Jameis Winston proves he’s answer to Browns’ $230m quarterback problem with stunning performance vs Ravens as Lamar Jackson makes history
Jameis Winston's first ever start for the Cleveland Browns was an instant classic.
Winston, starting because of Deshaun Watson's Achilles tear, orchestrated an incredible second-half comeback against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens, throwing for 334 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions in a 29-24 win -- one of the biggest upsets of the NFL season so far.
4
The Browns trailed Baltimore 23-24 in the AFC North slug fest with just over a minute to go in the fourth quarter.
The Ravens, who entered Sunday in sole possession of first place in the division, held a one-point lead after running back Derrick Henry's 2-yard run and Justin Tucker's point-after kick.
The Browns then started on their own 31, and Winston connected with wide receiver Cedric Tillman on a 2nd-and-15 for a 38-yard TD, Tillman's second score of the day.
With 59 seconds left in the game down and down by five points, the Ravens had three attempts to find the end zone but ultimately failed to come up with the go-ahead score.
READ MORE NFL
Cleveland was able to close out the game and pull off the improbable victory -- just their second of the season as they improved to 2-6.
For the first time this season, the Browns reached 20+ points, with the offense accounting for every score.
The Browns entered the game averaging an NFL-worst 253.9 yards per game, and posted 401 yards of total offense against Baltimore.
In his first ever game for the Browns, Winston finished with 300+ passing-yards, something Watson, who is owed $230 million by the organization, has never managed to do in a Cleveland uniform.
Most read in NFL
Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles injury against the Cincinnati Bengals last week, paving the way for Winston to make his first start.
4
4
Winston's performance against the Ravens showed he should have been starting much sooner. The former No.1 overall pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers proved he's more than an adequate solution for the Browns, who have a $230 million quarterback problem on their hands that isn't going anywhere.
"Watching Jameis Winston play is nice reinforcement for everyone who knew the Browns wasted this season being too stubborn to bench Deshaun Watson. It's insane how bad he was," .
"If you don’t think Jameis hasn’t come in and energized this team & taken the black cloud away then check yourself. Clearly running the offense better than Deshaun Watson," former QB and The Athletic analyst Chase Daniel added.
In his post-game interview, Winston rattled off the famous lyrics from 'Lose Yourself' by Eminem, which perfectly encapsulated the moment.
"You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow, this opportunity lasts once in a lifetime," the quarterback .
His performance may well be the final nail in the coffin for Watson's Browns career.
In 2022, Cleveland handed out a fully guaranteed, five-year contract to Watson, who accounts for a massive $145 million salary cap hit in 2025-26 and is continually plagued by on and off-field issues.
It is widely regarded as one of the worst contracts in NFL history.
The three-time Pro Bowler was accused of sexual misconduct and harassment by more than 20 women before even being traded to Cleveland. He has always denied any wrongdoing, and 20 claims of sexual misconduct .
Jason Bell tips 'legedary' Lamar Jackson for 'Hall of Fame' status after brilliant start to season
He was suspended for the first 11 games of the 2022 season and fined $5 million by the NFL.
Earlier this month, , accusing Watson of sexual assault and battery in October 2020, while playing for the Houston Texans -- allegations which he strongly denies.
Watson missed half of last season due to a shoulder injury that required surgery, and has barely played the last three-plus seasons for the Browns, a situation further compounded by his latest setback.
Winston's heroics came on a day when MVP front-runner Jackson created yet more NFL history.
4
The Baltimore quarterback went 23-for-35 on his pass attempts for 290 yards and two touchdowns in the defeat to the Browns, which snapped the Ravens' five-game winning streak.
'Action Jackson' also added 46 yards on the ground on eight carries, becoming the first quarterback in NFL history with at least 500 rushing yards in seven consecutive seasons.
The reigning MVP also became the second quarterback ever with at least 500 rushing yards in seven career seasons, joining Cam Newton (seven).
Jackson also become the second quarterback ever to record at least 40 rushing yards in each of his team’s first eight games of a season, joining Michael Vick in 2006.
Read More on talkSPORT
With 124 rushing yards, Baltimore become the fourth team since 1980 with at least 1,600 rushing yards in its first eight games of a season, joining the 1984 Chicago Bears (1,677 rushing yards), 2006 Atlanta Falcons (1,641) and 2019 Ravens (1,639).
However, Jackson cut a frustrated figure at the end of the game as he slammed his helmet to the turf following the Browns' unlikely victory.
Stay Up To Date With The NFL
marvelbet369.com is covering more NFL than ever before this season, bringing you breaking news, expert insight and exclusive interviews.
To receive all the best of our NFL content, download the talkSPORT app and enable notifications. It's super simple.
Topics