When the Cleveland Browns named Deshaun Watson their starting quarterback for the 2026 season, many wrote it off as a laughable decision.

However, through four games, Watson has exceeded expectations, leading the Browns to a 3-1 start.

As the New York Jets prepare for their Week 4 matchup against Watson and the Browns, Jets defensive coordinator Brian Duker is seeing flashes of Watson’s Houston Texans form, the peak of his career, when he was a three-time Pro Bowler.

“I can’t speak on the past, but I did play him when he was in Houston, and that’s kind of what I’m seeing on tape right now,” Duker told the media on Thursday. “That’s the familiarity I have of seeing him doing a good job in the drop-back pass game, and he still has the athleticism, so it gives him a dual-threat, and he’s throwing the ball well. I think he’s doing a very good job.” 

First-year Browns head coach Todd Monken has Watson playing at his best level since joining the organization on a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract, which is still one of the worst deals in NFL history. Among 26 qualified QBs this year (minimum 100 dropbacks), Watson ranks sixth in completion rate (69.6%) and eighth in passer rating (101.2).

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Watson is among the main reasons why the Browns are on a three-game win streak. The arrival of Monken, who helped Lamar Jackson win an MVP award with the Baltimore Ravens, has clearly improved Watson’s play.

We will see if he can keep it up over a 17-game season, but Watson’s start has been impressive, and Duker has taken note as the Jets prepare to face the 31-year-old.