It was widely believed that Deshaun Watson had one last chance to save his NFL career when he took the field as the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It turns out that thinking was spot on.
In a stunning turn of events, Watson played better than he had in almost three full years, rallying the Browns in the second half for a 23-19 upset victory. Now, instead of heading to the bench, he will get another chance to convince still-skeptical fans in Cleveland’s home opener against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
According to insider Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns nearly made a big QB move for this upcoming game, as they were fully prepared to turn to Shedeur Sanders if Watson failed to deliver in Week 2.
“It changed the direction of the season. It changed the trajectory of the season. Because if he did not play well in that game, if he had lost that game, they were going to Shedeur Sanders,” Cabot said.
The #Browns were prepared to go to SHEDEUR SANDERS if Deshaun Watson struggled and Cleveland lost?! 😳🏈@MaryKayCabot says Watson’s performance against Tampa Bay “changed the trajectory of the season.”
Now he comes home in front of #Browns fans who simply “want good football.”… pic.twitter.com/47nUtg29PE
— Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show (@ultCLEsports) September 22, 2026
Coming off a horrible game in the season-opening 34-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Watson certainly earned another start with his performance against Tampa Bay. With the Browns trailing 16-6 in the third quarter, he went on to complete 17 of 21 pass attempts for 183 yards in the second half.
His first touchdown pass was a 55-yard catch-and-run by rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston that tied the game in the third quarter. A 17-yard TD pass to Blake Whiteheart with 3:51 left in the fourth quarter gave Cleveland the lead, and after a two-hour weather delay, the defense thwarted a final comeback attempt by Baker Mayfield to secure the victory.
It is interesting to consider whether Watson would have remained the starter had the defense failed and his comeback had fallen short through no fault of his own. Head coach Todd Monken has to be grateful he does not have to weigh that heading into this game.
Watson is now likely to get at least one more start, no matter how poorly he might play against Carolina. With a short week leading into a rivalry game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football, it would be a lot to ask to switch to Sanders with so little time to prepare.
So, like it or not, fans will have to decide whether they want to cheer for Watson over the next two games, or continue to wait for Sanders to replace him.
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