Just like last season, when Joe Flacco rescued the Browns and led a playoff run after Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury, Jameis Winston stepped in and lifted Cleveland to an emotional 29-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
In his first start in two years, Winston threw three touchdown passes and for 334 yards — the most in a debut by any of Cleveland's 39 starting quarterbacks since 1999. The performance has fans wondering why the team stuck with a struggling Watson for so long before he sustained 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 riding 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.”
Well, everyone else is.
Stefanski did confirm that Winston will remain Cleveland's starter going forward, as if there was any doubt.
Whether hyping teammates with an emotional pregame speech or reciting lyrics to Eminem's “Lose Yourself” during an on-field TV interview afterward, Winston brought light and life to a season that was headed toward a dark place.
With Winston, everything looked better than with Watson. The Browns were in sync.
Cleveland's offensive line, which has been unable to build much consistency due to injuries, protected Winston. Unlike Watson, who seemed to panic at the first sign of trouble, Winston stayed in the pocket, allowing pass routes to develop before scrambling.
The Browns' wide receivers stepped up, making big catches and not committing any costly, drive-killing drops that plagued the team so many times this season. The Browns finally scored 20 points, the offense gained over 400 yards, and a week after Watson's injury elicited derisive cheering, Cleveland fans were united.
Winston brought them 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 was far from perfect. He forced a couple passes, and the Browns caught a lucky break when Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton couldn't hold on to what would have been a game-sealing interception in the final minutes.
It's only one game, but like Flacco last year, Winston has the Browns believing.
With Watson nowhere in sight.
What's working
Stefanski's decision to turn play-calling duties over to coordinator Ken Dorsey paid immediate dividends as Cleveland's offense looked the best it has all season.
There were numerous reasons for that, but Dorsey found a nice blend of runs and passes to keep Baltimore's defense off balance. With Dorsey keyed in on the offense, Stefanski took more of a CEO role on game day and offered input in other areas.
Stefanski intends for the setup to stay this way for the rest of this season.
What needs help
Penalties remain a problem. The Browns committed seven for 74 yards against the Ravens and continue to lead the league with 67.
Stock up
Second-year wide receiver Cedric Tillman had his best game as a pro with seven receptions for 99 yards and two touchdowns, including the winner with 59 seconds left. Tillman's role expanded following Amari Cooper's recent trade and the Browns are counting on him to continue to develop into a playmaker.
Also, Dawand Jones more than held his own in his first start at left tackle with Jedrick Wills Jr. out.
Stock down
Watson didn't reach 300 yards passing in 19 starts in three seasons in Cleveland. Winston did it in his first.
Although Watson is under contract for two more seasons — he's owed $46 million for each — his inconsistent play along with his injuries may force the Browns to seriously consider moving in another direction. If they haven't already.
Injuries
LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was released from the hospital after suffering a scary neck injury. Owusu-Koramoah took a blow to the head and neck while helping tackle Ravens running back Derrick Henry. Stefanski said Owusu-Koramoah was “doing better” but didn't have any specifics on his recovery or timetable to return. ... CB Denzel Ward suffered at least his sixth documented concussion and remains in league protocol. Ward visited a concussion specialist during the offseason and expressed confidence he's not risking his long-term future.
Key number
22-5 — Cleveland's record since 2020 when scoring at least 25 points.
What's next
A chance for the Browns to keep the momentum going with a third straight home game, this one Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers (4-3) before the bye week.
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