Browns-Buccaneers Game Delayed by Two Hours Due to Severe Storm

The NFL game between the Cleveland Browns and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was suspended for two hours on Sunday due to a severe lightning storm impacting Florida's west coast. Play was halted with two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and the Browns leading 23-19.

At the time of the stoppage, around 4 p.m. ET, the Buccaneers had possession of the ball on the Browns' 28-yard line. Heavy rain had saturated the field, causing water to flow down stadium stairwells. The game later resumed following the lengthy delay.

Cleveland had secured its lead in the fourth quarter after quarterback Deshaun Watson threw two touchdown passes. His go-ahead 17-yard toss found Blake Whiteheart, giving the Browns the advantage. Watson completed 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards with no turnovers before the delay.

Quarterback Matchup

The game marked the first meeting between Watson and Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, with Watson outplaying Mayfield on his home turf. Mayfield completed 20 of 31 passes for 176 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception. Mayfield, originally the No. 1 overall pick by the Browns in 2018, was traded to Carolina in 2022. He later played for the Rams before rejuvenating his career with Tampa Bay, where he recently signed a three-year contract extension worth $165 million. Watson's tenure with the Browns has seen him compile a 9-12 record over five seasons.