Running Outboard through Weeds Offshore

This past week on our way out weeds were everywhere. Did what we could to avoid running straight threw them much to no avail. One of the two outboards quit peeing.. Don't know much but know this was bad. The only thing I could think of was hooking the wash down hose up and try to flush it. Thank The Lord above because this worked and water pump was spitting water well. On the way home the same situation happened 3 more times, once on the opposite outboard. All shortly after hitting a patches of weed. At one point in time the boat seemed to power down a little. Motor didn't seem to get hot ever. QUESTIONS: Is this common? Could any damage have been done? (Everything appears to be operating well after last flush)