Deshaun Watson’s return for the Browns already came with a warning label attached, and the first game back did little to quiet it. The offense never found a rhythm after Watson gave the ball away on the opening drive, and things kept sliding from there against Jacksonville.
That matchup matters now because Todd Bowles and the Buccaneers bring a defensive style that can make life miserable for a quarterback who struggles under pressure. Bowles leans into blitzes, pre-snap movement and disguise, and that’s exactly the kind of setup that can force Watson into the same kind of mess he saw in Week 1.
According to Browns reporter Daniel Oyefusi, Tampa Bay blitzed on 43.2 percent of opponent dropbacks in Week 1, the fourth-highest rate in the league. That kind of heat is a bad fit for Watson, who had trouble getting comfortable in the pocket right away. Even when he lined up in shotgun, he often drifted back an extra six or more steps, making it even harder for the Browns’ line to sort things out in front of him.
The line did hold up better than you might expect in spots, but Watson’s numbers against the blitz were rough. Per Pro Football Focus, he went 3 of 6 for 25 yards with an interception and a 24.8 passing grade.
The rest of the split only deepens the concern. Watson averaged 4.2 yards per attempt against the blitz, had an average depth of target of 6 yards, and was sacked on 37.5 percent of his blitzed dropbacks, which came out to three sacks. Even with 3.17 seconds to throw, he scrambled twice, picked up only three first downs and posted a 21.5 passer rating.
Joe Burrow also had a tough time when Tampa Bay sent extra rushers, completing 60 percent of his passes for 46 yards with no touchdowns, one interception and a 37.1 passer rating. But Burrow had less time to work with, as his offensive line gave him just 2.54 seconds to throw.
Watson is not Burrow, and the problems are different. Watson’s habit of drifting backward, failing to set his feet and firing off-balance throws on the move is exactly the sort of thing a defense like Bowles’ is built to expose.
In Other News...
Todd Monken Sends Clear Message After Browns Silence Early Doubts
After the Browns steadied things with a Week 2 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Todd Monken had little interest in letting one rough opening act define the conversation around his team. The Cleveland coach went back to the criticism that followed the Week 1 loss, and he framed it around a remark from former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, using it as a springboard to address the early doubts head-on.
Monken did not dispute that the Browns were poor in the opener, but he pushed back on the idea that it should become the team's identity. His message was simple enough: the only real way to change the public view is to play better, and the Browns have already shown they are trying to do exactly that. Tomlin later answered with a little humor of his own, adding another layer to a storyline that has quickly moved beyond one bad Sunday. [Read more 🡒]
Browns May Have Found Something Big In Their Rookie O-Line
The Browns left Tampa with a 23-19 win, and one of the most encouraging developments came up front, where rookie tackles Spencer Fano and Austin Barber helped steady an offensive line that was under pressure in a tight game. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, neither rookie allowed a pressure, a strong early sign for a unit that has leaned on youth and had to adjust quickly. Fano, the Browns 2026 first-round pick, has already flashed the kind of upside that made him a premium selection, while Barber has stepped into a starting role because of an injury and handled the assignment well.
Todd Monken has been quick to praise both players for the way they have contributed through the first two games, and it is easy to see why the Browns are paying attention. For a team trying to build stability at the line of scrimmage, getting reliable play from two rookies this early matters, especially when one arrived with first-round expectations and the other had to seize an opportunity the hard way. If this level of play holds, Cleveland may have uncovered a lot more than just a promising spot start. [Read more 🡒]
Browns Rookie Is Forcing A Bigger Question About Clevelands Passing Game
Denzel Boston has quickly given the Browns something they have been searching for at receiver: a young target who can win with size, strength and a steady physical edge. In his first two games, he has already topped 50 receiving yards and found the end zone once, production that fits the kind of role Todd Monken once helped carve out for Mike Evans in Tampa Bay.
The comparison matters because Cleveland still has bigger questions at quarterback and in the broader passing game, but Boston is making it harder to treat the receiver room as a secondary issue. If he keeps showing he can be a consistent, high-end pass catcher early in his career, the Browns may have to think more seriously about how much more is possible through the air, regardless of who is delivering the ball. [Read more 🡒]