CLEVELAND — Jameis Winston’s third interception on Sunday marked his eighth in just three games, a statistic that ultimately caused Browns coach Kevin Stefanski to bench him. This decision may signal a permanent shift moving forward. As Cleveland prepares for the final stretch of a challenging season with just three games remaining and a record of 3-11, Stefanski stated on Monday that he is evaluating his options at the quarterback position and will prioritize what is best for the team. The Browns suffered a 21-7 defeat to Kansas City, characterized by a dismal six turnovers, which included four interceptions and two fumbles.
Stefanski now faces a crucial decision: stick with Winston, who has shown both potential and inconsistency, or turn the reins over to young quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson or possibly third-stringer Bailey Zappe. The future for the Browns at quarterback appears uncertain, and with the team’s performance in question, the importance of this choice cannot be overstated.
Referring to the recent loss against the Chiefs, Stefanski noted, “We’re still putting this game to bed,” and mentioned that updates related to the upcoming game against Cincinnati will be provided later in the week. His hesitance to commit to Winston signals that another change at the quarterback position may be imminent.
Stefanski’s frustration is understandable, especially given Winston’s tendency to throw passes into tight coverage or directly into opposing hands — issues that have been prevalent throughout his career. Nevertheless, Winston has managed to inject some enthusiasm into the Cleveland offense over the seven games he has started since Deshaun Watson suffered an Achilles injury on October 20. While not perfect, Winston has undoubtedly outperformed Watson, who recorded a disappointing 1-6 record in his starts this season, leading to another early end to his playing year after an injury last year.
Beyond performance metrics, Winston has proven himself to be a strong leader in the locker room. Teammate Rodney McLeod emphasized Winston’s impact both on and off the field, highlighting his supportive nature and selfless character. “He is the identity of what selfless looks like,” McLeod stated, exemplifying the respect Winston garners from his peers.
There is also a compelling argument for giving Thompson-Robinson a chance to play as he has potential for the future of the Browns, either in a starting or backup capacity. He completed 4 of 9 passes for 18 yards with an interception during the late stages of Sunday’s game but has shown promise during his rookie season. It may be prudent to evaluate him further to ascertain if he could be an asset moving forward.
In terms of performance, the Browns’ defense has consistently held its ground, managing to keep Kansas City’s star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs to a modest 311 total yards. However, the offensive turnovers continually placed the defense in challenging situations. Players like Myles Garrett have pressed Mahomes effectively, ensuring a competitive matchup until the very end.
On the flip side, the Browns must rectify their persistent issues with focus and discipline, particularly regarding pre-snap penalties, a fact that reflects poorly on Stefanski. The team racked up three pre-snap penalties in the first quarter alone against the Chiefs, contributing to their league-leading total of 56.
In terms of individual performances, running back Jerome Ford stood out with a notable 62-yard touchdown run and contributed again through another long kickoff return. He is set to take on a larger role following the season-ending injury of Nick Chubb, and he currently leads the team in rushing yards.
Meanwhile, for all the good qualities that Winston has brought to the team, his frequent interceptions have severely undermined the Browns’ chances for success. His future as a starter may be in jeopardy given that he is only signed for this season.
Regarding injuries, Nick Chubb’s condition remains unclear as the team assesses whether he will need surgery after suffering a foot break. This takes a toll on a player embraced by both teammates and fans. Additionally, Garrett has been dealing with blurred vision after sustaining an eye injury, and linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah continues to be sidelined due to a neck issue without any updates on his recovery.
An eye-popping statistic for the Browns this season is their turnover differential, currently standing at minus-16, with 27 turnovers against only 11 recoveries. This stat confirms that only the Las Vegas Raiders sit worse at minus-17.
Looking ahead, the Browns face the Bengals on Sunday in a pivotal game for both teams. Cincinnati, who won the first contest between the two squads, is fighting to keep its playoff hopes alive and cannot afford further losses as the season winds down.