CLEVELAND — The excitement surrounding the Cleveland Browns is undeniable, particularly when it comes to their ability to find effective backup quarterbacks. Despite their ongoing quest for a franchise quarterback, their recent performance illustrates that they have a knack for finding temporary solutions.
In a striking parallel to last season, when Joe Flacco stepped in and aided the Browns in a playoff surge following Deshaun Watson’s season-ending injury, Jameis Winston made his mark by leading Cleveland to a heartening 29-24 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. In his first start in two years, Winston delivered a stunning performance, throwing for three touchdowns and amassing 334 yards — a remarkable feat that marks the highest yardage in any debut by a Browns quarterback since 1999. This has ignited discussion among fans about the decision to stick with a struggling Watson, especially after he suffered a season-ending ruptured Achilles tendon just last week.
“I’m not really thinking that way,” expressed coach Kevin Stefanski during a Monday Zoom press briefing, responding to questions regarding the tenure 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, the rest of the world seems to have a different perspective.
Stefanski confirmed that Winston would remain the starter moving forward, which seemed like an obvious choice after such a strong showing. Winston not only energized his teammates with an impassioned pregame speech but also entertained viewers by referencing Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” during a post-game interview. His presence has revitalized a season that appeared to be heading towards desolation.
With Winston at the helm, the Browns displayed a level of cohesion that was sorely missed when Watson was in play. The offensive line, hampered by injuries throughout the season, provided Winston with adequate protection. Unlike Watson, who often appeared frazzled by pressure, Winston maintained his composure, waiting for intentional passing opportunities before breaking the pocket.
Furthermore, Cleveland’s wide receivers rose to the occasion, making crucial catches without the tactical blunders that had previously hindered the team’s performance. The offense’s return to form resulted in a total of over 400 yards and finally scoring 20 points. In a stark contrast to the earlier cheers that followed Watson’s injury, fans showed unified support for Winston during this matchup, illustrating a newfound spirit in Cleveland.
“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.” Although Winston’s performance wasn’t without flaws — including a few forced passes that could have cost the team — the sheer impact he had was undeniable, much like Flacco’s contributions from the previous season.
On the coaching side, Stefanski’s choice to hand off play-calling responsibilities to coordinator Ken Dorsey proved beneficial for the team. The offensive display was the most cohesive seen all season, as Dorsey skillfully blended running and passing plays, keeping the Ravens’ defense on their toes. Meanwhile, Stefanski took on a more overarching management role, allowing Dorsey to focus on offensive strategies, a structure he plans to maintain for the remainder of the season.
Despite these advancements, the Browns still grapple with an issue regarding penalties. They racked up seven penalties for 74 yards in the recent game, continuing to lead the league with a concerning total of 67.
In terms of individual performances, second-year wide receiver Cedric Tillman had a standout game, recording seven catches for 99 yards and scoring two touchdowns, one of which sealed the victory with just 59 seconds remaining. Given that Amari Cooper has recently been traded, Tillman is expected to evolve into a significant contributor moving forward. Additionally, lineman Dawand Jones displayed commendable skills during his initial start at left tackle due to Jedrick Wills Jr.’s absence.
Conversely, Watson’s struggles are evident, as he failed to surpass 300 passing yards across 19 starts over three seasons with the Browns, whereas Winston achieved this milestone in his debut. Although Watson is secured with a contract for two more seasons, the ramifications of his inconsistent gameplay and injuries may prompt the Browns to reconsider their options for the future.
Injuries remain a concern for the team, with linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah hospitalized after a serious neck injury sustained during the game, although he has since been released and is reportedly recovering well. Meanwhile, cornerback Denzel Ward is still under concussion protocol following his sixth documented concussion; he previously consulted a specialist and is aware of the long-term implications of his condition.
One notable statistic for the Browns is their impressive 22-5 record since the 2020 season when managing to score at least 25 points.
Looking ahead, Cleveland will aim to extend their winning streak with their third consecutive home game against the Los Angeles Chargers before entering a bye week. The upcoming match presents an opportunity for the Browns to harness the positive momentum gained from their recent performances and solidify their standing in the league.