Deshaun Watson entered 2026 under pressure after Todd Monken named him Cleveland's starting quarterback. Week 1 increased the doubts, as Watson threw for 205 yards and a touchdown in a 34-10 loss to Jacksonville.

Then came Tampa Bay, and Watson delivered the response Cleveland needed. He completed 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Browns to a 23-19 victory.

That momentum carried into the home opener against Carolina, but Watson had to wait until the fourth quarter to make his biggest impact. Cleveland trailed 18-13 with just over four minutes left before Watson led an eight-play, 55-yard scoring drive.

After briefly leaving following a hit, Watson returned and delivered. He found Harold Fannin Jr. for the go-ahead touchdown, helping Cleveland complete a 21-18 victory and move to 2-1.

Watson finished with 144 passing yards and two touchdowns, but those numbers hardly tell the entire story. His fourth-quarter execution made the difference, and he explained why those moments have always suited him.

“I’ve always just been really good in the fourth quarter. I don’t know if it’s just the flow of the game, the reps, being able to see different things, my memory bank. It’s just, fourth quarters have always been special.”

That clutch quality could become increasingly important as Deshaun Watson rebuilds confidence. Three weeks into the season, Cleveland has already seen a noticeable shift.

Todd Monken Was Fired Up After Deshaun Watson's Game-Winning TD

Monken was visibly animated when discussing Watson's late-game touchdown. The Browns coach spoke passionately about how the score changed the atmosphere inside Cleveland, particularly after Watson had fought through a difficult afternoon.

His reaction also reflected how quickly things have changed around Watson. Three weeks ago, the Browns were facing serious questions about their quarterback, but two straight victories have given the team a completely different feeling.

For Monken, the touchdown represented more than just six points. It was the kind of clutch moment Cleveland needed from Watson, and it helped turn another difficult game into a victory.

Written by

Joseph Nithin