CLEVELAND (AP) — It came five weeks later than he thought, but Deshaun Watson earned cheers from Cleveland Browns fans.
After struggling for most of the game, Watson came through when it counted on Sunday. He led a late fourth-quarter drive and threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Harold Fannin Jr. with 1:48 remaining as the Browns rallied for a 21-18 victory over the Carolina Panthers.
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Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (18) misses a catch attempt against the Cleveland Browns during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates after throwing for a 2-point conversion against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (29) tackles Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (82) during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/David Richard)
It was Watson’s 10th fourth-quarter comeback and game-winning drive, but possibly the sweetest of his 10-year career after working 22 months to come back from tearing his right Achilles tendon twice.
“It was a warm moment. I got a little teary-eyed feeling that energy because I put so much work to get back here, to be in this moment, to show that I can finish these games and get W’s for the city and this organization,” said Watson, who completed 16 of 30 passes for 144 yards and two TDs — both to Fannin — along with 45 rushing yards.
Browns coach Todd Monken — Watson’s biggest supporter — was happy to see his quarterback come up big in the late moments.
“He probably didn’t play as well as he wanted. But to get knocked down, come back and make a play, then a 2-point conversion, this is about him. I’m really happy for him,” Monken said.
The Panthers took an 18-13 lead with 4:25 remaining when John Metchie III hauled in an 8-yard touchdown pass from Bryce Young. But the Browns (2-1) went 65 yards in eight plays for their second straight comeback win.
Watson was 3 of 6 for 44 yards on the decisive drive. He also had a 21-yard scramble to the Panthers 21 on third-and-3 to move the sticks.
It appeared the Browns’ chances for a comeback were dashed when Akayleb Evans picked off Watson’s pass intended for KC Concepcion in the end zone with 2:29 remaining. But Carolina linebacker Bobby Okereke was called for roughing the passer.
“We extended the drive for them, and if you give a guy like Deshaun Watson a little bit of extra time, and a few more opportunities, he’s going to get creative and find something,” Carolina coach Dave Canales said.
Watson came out for one play after the hit knocked the wind out of him but returned to cheers. The 10-year veteran QB and his teammates feared he would be showered with boos in the home opener after a negative reception during a preseason game against Buffalo on Aug. 22.
There were some boos during the third quarter when the Browns went three-and-out on three straight possessions, but everyone knew it was because of the team’s performance.
After overthrowing Denzel Boston in the end zone on second-and-10 at the 14, Watson stepped up in the pocket and rolled left before finding Fannin open in the end zone.
“During that whole drive, I told the offensive line that if something happens, give me a lane and I’m going to make something happen with my feet,” Watson said. “Harold, I just put the ball in the air and gave him a chance.”
Watson then connected with Boston for a 2-point conversion to push the margin to a field goal.
Carolina (1-2) made a late drive, but Ronnie Hickman picked off Young’s pass at the Browns 46 with 9 seconds remaining. It was the Panthers' second turnover.
Watson took one snap and knelt to run out the clock. He kept that ball and also got a game ball from Monken.
“To finish a game like this, regardless of the energy outside, shows the character and person I am, and how strong mentally I am. Regardless of what’s going on, I fight like hell to accomplish what I want, no matter the chaos outside, good or bad. It was a great win, definitely one of the top ones,” Watson said.
Young, who came into the game tied for the NFL lead in passing touchdowns and second in passing yards, completed 26 of 48 passes for 291 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
Young appeared to tweak his ankle after Mason Graham sacked him in the second quarter and briefly entered the medical tent during the third.
Canales said that Young is working through a lower-body injury and would be evaluated.
The Panthers got four field goals from Ryan Fitzgerald before they found the end zone.
Cleveland capitalized on a couple of bad fourth-down decisions by Canales.
The Browns opened the scoring with the first of Andre Szmyt’s two field goals. Cleveland got the ball on the Panthers 47 after Graham sacked Young.
The Panthers went for it again on their next series, this time on fourth-and-short from their own 40, but Young was short on a throw intended for tight end Tommy Tremble. The Browns found the end zone seven plays later when Watson found Fannin on a crossing route in the right back corner of the end zone on fourth-and-goal from the 2 to extend the lead to 10-0.
Fannin led Cleveland in receiving with seven catches for 51 yards.
Panthers: CB Mike Jackson suffered a groin injury in the first quarter and did not return. WR Jalen Coker (quad) came out in the third quarter and did not return.
Browns: WR Tylan Wallace sustained a knee injury in the fourth quarter and did not return.
Panthers: Host Detroit next Sunday night.
Browns: Host Pittsburgh on Thursday night.
See AP’s full NFL coverage here
Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (18) misses a catch attempt against the Cleveland Browns during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates after throwing for a 2-point conversion against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (29) tackles Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (82) during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/David Richard)
NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift broke records at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, as she is known to do.
The pop powerhouse received the inaugural Artist Director Honors on Sunday night, becoming the most-awarded artist in VMA history.
Previously, she was tied with Beyoncé for the title, with 30 VMAs each. The new award is meant to recognize artists “whose work behind the camera has expanded the possibilities of music video and advanced the art of visual storytelling."
“I got to start making music videos and being a part of music videos 20 years ago,” Swift said in her speech, adding that she's been involved in making roughly 60 music videos, 18 of which she wrote and directed.
“You, the fans, make it so much fun,” she said.
She also took home the top prize of the night — video of the year — for “The Fate of Ophelia" from her album “The Life of a Showgirl.”
Swift dedicated that award to the “ultimate showgirl,” the late Dolly Parton.
“I think we were all very lucky to share this planet with Dolly Parton for a time," Swift said.
Swift also debuted the music video for her new song, “Patient Zero,” during the award show. She directed the visual, which stars Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson. Johnson and Swift portray mirror images of each other.
“Patient Zero” is also her first single since marrying Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden in July.
The two-hour show was broadcast live on CBS from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
“It's mother," were the first words uttered by Madonna as she opened the VMAs with her 2026 single “Bring Your Love" alongside collaborator Sabrina Carpenter. Later in the night, the pair won the award for best collaboration for the song.
“It’s been a while since I did one of these things,” Madonna joked. “So, I’ve prepared nothing.”
When it came time for her return to the stage to accept the award for artist of the year, Madonna began with, “First of all, I would like to thank my fingers because I can always count on them.” Returning a third time to accept for best dance, she said simply, "I came alive on the dance floor. ... We’re all equal on the dance floor.”
If her aim was to bring the dance floor to the award show stage, Madonna did exactly that in her opening number — and then some, when Charli xcx emerged from a club bathroom to perform their reworked version of “Danceteria.” Around them? A trove of dancers and various famous friends, including actor Debi Mazar, Sombr and Julia Garner.
The show, which was delayed 20 minutes by a tight NFL game, wasted no time getting heart rates up.
Snoop Dogg, a 13-time VMAs nominee and three-time winner, emerged as host shortly thereafter.
“Now that is an icon,” Dogg said of Madonna, before pivoting to a joke: “She ain't a virgin no more.”
Teyana Taylor then presented the first award for best pop to LISA for “Dream,” featuring Kentaro Sakaguchi.
“Thank you MTV for this amazing award,” she said while holding back tears. “All those late-night dreams brought me here today.” It was a different scene about an hour later, when she returned to the stage for her hip-hop heavy hitter “Sawadika,” which loosely translates to “Hello” in her native Thai.
There was always going to be a big musical tribute to Dolly Parton. Kacey Musgraves paid homage to the late, great country music icon with a cover of Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.”
Parton, whose soaring vibrato vocals, poignant songwriting and sparkling costumes defined her rise from a log cabin in the Tennessee mountains to the height of stardom and acclaim, died in Nashville of cancer in August. She was 80.
Performances arrived fast and furious: Raye delivered a medley of her throwback soul, including “I Will Overcome” and “Where Is My Husband!”
Bruno Mars slowed things down with “Dance With Me.” Shaboozey launched into his saloon single “Cowgirl,” before being joined by Gunna for some hybrid country-rap with their crossover track, “High Noon.”
“Survivor” host Jeff Probst and actor Brandon Sklenar introduced the final performance of the night and arguably its best – a partial reenactment of GENER8ION and Yung Lean’s "STORM" music video – which began with Lean smashing a VMA ‘Moon person’ trophy.
Sienna Spiro belted out her “Great Expectation.” It was a welcome introduction to the new talent, who was named best new artist shortly thereafter.
Orville Peck introduced a tribute to George Michael, who died 10 years ago on Christmas Day. He was 53.
If this year's VMAs felt too pop-heavy for some viewers, that changed when the coveted Video Vanguard Award was awarded to Nirvana.
“They were completely original and always fearless at a time when the status quo kind of got to the point of being formulaic,” Public Enemy rapper Chuck D said of the grunge greats.
The award was presented to surviving members Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl and Pat Smear. Frontman Kurt Cobain died in 1994.
“Kurt was one of one,” Novoselic said in their acceptance speech, adding that the band never imagined its sound and aesthetic would resonate with so many people. He said the music continues to endure because people are still hungry for “something real, something uncompromising” and a message that “it’s just OK to come as you are.”
For more coverage of this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, visit https://apnews.com/hub/mtv-video-music-awards
Troye Sivan, left, and Charli xcx present the award for best dance during the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Yung Lean performs "Storm II" during the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Lisa accepts the award for best pop for "Dream feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi" during the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) CORRECTION: Corrects name to Kentaro, instead of Kentara
Taylor Swift accepts the MTV VMA Artist Director Honors award during the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
David Grohl, from left, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear of Nirvana accept the video vanguard award during the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Shaboozey performs during the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
RAYE, center, performs "Where is my husband!!" during the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
LISA arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Teyana Taylor presents the award for best pop during the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Lisa accepts the award for best pop for "Dream feat. Kentara Sakaguchi" during the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Sombr arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
PinkPantheress arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Charli xcx arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Adam Lambert arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Madonna appears at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala in New York on May 5, 2025, left, and Taylor Swift appears at the MTV Video Music Awards in Elmont, N.Y., on Sept. 11, 2024. (Photos by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)
FILE - A statue of the MTV Moon Man appears on the red carpet at the MTV Video Music Awards on Aug. 20, 2018, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File)
