The Browns entered 2026 with low expectations, especially after Todd Monken named Deshaun Watson his starting quarterback. A Week 1 loss to Jacksonville only intensified the pressure surrounding Cleveland.

Then came Tampa Bay. Watson played well, the Browns won 23-19, and suddenly the mood began to change. Still, their home opener against Carolina offered another chance to see whether that momentum was real.

The Panthers made sure Cleveland would sweat. The Browns built an early lead, but Carolina fought back and eventually moved ahead 18-13 with just over four minutes remaining.

That was when Watson needed to deliver. He led an eight-play, 55-yard drive, briefly left after taking a hit, then returned and found Harold Fannin Jr. for the go-ahead touchdown.

The Browns converted the two-point attempt before Ronnie Hickman intercepted Bryce Young with nine seconds remaining. Cleveland escaped with a 21-18 victory, and Watson had once again made the decisive plays when his team needed him.

For Monken, the ending represented exactly what he wanted from his quarterback and his team. His reaction perfectly captured the emotion surrounding Cleveland's sudden turnaround.

“He went back in and guess what? All the fans wanted to see is us score a damn touchdown. Isn't that what they want to see? Isn't that it? And then we're all back, right? Play good football. Not have stupid penalties, right? Isn't that, isn't that right? I mean, shoot.”

The Browns are now 2-1, and the atmosphere around the team looks completely different from three weeks ago.

Todd Monken Wanted Deshaun Watson to Let It Rip

Before the game, Monken urged Watson to throw caution to the wind and trust the work he had put in. Against Carolina, Watson largely embraced that approach.

He did not produce spectacular numbers, but he stayed aggressive when Cleveland needed him. The late touchdown drive ultimately became the defining moment of the game.

Now, the Browns have momentum, and Watson has another opportunity to build on it.

Written by

Joseph Nithin