CLEVELAND — On Sunday in Pittsburgh, Jameis Winston managed to avoid throwing a pick-6, marking a small but noteworthy improvement in a challenging season for the Cleveland Browns. The team, grappling with a disappointing record, needs these minor victories to stay motivated.
Despite Winston’s entertaining performance, he recorded two interceptions during the game. However, the Browns suffered more from kicker Dustin Hopkins’ two missed field goals, ultimately falling to the Steelers with a score of 27-14. The Steelers have maintained an impressively dominant home record against Cleveland, not losing to them at home since 2003.
Following a high-scoring game where he passed for 497 yards, including two pick-6s against Denver last week, Winston adopted a more cautious approach against the Steelers (10-3). Nevertheless, he still made errors that prevented the Browns (3-10) from pulling off a victory, thwarting their hopes of sweeping the season series against their long-standing rival for the first time in 36 years. With their playoff chances now eliminated, it’s clear the Browns need to start focusing on preparations for the upcoming season.
Coach Kevin Stefanski announced on Monday that Winston would remain the starter against the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Since taking over after Deshaun Watson’s Achilles injury in October, Winston has helped to revitalize Cleveland’s offense. “Right now, we’re really focused on finding ways to win,” Stefanski stated.
While some fans argue Cleveland should give second-year quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson more playing time to evaluate his potential for the future, Stefanski is opting to continue with Winston, who has shown he could be a viable starting option for next season. That said, given the unpredictable nature of the Browns’ organization, Thompson-Robinson may still see the field before the season concludes.
Stefanski hasn’t elaborated on why he continues to signal for Winston as the starter, but he expressed a commitment to improving team performance. “We’ll keep working to do everything we can to enhance our play,” he shared during a Zoom call. The coach acknowledged that the team can indeed play better offensively and emphasized the importance of putting players in positions to succeed.
At this juncture, Winston provides the Browns with a chance to finish the season on a high note—something they desperately need.
Amid the season’s disappointments, Stefanski has succeeded in keeping the team focused and determined. The players have shown resilience and a strong commitment, symbolizing that they have not given up on each other. Guard Wyatt Teller emphasized the importance of maintaining high performance regardless of playoff standings: “You’re going to give everything you can to play at a high level and protect your brothers,” he stated.
However, the season has not been without its obstacles. The team has struggled with penalties, with nine infractions called against them during the latest game. Cleveland has 53 pre-snap penalties this season, leading the league.
Right tackle Jack Conklin continues to shine, managing to prevent Steelers superstar pass rusher T.J. Watt from recording a sack for the second straight game. Conklin’s return from knee surgery last season has been a significant positive note during an otherwise difficult year.
On the other hand, kicker Dustin Hopkins has been struggling, missing two key attempts—one from 38 yards and another from 43 yards. His failures to convert could have altered the game significantly, as two successful kicks would have tied the game at 13. After an impressive previous season converting 33 of 36 attempts, including eight from beyond 50 yards, Hopkins now finds himself in a challenging slump, hitting only 3 of 9 attempts. The decision to extend his contract for three years at $15.9 million appears to be facing scrutiny.
Despite these challenges, Stefanski remains optimistic about Hopkins’ potential to reclaim his kicking form. “This is something I know he can overcome,” he said. “We’ll work through it together, he’s experienced and has faced challenges before in his career.”
In terms of injuries, cornerback Greg Newsome II is sidelined after re-injuring the same hamstring he underwent surgery on over the summer. Coach Stefanski mentioned that Newsome would miss some time, although specifics regarding the duration remain unclear. Defensive back Mike Ford is also in the concussion protocol following a first-half injury. Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah will again be out with a neck injury, with no updates on his condition provided.
Key players remain active, including Myles Garrett, who recorded his 11th sack of the season on Sunday, bringing him to 99.5 career sacks, with 13 of those against the Steelers over his career, including six in the last three matchups.
Looking ahead, the Browns will face the Kansas City Chiefs at home next Sunday, which could also see the attendance of pop icon Taylor Swift as she celebrates her birthday in boyfriend Travis Kelce’s hometown.
