TheHouston Texans had the win.
Untlil the defense stepped up on the field for the final drive in the fourth quater.
How many times have fans heard that sentiment before, knowing heartbreak would follow as soon as the team exited the field?
Well, Sunday's was different because of who was on the other side securing the comeback.
Former Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson guided a comeback drive for the Cleveland Browns, setting up the game-winning Quinshon Judkins 5-yard touchdown run with 53 seconds remaining, securing the Browns a 27-24 win at home.
Cleveland (6-4) ended a two-game skid by rallying from an early 17-point deficit behind a strong second half from Watson, who now moves to 2-0 against his former team since being traded in 2022.
Watson,
a forme first-round pick in 2017 by Houston, threw for 312 yards and rushed for 50 yards — including a 6-yard touchdown run following a massive 46-yard pass to Jerry Jeudy in the first half. Wth the scoring drive in the final minute of action, Watson picked up his sixth game-winning moment this season.
But it didn't have to be this way for Houston. Quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Texans offense looked red hot out of the gate, taking a 17-0 first-quarter lead behind two touchdown throws from the potential MVP-caliber passer. The Texans defense also held Cleveland's offense to 22 yards in the first quarter and zero first down.
But as the game continued, momentum moved in favor of the Browns. Watson helped set up a field goal from Andre Szmyt to make it a one-possession game before halftime. Stroud, who finished with 211 passing yards and three touchdowns, tossed an interception to Tyson Campbell with less than two minutes remaining in the second quarter.
Houston's offense did nothing in the third quarter, allowing the Browns to tie the game at 17 after a 6-yard touchdown run by rookie K.C. Concepcion. Stroud and the offense had fourth straight three-and-out drives before eventually getting something moving back in their favor.
As the fourth quarter wound down, the Texans were still in position to pull it out. After a pass interference call against the Browns, Stroud hit Dalton Schultz for an 11-yard touchdown with just over nine minutes left on the clock. Cleveland's next two drives ended with a punt and a pick by Watson, giving Houston a chance to close the door.
But the Texans offense stalled.
Then Cleveland's came to life.
The Texans return to Reliant Stadium on Thursday for a matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Houston will look to pick up its first win at home in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Recap: Deshaun Watson strikes late against Texans, secures Bowns' comeback win
