It took over two hours to play the last two minutes of SundayâÂÂs contest between the Browns and Buccaneers.
In the end, Todd Monken would probably say it was worth the wait.
Monken got his first victory as an NFL head coach with ClevelandâÂÂs 23-19 victory over Tampa Bay.
Down by four, the Bucs were on the move when the lightning delay hit at the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter. After the more than two-hour delay, Tampa Bay was able to get down to ClevelandâÂÂs 13-yard line. But a holding penalty then derailed the possession, with quarterback Baker Mayfield missing an open Emeka Egbuka in the end zone on fourth-and-11 to effectively end the game.
Mayfield played another poor game after having three fumbles in the season opener, finishing 21-of-34 from 182 with a touchdown and an interception. He also had 29 rushing yards.
On the other side, after an ugly performance in last weekâÂÂs season opener â and despite the team soft-launching his benching with some Sunday morning reports â quarterback Deshaun Watson played arguably his best game with the Browns. He finished 24-of-30 for 238 yards with two touchdowns while also rushing for 22 yards on seven carries.
Denzel Boston was arguably the best player on the field, catching five passes for 95 yards â including a 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown. Second-year tight end Harold Fannin also had 54 yards on five receptions.
With the win, the Browns are now 1-1 and the acrimonious situation between Watson and the teamâÂÂs fans may have cooled off in time for next weekâÂÂs home opener. Cleveland will host Carolina in Week 3.
The Buccaneers are now a disappointing 0-2, particularly after MayfieldâÂÂs contract extension. The club will try to get a win against the 2-0 Vikings at home next week.