A ‘what if’ about the Browns; a ‘What if’ about Jameis Winston – Terry Pluto’s Scribbles

3. Let’s consider the idea that if Hamilton had made the play, everything would be different. First, let’s admit that the euphoria of the riot over Baltimore would be gone. There would be some, “Winston is going to break your heart with these wiretaps.”

4. But even in a loss, wouldn’t you feel more optimistic about the Browns’ offense? Wouldn’t you have finally been entertained by watching a Browns game? In the first seven games with Deshaun Watson at QB, they never scored more than 18 points or threw for 200 yards.

5. Even though the Browns had lost 24-23 to Baltimore, there should be a positive vibe that the offense finally looks like a professional offense. Watson was sacked five times in one game – Winston was sacked twice. That’s because Winston was decisive when it came to where he wanted to throw the ball. He stayed in the pocket to help his blockers. The Browns will never say it, but I always thought Watson was a nightmare to block.

6. I know my game column used a lot of Joe Flacco comparisons, but they are valid. Winston and Flacco are big pocket passers with even more arm strength. Flacco threw 13 TD passes and eight interceptions in his five regular season games with the Browns in 2023. With Flacco, you get interceptions. Same with Winston.

7. In four of his five starts with the Browns, Flacco threw for at least 300 yards. In three of those games, he threw three TD passes. Winston threw for 334 yards and three TDs against Baltimore. In his 19 starts with Cleveland, Watson never threw for 300 yards. He only threw for 200 yards six times.

8. Let’s look back to 2022. In his 11 starts, Jacoby Brissett threw for 200 yards in 10 games. He also had a 300-yard passing game.

9. The evidence is clear. Watson was a significant part of the problem. Meanwhile, a supposedly washed-up Flacco … a career backup in Brissett … and another backup in Winston … have all produced in Kevin Stefanski’s offense. Remember, this is an example from the last 2 1/2 seasons.

10. I know the Baltimore game was the first time offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey called the plays this season. But that was Stefanski’s offense, and Stefanski’s game. Dorsey and Stefanski worked together to put together a game plan for Winston.

11. Winston said: “At the beginning of the week we had this change. Our head coach stopped calling plays. Like, why did he do that? Ken Dorsey stepped up. But it just shows great leadership from the top down, where coach Kevin is sure this decision to switch. And Ken showed up, he did a great job and he did an excellent job today to lead us.”

12. More Winston: “I’ve been hungry for this opportunity (to start) … When you’re able to have a meeting with your head coach and he’s sure of what he wants to do … It instills confidence you. That confidence oozes throughout the building. You’re able to implement that in every situation … every conversation you have with the men you fight.”

13. All of this falls into “it’s one game for Winston.” A lot can change. He also has a significant injury history, including back problems and ACL knee surgery. But after leaving Tampa Bay after the 2018 season, Winston has a 7-4 record as a starter with 24 TD passes compared to 11 interceptions. He has completed 60% of his passes.