Deshaun Watson Shows Signs Of Life, Putting Browns Top Of Divsion

Deshaun Watson, for the third consecutive game, has led a winning drive for the Cleveland Browns.

The quarterback led a game-winning drive in Cleveland’s Week 3 win over the Carolina Panthers, setting up a field goal for Andre Szmyt. On Thursday Night Football, Watson again led the Browns down the field to set up a winning kick against rivals the Pittsburgh Steelers.

According to ESPN Research, Watson is the second Browns quarterback since the 1970 merger to lead a winning drive in the fourth quarter or overtime in three straight games.

“It was electric. It was amazing,” Watson said. “From the time we came out pregame, it was super dope to be called out, hear the crowd and feel the energy. From start to finish, the crowd was in it; the energy of the stadium – we fed off them. To get a big victory against a divisional rival on primetime, this is what you dream about. This is what you work for. These are the things that you put that grind in during the summertime and training camp for nights like this. It was amazing.” 

After a 24-point loss in Week 1, the Browns have won three straight for the first time since 2021 and moved into first in the AFC North for the first time since November 2024.

Watson had one of his best halves for the Browns, throwing for 181 yards, his most in the first half of a game in Cleveland. The offense scored touchdowns on three consecutive drives in the second quarter. The Browns led 21-10 at halftime; their 21 points in the second quarter were the most in any quarter of a game since the 2020 wild-card round against the Steelers.

The intermission between halves did not carry over their electrifying offense; after a pair of turnovers, the Browns’ lead fell to 5 with 10:10 remaining.

The Steelers eventually tied it at 24-24 with 1:42 remaining. Watson quickly drove the Browns down the field with four straight completions. Setting up Szmyt in kicking range to drill the 56-yard game-winning field goal.

“That was money,” Watson said of Szmyt’s kick. “I just knew, I knew it was money. He told me the landmark, which was like the 42-yard line. He was like, ‘Man, you got me a little extra,’ so he would just line it up, and we see it all the time. He’s just going to be money.” 

The Browns have won their fifth consecutive home game against the Steelers dating back to 2022 and extended their winning streak on Thursday night to eight games, the longest active streak in the NFL.

“That was a complete, maybe disaster is a little bit strong, but that’s a tough opening game in every phase, other than maybe kickoff return, maybe other than that. But the guys trusted the process,” coach Todd Monken said. “We got stung a little bit, and our guys responded to that. And, man, that locker room is fun, right there celebrating those guys. Big, big, big divisional win.” 

Watson has won over the Cleveland crowd after home fans booed him when he struggled in the second half of a preseason game and later lashed out at them.

Through four games, Watson has completed 69.6% of his passes, his best single-season mark with the Browns. He has thrown for 855 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions.