Jameis Winston breathes life into Browns' offense to end slide

Jameis Winston breathes life into Browns' offense to end slide

Jameis Winston breathes life into Browns' offense to end slide

CLEVELAND-- Just four days before making his first NFL start in over two years, Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston exuded confidence.


"I view this as an opportunity to go out there and be my very best," Winston declared on Wednesday. "When I'm at my best, I'm a great NFL starter."


Winston proved his words true on Sunday, throwing the game-winning touchdown in the Browns' 29-24 upset over the Baltimore Ravens, snapping a five-game losing streak. This game marked Cleveland's first action since losing starting quarterback Deshaun Watson to a season-ending Achilles injury.


He revitalized an offense that had struggled throughout the season, completing 27 of 41 passes for 334 yards—a franchise record for a quarterback making his debut for the Browns—and three touchdowns. The highlight was a 38-yard go-ahead pass to wide receiver Cedric Tillman with just 59 seconds remaining.


"I thought he played well," said Browns coach Kevin Stefanski. "The protection was outstanding, and the guys rose to the challenge. He navigated through his reads effectively, and the players got open. He made good decisions. It wasn’t perfect, but he played well."


With Stefanski handing playcalling duties to offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, the Browns showcased a rhythm and flow that had been missing with Watson at the helm. Cleveland (2-6) scored over 20 points for the first time this season and set new season highs in passing yards, total yards, and third-down conversion rate.


Winston's passing game, which had previously been disjointed, became explosive. He recorded eight completions and two touchdowns on throws that traveled at least 15 yards downfield—an impressive contrast to Watson’s performance, who had just nine such completions and one touchdown in his seven starts.


"He brought great energy," Tillman noted. "Jameis kept telling us he would keep throwing it and returning to us no matter what. He played great today."


This marked Winston's first start since September 25, 2022, with the New Orleans Saints. The game wasn't without its challenges; he lost a fumble late in the first half that resulted in a Ravens touchdown, putting the Browns down 10-6 at halftime. He also narrowly avoided interceptions, including a potential game-sealing pick that the Ravens couldn't secure after he overthrew wide receiver Elijah Moore.


However, Winston remained undeterred, quickly connecting with Tillman downfield on the next play despite a Ravens blitz closing in on him.


"Ken always talks about being aggressive, not conservative," Winston said. "That's what we showed out there today."


Known for his animated presence in the locker room, Winston delivered an impassioned pregame speech, urging his teammates to maintain "unwavering faith."


In his first start as a Brown, Winston was composed, culminating in his game-winning throw.


"I am certain that when I'm making great decisions, one play at a time, I’m a great NFL quarterback," he affirmed after the game. "I’m certain of that."