Deshaun Watson entered Week 2 with serious questions surrounding his future in Cleveland. After his poor performance against the Jaguars, many Browns fans hoped another rough outing would increase the chances of the team moving on. Instead, Watson delivered the exact opposite result.

Watson helped Cleveland defeat the Buccaneers 23-19 on the road. He completed 17 of 24 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns, giving the Browns their first win of the season. Suddenly, the conversation shifted from whether Watson would remain the starter to how long Cleveland would continue backing him.

That outcome clearly frustrated some Browns supporters. NFL legend Michael Irvin appeared on ESPN's First Take and highlighted the uncomfortable reality now facing Cleveland.

“It's the last thing the Cleveland Browns wanted. This is, they didn't want him to win this game. They wanted to end this thing right there. That's why I've never heard a team come out and say, "He's going to start the first two games on the road." And it was reiterated after the first, after week one started. He's going to get at least one more start, and then we'll see. This is the last thing they wanted. And it happened. He won the game.”

Irvin's point was simple. Watson winning changed the situation, because another poor performance could have increased pressure for a quarterback change. Instead, Watson gave Cleveland a winning performance and another reason to keep him under center.

Deshaun Watson Could Still Face Plenty of Boos in Cleveland

However, Irvin also noted that Watson's victory may not change the atmosphere waiting for him back home. Browns fans have remained vocal about wanting a change, with many supporters calling for Shedeur Sanders.

So while Watson has bought himself another week, the pressure has not disappeared. Cleveland may have won, but Watson could still hear plenty of boos when he returns home.

Written by

Joseph Nithin