Winston is scheduled to replace Deshaun Watson, who is out for the rest of the season after injuring his Achilles tendon during the extreme age loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Winston, a 10-year veteran who is in his first season with the Browns, entered Sunday’s game after Watson and fellow backup player Dorian Thompson-Robinson suffered injuries. He threw a late landing move to tight end David Njoku in Cleveland’s eventual 21-14 loss.
The negative. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Winston’s career thus far has been a mixed bag. He was named to the Pro Bowl during a rookie season in which he threw for more than 4,000 yards as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. One year then, he helped the Buccaneers post a hit record for the first game in six years.
The 2019 season used to be a microcosm of Winston’s tenure. In the month when Winston led the NFL with 5,109 yards and threw 33 touchdowns, he also led the NFL with a whopping 30 interceptions thrown. His penchant for trades pressured then-Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians to aggressively pursue his replacement, who ultimately turned out to be Tom Brady.
Winston resurfaced in Untouched Orleans, where he went 5-2 in 2021 as the team’s temporary starter. He threw 14 touchdowns that season compared to just three interceptions and excelled in Sean Payton’s offense.
Although he never became a long-term franchise quarterback, Winston has confirmed himself to be an NFL quarterback who has thrived when it comes to helping struggling teams. His wave status, on the other hand, could end up being Winston’s biggest problem yet.
At 1-6, the Browns’ playoff hopes have all but expired. What makes things bleaker is the fact that the group recently traded Negative. 1 Amari Cooper receiver. On Sunday, Winston and his teammates will face a Ravens defense that is 32 seconds away from the play but leads the league in rushing.
