Deshaun Watson produced an unexpected performance as the Cleveland Browns rallied to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-19 in Week 2.

Watson completed 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns. His second-half display helped Cleveland overcome a 16-6 deficit and complete the comeback.

Speaking on ESPN Cleveland Primetime after the game, NFL analyst Jake Trotter highlighted how unexpected Watson's performance was.

Trotter also referenced reports that the Browns had been preparing to start Shedeur Sanders against the Carolina Panthers in Week 3:

“Nobody saw this coming, including apparently the Browns, because they were leaking like crazy this morning that they were basically going to start Shedeur Sanders next weekend against Carolina. And I gotta tell ya. Deshaun Watson thoroughly outplayed Baker Mayfield, I did not see that coming.”

The Bucs QB1 Baker Mayfield finished with 182 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception in the loss.

This performance could now add another layer to Cleveland's quarterback situation heading into Week 3.

Deshaun Watson's accuracy helps Browns complete comeback

Deshaun Watson's accuracy became particularly important after halftime. The Browns pushed the ball downfield, with Watson making the throws needed to keep the offense moving.

Jake Trotter credited Watson's second-half display as the biggest reason Cleveland secured the win over the Bucs:

“That was one of the reasons why the Browns won the game. In the second half, they were throwing the ball downfield, they weren't pushing it very much but he was accurate. It was the best half of football that Deshaun Watson has played [in some time].”

Watson's performance now gives the Browns another factor to consider before their Week 3 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.

Written by

Sayantan