Scandalized Deshaun Watson wins first NFL game in two YEARS after wild storm caused agonizing two-hour wait in Buccaneers clash

Deshaun Watson led the Cleveland Browns to victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to secure his first NFL win since September 2024.

Sunday's game was delayed by two hours after lightning struck the west coast of Florida, leaving the turf sodden and water gushing down the stadium stairwells. At the time of the stoppage, around 4pm ET, the Buccaneers had the ball on the Browns' 28-yard-line.

But the game eventually resumed and at 6:17pm - more than five hours after kickoff - the Browns secured a 23-19 victory. 

It was Cleveland's first win of the season and the first time Watson has tasted victory since Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season. 

The 31-year-old returned under center last week, having not played since Week 7 of the 2024 season due to serious injury. The Browns' season opener ended in a 34-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

In fact, Watson has started just 21 games since the Browns acquired him in a blockbuster trade from Houston four years ago and signed him to a fully guaranteed, $230million contract. 

He served an 11-game league suspension - and paid a $5m fine - in his first season after two dozen women accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage therapy sessions.  

The Texans, meanwhile, were accused of failing to act despite being 'well aware of Watson's issues.' The team and Watson denied the allegations.

Eventually, the Texans and Watson reached settlements with around two dozen women. Neither admitted any wrongdoing. 

Watson struggled with rustiness upon his return and was just beginning to play like a Pro Bowl quarterback again when he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in 2023. This season, he is back after twice rupturing his Achilles tendon.

Just days before the 2026 season began, it emerged that Watson was in court in Cleveland after being issued with a speeding ticket. The quarterback is accused by the Ohio State Highway Patrol of driving 86mph in a 60mph zone on August 26.

As reported by Fox8, Watson pleaded not guilty in Cleveland Municipal Court, with a bench trial slated for September 23.

On Sunday, he threw two touchdown passes, including a go-ahead, 17-yard toss to Blake Whiteheart in the fourth quarter. The Browns quarterback ended the game 24 of 30 for 238 yards with no turnovers.

He outplayed Baker Mayfield on his home turf in the first meeting between two quarterbacks who are linked together. 

Mayfield was 21 of 34 for 182 yards with one TD pass and one interception.

Mayfield, who was selected No 1 overall by the Browns in 2018, was traded to Carolina in 2022 after a blockbuster trade brought Watson and his off-field troubles to Cleveland. 

Mayfield went from the Panthers to the Rams before rejuvenating his career in Tampa Bay, where he has made two Pro Bowls and received a $165 million, three-year contract extension last week.