In the wake of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson suffering a season-ending achilles injury, backup QB Jameis Winston got the start Sunday afternoon vs. the Baltimore Ravens. To note, this was his first start since September 25, 2022 (vs. the Carolina Panthers).
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Powerful: Jameis Winston is LOCKED IN for his first start since 2022 for the #Browns today.
So awesome.pic.twitter.com/14MWzBtEVi
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 27, 2024
That is to say, the 30-year-old quarterback took full advantage of the opportunity, as he led the Browns to a 29-24 victory over the Ravens.
Right out of the gate Winston looked poised and composed. Needless to say, Browns fans, who have witnessed the team's previous five-game losing streak, noticed a night-and-day difference with the quarterback change.
Things started off with Winston completing 6-of-8 passes for 73 yards on the first drive of the game.
However, that nearly came to an end with a dropped interception in the end zone.
Jameis Winston’s first drive:
* 20-yard completion
* 19-yard completion
* 16-yard completion
* 12-yard completionAnd a “I really have no idea where Jameis was throwing.”
We are so back, folks. pic.twitter.com/WJ4Vr2jAJV
— Zachary Krueger (@ZK_FFB) October 27, 2024
The announcer was heard saying, "I really have no idea where Jameis was throwing."
Certainly, supporters of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints know this all too well, as Winston is known to be a gunslinger, who sometimes makes questionable throws.
Browns fans will have to learn how to take the good with the bad, as overall Winston put on an impressive performance, finishing with 334 passing yards and three touchdowns (115.3 passer rating).
The Browns looking like a completely different offense under Jameis Winston.
Is anyone honesty surprised? #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/IzlAyAttcz
— Brady Hamilton (@BradyH_216) October 27, 2024
To emphasize the Browns' offensive struggles this season, this was the first time the team scored 20 points all year. In addition, their starting quarterback had not even eclipsed 200 yards through the first seven games. In fact, their $230 million dollar QB Watson hasn't thrown for 300 yards since January of 2021 (vs. Tennessee Titans).
Not even the fourth quarter yet and Jameis Winston is already over 200 yards passing for the Browns.
Deshaun Watson didn't hit the 200-yard mark a single time in seven games this year #Browns pic.twitter.com/e0jMiYhyX6
— John Breech (@johnbreech) October 27, 2024
Although Winston was the hero, he definitely gave Browns fans a scare when he almost threw an interception with one minute left in the game.
Kyle Hamilton choked away an easy interception. Next play Jameis Winston unloaded a 38 yard TD to go up with 59 seconds left
— LandonTengwall (@landon_tengwall) October 27, 2024
To point out, if Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton doesn't drop the easy pick, then the storyline may have been totally different.
Nevertheless, it is only right that the fans in Cleveland got the full Jameis Winston experience, as the very next play he threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to Cedric Tillman (7 catches, 99 yards, 2 TDs).
James Winston and Cedric Tillman connect to put the Browns ahead of the Ravens with just under a minute left.pic.twitter.com/Zd1wZCH9mp
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 27, 2024
This ended up being the game winner as the Browns held on to claim victory vs. their AFC North rivals.
During the postgame interview, Winston reiterated his message from the pregame, as he repeated the phrase, "unwavering faith, ultimate belief, and depending on the Lord."
Jameis Winston's post-game interview was as good as you thought it would be. pic.twitter.com/cirEA3nMyE https://t.co/23enhoVn4A
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 27, 2024
Although the Browns, with a 2-6 record, have a long ways to go, at least they found their quarterback for the rest of the season. Which is very reminiscent of last year's run with Joe Flacco, who led the team to the playoffs.
With this in mind, fans have finally got what they wanted, but hopefully it's not too late.
Certainly there is still hope in Cleveland aka 'Believeland,' as in the words of Jameis Winston, they still have "unwavering faith and ultimate belief."
