Last season, after quarterback Deshaun Watson went down with a season-ending shoulder injury, the Cleveland Browns managed to keep winning with backup QB Joe Flacco and ultimately reached the playoffs with an 11-6 record.
This season, in Week 7, Watson again sustained a season-ending injury, this time to his Achilles, and Jameis Winston stepped in as the new quarterback.
Gregg Williams highlights how impressive Jameis Winston's footwork was on Sunday. #DawgPound
"He understood where his plant foot was every time in the pocket which creates the pocket mechanics. The offensive line played pretty damn good, didn't they?"
– @CoachGreggSB44 pic.twitter.com/2Vo8FBX83w
— COME GET SOME (@ComeGetSomeShow) October 29, 2024
Winston performed impressively on Sunday, throwing three touchdown passes as the Browns overcame the Baltimore Ravens, who were on a five-game winning streak, with a 29-24 victory.
On the “Come Get Some Show,” Gregg Williams commended Winston’s footwork and mechanics. As the top pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Winston showed promise early, throwing for 4,042 yards and 22 touchdowns in his rookie year and earning a Pro Bowl spot.
In 2019, he led the league with 5,109 passing yards and threw 33 touchdowns, although he also had a league-high 30 interceptions. Since then, injuries have limited him to backup roles, but he may be just what Cleveland needs for more than a one-game boost.
Following Watson’s injury, the Browns may have entered a soft rebuild, trading five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills.
Challenging matchups await against teams like the Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, and Pittsburgh Steelers. However, they have the good news of star running back Nick Chubb’s return after a significant knee injury last season in Week 2. On Sunday against Baltimore, Chubb rushed for 52 yards on 16 carries.
