Let’s talk about the Cleveland Browns, who certainly know how to choose their backup quarterbacks.
Their quest for a top quarterback isn’t over yet.
Just like last year when Joe Flacco helped the Browns make a playoff push after Deshaun Watson got hurt, Jameis Winston stepped in and guided Cleveland to an exciting 29-24 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
In his first start in two years, Winston threw three touchdown passes and gained 334 yards, marking the highest total for any of Cleveland’s 39 starting quarterbacks since 1999. This has fans questioning why the team stuck with a struggling Watson for so long before he suffered a season-ending ruptured Achilles tendon last week.
“I’m not really thinking that way,” coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday on a Zoom call when asked about sticking with Watson. “I thought Jameis did a nice job yesterday. I know he feels like he can play better, but I’m not thinking about it that way.”
However, many others are.
Stefanski confirmed that Winston will be the starting quarterback for Cleveland moving forward, as if there was any uncertainty.
Winston brought energy to a season that was heading for a rough spot, whether it was through an inspiring pregame speech or quoting Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” during a post-game TV interview.
With Winston, everything appeared more positive compared to Watson. The Browns seemed to be in sync.
Cleveland’s offensive line, which had struggled with injuries, provided solid protection for Winston. Unlike Watson, who often panicked at the first sign of trouble, Winston remained calm in the pocket, allowing plays to develop before making his moves.
The Browns’ wide receivers really stepped up, making important catches and avoiding the costly drops that had hurt the team so much this season. They finally scored 20 points, gained over 400 yards of offense, and after Watson’s injury led to mixed reactions, Cleveland fans were united again.
Winston brought the team together in his first start since 2022.
“The guy played lights out,” said safety Juan Thornhill. “There were some passes that had me a little scared. He was probably a little scared, too. But he put the team on his back. I can’t really explain how well he played. Just look at the stats.”
Winston wasn’t perfect, though. He forced a few passes, and the Browns got lucky when Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton dropped what could have been a game-ending interception in the final minutes.
It’s just one game, but like Flacco did last year, Winston has the Browns feeling hopeful. With Watson not in the picture.
