more!

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) September 27, 2026

Granted, Watson is still far from the star he was with the Houston Texans before sexual assault allegations contributed to the end of his time there, which included a full season on the sidelines after he led the league with 4,823 yards passing in 2020. But he has shown an ability to move the ball at times, particularly when it counted most in wins against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2 and the Carolina Panthers.

On Sunday, after three consecutive three-and-outs to start the second half, Watson was able to rebound in the fourth quarter. A seven-play, 44-yard drive ended with a field goal that gave the Browns a 13-12 lead.

Then, after Carolina went ahead 18-13, Watson led the Browns on an eight-play, 65-yard TD drive that was capped by his 14-yard TD pass to Harold Fannin Jr. with 1:48 remaining. On the play, Watson avoided pressure in the pocket, rolled out to his left, and threw across his body into the end zone for a 21-18 win.

If there is more where that came from, the Browns and Watson could be in line for a much more successful season than anyone thought was possible.