Watson leads Browns past Buccaneers in weather-delayed game

Deshaun Watson led the Cleveland Browns to a 23-19 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, delivering a performance that likely secured his position as the starting quarterback for the team's home opener. Watson completed 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns in the win, which followed a lopsided season-opening loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars that had sparked speculation about his job security. The game at Raymond James Stadium was delayed for two hours and 12 minutes due to lightning and severe weather. The Buccaneers were driving for a potential go-ahead score when play was suspended at the two-minute warning. After the delay, a holding penalty pushed Tampa Bay back, and a final fourth-down pass from Baker Mayfield fell incomplete, sealing the Browns' comeback win. Watson's performance included a 55-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Denzel Boston, who broke multiple tackles on the play, and a go-ahead 17-yard scoring toss to tight end Blake Whiteheart in the fourth quarter. The quarterback, who had not played since 2024 due to two Achilles tendon tears, finished with a 121.9 passer rating, his best since September 2023.