Dan Orlovsky had high praises to share about the Cleveland Browns' 3-1 start to the 2026 season after they beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night.

Cleveland started the season with a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in a blowout. They have since won three straight games, getting a huge home win over their division rival Steelers. Orlovsky didn't hold back his thoughts on the team's ceiling during his appearance on ESPN's First Take on Friday.

“This is for real. They matter in October. They're gonna matter in December. That one, Todd Monkin, right guy for the job. Right guy for the job. Deshaun Watson's playing the best ball he's played in five years. Let's be fair to Deshaun Watson. I'm just talking strictly on the field because we were critical of him on and off. I'm talking strictly on the field, off the field, the criticism was warranted. We have to then give fair praise for the play. It's the best I've seen him look in five years,” Orlovsky said.

“It's not often where you get defenses that just line up, and they line up and they go, ‘You know what we're in. We know what we're in.' Beat it. Pittsburgh couldn't do it last night. That is a real defensive unit. So for all the Chiefs and Bills and Jags and Bengals and Ravens fans, really good teams. I'm telling you the Browns' defense is legit.”

“This is for real. [The Browns] matter in October, they’re gonna matter in December.”@danorlovsky7 addresses the main factors on the Cleveland Browns' recent form 📝 pic.twitter.com/TFrnD9LP0r

— First Take (@FirstTake) October 2, 2026

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What lies ahead for Deshaun Watson, Browns

Deshaun Watson and the Browns have surprised many with their solid start in the season. They hope to keep the momentum going for a chance at playoff contention.

Cleveland has a 3-1 record to start the 2026 campaign, controlling the top spot in the AFC North Division standings. They are above the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals at the moment.

Rolling with three consecutive wins, the Browns will look forward to their next matchup. They take on the New York Jets in Week 5 as kickoff commences on Oct. 11 at 1 p.m. ET.