In the NFL, stories can turn faster than anyone expects. A player who was written off in August could become one of the league’s best stories by October, and the people who doubt him the most are the first to admit it. That’s exactly what happened with Deshaun Watson. After Thursday night’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, praise has been pouring in from all over.
John McClain, a longtime Houston Chronicle NFL writer who covered Watson during his time with the Texans, shared his thoughts after the game.
“I have to give it to Deshaun Watson, the early favorite for comeback player of the year. We all wrote him off for good reasons. But he’s come back big this season. How good the Browns beat the Steelers 3-1. Watson is playing like he is in 2020.”
I have to give it to early favorite Deshaun Watson for Player of the Year. We all wrote it for good reasons. But he came back very well this season. What a performance for the Browns to beat the Steelers 3-1. Watson plays like it’s 2020.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) October 2, 2026
McClain watched Watson develop into one of the league’s best players in Houston, so comparing him to his 2020 form isn’t something he takes lightly.
That 2020 season was at Watson’s peak. He led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards, threw 33 touchdowns against 7 interceptions and completed just over 70 percent of his passes. The volume isn’t there yet in Cleveland, but the efficiency is coming. Through 4 games, Watson has completed nearly 70 percent of his throws with 6 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.
Thursday night was his most complete game of the season. He went 24 of 33 for 268 yards and a touchdown, connected with Denzel Boston on a 60-yard touchdown and spread the ball to KC Concepcion, Quinshon Judkins, Jerry Jeudy and Harold Fannin Jr.
He delivered again in the clutch. After Aaron Rodgers tied the game at 24 with 1:42 left, Watson moved the offense into range for Andre Szmyt’s 56-yard field goal with 10 seconds left. This gave Watson 3 straight wins for the first time since arriving in Cleveland.
The Player of the Year conversation quickly changed.
When the decision was unpopular, Todd Monken stuck with it, and the Browns now sit alone in the AFC North heading into the weekend.
There are still issues ahead, including the uncertainty surrounding Mason Graham’s injury. But with a few extra days off before visiting the Jets on Oct. 11, Watson and the Browns have every reason to believe this run is just getting started.
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Fans React to Browns Big Win over Steelers