QB Jameis Winston establishes passing game
In his first start with the Browns, QB Jameis Winston found consistency in the pass game and utilized his arm over the course of four quarters. As an offense, they moved the ball downfield –relying on a balance of the run and pass game – but Winston connected with multiple pass catchers for critical plays over the course of the game.
Winston finished the game completing 27 of 41 passing attempts for 334 yards, three touchdowns and a 115.3 rating. He did not throw an interception but fumbled the ball once. He was also sacked twice for a loss of 13 yards.
Sunday marked his 29th career 300-yard passing game, and it was also his first game with at least three touchdown passes since totaling five on Sept. 12, 2021.
“I thought he played well today,” Stefanski said. “He got through his reads. Guys got open and he made good decisions. […] He was able to get to his second, third, fourth reads.”
Winston spread the ball around, as four pass catchers caught over 50 receiving yards. WR Cedric Tillman led the group with seven receptions for 99 yards and two touchdowns, with his longest reception of the day on a 38-yard touchdown catch. WR Elijah Moore added 85 receiving yards on eight receptions, while WR Jerry Jeudy added 79 receiving yards on five catches.
“We had guys with multiple targets, man,” Winston said. “Geoff Swaim got him a catch out there today. (David Njoku) just always wins his one-on-one matchups. Elijah Moore showed up and showed out today. Jerry Jeudy is continuing to get open and break plays. And Cedric (Tillman) just found his niche, man. He’s found his niche. He’s blocking well for us, he’s getting open, he’s playing physical at the line of scrimmage and he’s doing some good things.”
The Browns first found the end zone in the third quarter as Winston connected with TE David Njoku for a 23-yard touchdown pass. Njoku – who finished the day with 61 receiving yards on five receptions – won his one-on-one matchup in the end zone to haul in the first touchdown of the day.
The Browns found the end zone again in the third quarter when Winston connected with Tillman on a 22-yard pass for the touchdown – Tillman’s first career touchdown. Winston continued to find Tillman, as with less than a minute to go in the game, Winston connected with Tillman for a 38-yard touchdown pass to five the Browns the lead. It would be the final score the game and secure the win for the Browns.
“Ced’s a guy, the opportunities weren’t there, but knew we had a lot of trust in when those opportunities came,” Stefanski said. “Jameis trusted him when that last play – and great call by (offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey) and got behind the defense and made a play.”
