3 Big Takeaways from Browns win over Ravens

QB Jameis Winston establishes the passing game

In his first start with the Browns, QB Jameis Winston found consistency in the passing game and used his arm through four quarters. On offense, they moved the ball downfield — relying on a balance of running and passing — but Winston connected with multiple pass catchers for critical plays throughout the game.

Winston finished the game completing 27 of 41 pass 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, resulting in a loss of 13 yards.

Sunday marked his 29th career 300-yard passing game and was also his first game with at least three touchdown passes since a total of five on September 12, 2021.

“I thought he played well today,” Stefanski said. “He got his reads done. The guys were open and he made good decisions. (…) He was able to get to his second, third and fourth reads.”

Winston distributed the ball while four pass catchers caught for over 50 yards. WR Cedric Tillman led the group with seven receptions for 99 yards and two touchdowns, with his longest reception of the day being 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 goals, man,” Winston said. “Geoff Swaim gave him a catch today. (David Njoku) just always wins his one-on-one matches. Elijah Moore showed up today and showed up. Jerry Jeudy continues to have open and break plays. And Cedric (Tillman) just found his niche, man. He blocks well for us, he gets more open, he plays physical on the perimeter and he does some good things.

The Browns found the end zone for the first time in the third quarter when 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 and scored the first touchdown of the day.

The Browns found the end zone again in the third quarter when Winston Tillman hit Tillman with a 22-yard pass for a touchdown – Tillman's first career touchdown. Winston continued to find Tillman, as with less than a minute to play, Winston connected with Tillman for a 38-yard touchdown pass that gave the Browns the lead. It would be the final score of the game and would secure the victory for the Browns.

“Ced is a guy, the opportunities weren't there, but we knew we had a lot of confidence when those opportunities arose,” Stefanski said. “Jameis trusted him on that last play — and that was a great decision by (offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey) — and got behind the defense and made a play.”