Browns Edge Buccaneers 23-19 Behind Watson’s 2 TDs

The Cleveland Browns defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-19 on Sunday, with Deshaun Watson’s efficient two-touchdown passing performance and a strong second half powering Cleveland to its first win of the 2026 season.

In a competitive Week 2 regular-season matchup at Raymond James Stadium, the Browns overcame a 9-6 halftime deficit by scoring 17 points after the break. Cleveland took control with a 10-point third quarter, then added seven more in the fourth while its defense limited Tampa Bay to a pair of second-half field goals. The result moved the Browns to 1-1, while the Buccaneers fell to 0-2.

Browns rally after halftime

Tampa Bay set the early tone with six first-quarter points and carried a 9-6 lead into the locker room. Cleveland had answered with field goals in each of the first two quarters, keeping the margin manageable and setting up a pivotal second half.

The Browns responded with their most productive stretch of the afternoon in the third quarter. Cleveland scored 10 points while Tampa Bay managed seven, trimming the margin and then moving in front entering the final period. With the game still within one score, the Browns added a touchdown in the fourth quarter to build a 23-16 advantage.

Tampa Bay’s final-quarter field goal made it a four-point game, 23-19, but Cleveland held on. The Buccaneers finished with 19 points despite leading after both the first quarter and halftime, a sign of how decisively the second-half margins shaped the outcome.

Key performers

Deshaun Watson delivered the defining performance for Cleveland, completing 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns. Watson’s 80 percent completion rate gave the Browns a steady rhythm through the air, and his two scoring throws accounted for a major share of Cleveland’s comeback production.

Denzel Boston was Watson’s top target in yardage, finishing with five receptions for 95 yards and one touchdown. Boston averaged 19 yards per catch, giving Cleveland an explosive receiving option while also supplying one of the Browns’ two touchdown receptions.

For Tampa Bay, Bucky Irving led the ground game with 17 carries for 89 yards. Irving averaged better than five yards per attempt and provided a consistent rushing presence, but the Buccaneers could not convert that production into enough late points to erase Cleveland’s fourth-quarter edge.

NerdSports Stat: Cleveland trailed 9-6 at halftime but outscored Tampa Bay 17-10 over the final two quarters to turn a three-point deficit into a four-point road victory.

What it means

The Browns leave Tampa with a needed early-season response after splitting their first two games. Watson’s accuracy, Boston’s big-play receiving output and Cleveland’s 17-point second half offer encouraging building blocks as the schedule moves forward.

For the Buccaneers, the 0-2 start puts added importance on the next stretch of the regular season. Tampa Bay showed it can establish the run behind Irving, but finishing drives and sustaining fourth-quarter momentum will be central themes after a second straight defeat.

Cleveland next hosts the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 27, at 10:00 AM PDT. Tampa Bay will look to rebound against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, September 27, at 1:05 PM PDT, with both teams already facing meaningful early-season pressure in the playoff picture.

Frequently Asked Questions