The Browns enter the upcoming Sunday matchup with a 0‑6 record under Watson, and a win would halt a streak that would otherwise eclipse the franchise’s previous low point, when Kizer’s 15 straight losses helped seal a 0‑16 season in 2017.
Watson’s recent comments after the 34‑10 Week 1 loss to Jacksonville have drawn fresh criticism; he claimed the media expects him to throw for 400 yards and five touchdowns each game, a benchmark he has not reached since Week 5 of the 2019 season.
Statistical comparisons highlighted by Anthony Lima of 92.3 The Fan underscore the Browns’ offensive struggles: Bills quarterback Josh Allen amassed nine total touchdowns in the past five days, while Watson has recorded only eight touchdowns over the past 1,041 days.
If the Browns fall to the Buccaneers, the franchise will face mounting pressure ahead of its Week 3 home opener against the Carolina Panthers, with some fans reportedly threatening a “full‑blown riot” if the losing streak continues.
The game also serves as a litmus test for the organization’s patience with Watson, whose performance has been under intense scrutiny since the start of the season.