Deshaun Watson Gets Strong Vote Of Confidence From Tony Rizzo After Browns’ 2-1 Start

Deshaun Watson entered the 2026 season with much to prove after a difficult start to his Cleveland career. Injuries and other setbacks limited him to 19 games across his first three seasons with the Browns.

Cleveland still named Watson its starting quarterback. The Browns are now 2-1, and Watson has made his most efficient start since joining the team.

Deshaun Watson Gives Tony Rizzo A Reason To Believe

Tony Rizzo has become more confident in Watson after watching his first three games. Speaking on ESPN Cleveland, Rizzo said regular playing time could help Watson improve after spending so much time away from the field.

“What if he just keeps getting better, like the more he plays, the better I expect him to get,” Rizzo said. His comments show that he believes Watson could improve with more game experience.

“What if he just keeps getting better, like the more he plays, the better I expect him to get,” – Rizz on Deshaun Watson.

Do you agree? pic.twitter.com/fqZL5r3BdR

— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) September 30, 2026

Watson has completed 56 of 82 passes for 587 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. He has completed 68.3% of his passes and recorded a 104.1 passer rating, with both numbers well above his previous results in Cleveland.

Watson’s best game came against Tampa Bay in Week 2. He completed 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns, finishing with a 121.9 passer rating as Cleveland won 23-19.

Deshaun Watson Still Has Room To Improve

Watson was less effective against Carolina in Week 3. He completed 16 of 30 passes for 144 yards, but he threw two touchdowns without an interception as Cleveland won 21-18.

His performance has not improved in every game. Watson recorded a 97.7 passer rating in the season opener, improved to 121.9 against Tampa Bay and fell to 88.8 against Carolina.

However, his overall numbers are still much better than his earlier results with Cleveland. Watson has also helped the Browns win two of their first three games.

Watson finished the 2022 season with a 79.1 passer rating and posted a 79.0 rating in 2024. His current 104.1 rating shows a clear improvement through the first three games of 2026.

Rizzo believes Watson can keep improving with more playing time. The next few games will show whether this start can continue over a longer stretch.

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