Talk about a total shift in momentum! The Cleveland Browns are off to a surprisingly strong 2-1 start in the 2026 season, and their quarterback, Deshaun Watson, is at the heart of it all. After years of looking like a serious liability, Watson has seemingly flipped the script and is playing much better, changing everything about how the team views his future, at least for this season.
From Liability to Legit? Watson’s Hot Start Shakes Things Up
Remember when we were all wondering if Watson would ever get it together? Well, he’s showing up in a big way right now. The Browns are 2-1 heading into their Week 4 Thursday Night Football showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and a win there wouldn’t even be a shocker given their recent success on TNF. This isn’t just a fluke, either. According to ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi, Watson’s hot start has actually led the Browns to rethink their entire plan. Forget what everyone expected before the season, there’s a real chance Watson might not lose the QB1 job in 2026. This isn’t about being a long-term solution, but the conversation inside the building has totally pivoted to building short-term momentum with the 31-year-old passer.
The QB Battle Nobody Saw Coming
Before the season kicked off, the word was the Browns were only going to stick with Watson for the first two weeks and then reevaluate. He had an up-and-down start, sure, but a crucial Week 2 win kept him under center for Week 3. And then what happened in Week 3? He won the home opener against the Carolina Panthers! That’s when things really started cooking, and the Browns began reconsidering their initial strategy. Think about it: instead of handing the keys to guys like Shedeur Sanders or even Dillon Gabriel, who’s eligible to come off injured reserve after Week 4, Watson is suddenly looking like he could stick as the starter for the foreseeable future, potentially even for most, if not all, of the 2026 season. His strong play has truly opened the door, as long as he avoids a few weeks of terrible performances. They’re not locked in, but he’s made his case.
What’s Next for Watson and the Rest of the League
So, the Browns have a huge Week 4 game against the Steelers. Keeping that momentum going is everything for Watson and for Cleveland’s surprising start. If he can maintain this level of play, he’ll hold onto that QB1 spot and completely exceed expectations for the season. Across the league, we’re seeing some wild stuff too. Just last week, Marcus Mariota actually stunned our very own Seahawks, helping the Commanders escape an 0-3 start. It’s early, but the NFL is already delivering some wild storylines. We’ll be watching to see if Watson can keep this incredible turnaround going for the Browns.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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