Narratives in the NFL can flip faster than anyone expects. A player written off in August can become one of the league’s best stories by October, and the people who doubted him the loudest are often the first to admit it. That is exactly what is happening with Deshaun Watson. After Thursday night’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the praise is pouring in from all directions.
John McClain, the longtime Houston Chronicle NFL writer who covered Watson throughout his time with the Texans, shared his thoughts after the game.
“I’ve got to hand it to Deshaun Watson, the early favorite for Comeback Player of the Year. We all wrote him off for valid reasons. But he’s bounced back big time this season. What a performance by the Browns to beat the Steelers to go 3-1. Watson is playing like he did in 2020.”
I’ve got to hand it to Deshaun Watson, the early favorite for Comeback Player of the Year. We all wrote him off for valid reasons. But he’s bounced back big time this season. What a performance by the Browns to beat the Steelers to go 3-1. Watson is playing like he did in 2020.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) October 2, 2026
McClain watched Watson become one of the league’s best quarterbacks in Houston, so comparing him to his 2020 form is not something he would say lightly.
That 2020 season was Watson at his peak. He led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards, threw 33 touchdowns against 7 interceptions and completed just over 70 percent of his passes. The volume is not there yet in Cleveland, but the efficiency is getting close. Through 4 games, Watson has completed nearly 70 percent of his throws with 6 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.
Thursday night was his most complete game of the season. He went 24 of 33 for 268 yards and a touchdown, connecting with Denzel Boston on a 60-yard strike and spreading the ball to KC Concepcion, Quinshon Judkins, Jerry Jeudy and Harold Fannin Jr.
He also delivered in the clutch again. After Aaron Rodgers tied the game at 24 with 1:42 remaining, Watson moved the offense into range for Andre Szmyt’s 56-yard field goal with 10 seconds left. That gave Watson 3 straight wins for the first time since he arrived in Cleveland.
The Comeback Player of the Year conversation has shifted quickly.
Todd Monken stuck with him when the decision was unpopular, and the Browns now sit alone atop the AFC North heading into the weekend.
There are still challenges ahead, including the uncertainty surrounding Mason Graham’s injury. But with a few extra days to rest before visiting the Jets on October 11, Watson and the Browns have every reason to believe this run is just getting started.
NEXT: Fans React To Browns' Big Win Over Steelers
