Browns QB Jameis Winston on 497-yard, 3 INT showing: ‘In front of the whole world, I messed it up for us’
Cleveland, Ohio – Browns quarterback Jameis Winston was left to rue a costly three-interception performance despite throwing for a career-high 497 yards in Sunday’s 34-31 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Winston’s first interception came on the Browns’ opening drive, setting up the Buccaneers for an early field goal. His second pick, midway through the third quarter, was returned for a touchdown by Buccaneers cornerback Antoine Winfield Jr., giving Tampa Bay a 24-10 lead.
But it was Winston’s third interception, with just over two minutes remaining and the Browns trailing by three points, that proved most costly. With the Browns driving for a potential game-tying field goal, Winston threw a deep ball intended for wide receiver Amari Cooper, but it was intercepted by Buccaneers safety Mike Edwards. The turnover effectively sealed the victory for Tampa Bay.
“In front of the whole world, I messed it up for us,” Winston said after the game. “I threw three interceptions, and that’s unacceptable. I have to be better than that.”
Winston’s performance was a tale of two halves. In the first half, he completed 14 of 22 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns, including a 75-yard strike to Cooper. But in the second half, he struggled mightily, completing just 11 of 26 passes for 245 yards and the three interceptions.
The Browns’ offense, which entered the game as one of the most prolific in the NFL, was unable to sustain its momentum in the second half. Running back Nick Chubb was held to just 63 rushing yards on 16 carries, while Cooper had eight receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown.
The loss drops the Browns to 5-4 on the season, while the Buccaneers improve to 6-3. The Browns will look to bounce back next week when they host the Cincinnati Bengals.
Winston’s Interceptions Prove Costly
Winston’s three interceptions were the most he has thrown in a game since joining the Browns in 2020. His first interception, on the Browns’ opening drive, came on a deep pass intended for Cooper. The ball was underthrown, allowing Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean to make the interception.
Winston’s second interception, midway through the third quarter, was even more costly. With the Browns trailing 17-10, Winston threw a pass intended for tight end David Njoku, but it was intercepted by Winfield Jr. and returned 45 yards for a touchdown.
Winston’s third interception, with just over two minutes remaining and the Browns trailing 34-31, was the most damaging. With the Browns driving for a potential game-tying field goal, Winston threw a deep ball intended for Cooper, but it was intercepted by Edwards.
“I have to be better than that,” Winston said of his interceptions. “I can’t turn the ball over like that. I have to protect the football.”
Browns Offense Stalls in Second Half
The Browns’ offense, which entered the game averaging 30.8 points per game, was unable to sustain its momentum in the second half. Chubb was held to just 63 rushing yards on 16 carries, while Cooper had eight receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown.
The Browns’ running game, which had been so effective in recent weeks, was unable to get going against the Buccaneers’ stout defense. Chubb, who had rushed for over 100 yards in each of the Browns’ previous two games, was held to just 3.9 yards per carry.
The Browns’ passing game also struggled in the second half. Winston was under constant pressure from the Buccaneers’ pass rush, and he was sacked four times. Cooper was the Browns’ only reliable target, but he was unable to get open consistently.
“We have to find a way to be more consistent,” Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said. “We can’t afford to have these kind of lulls in our offense.”
Browns Look to Bounce Back Against Bengals
The Browns will look to bounce back next week when they host the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals are coming off a 41-17 loss to the Cleveland Browns, so they will be looking to avenge that defeat.
The Browns will need to play much better than they did against the Buccaneers if they want to beat the Bengals. Winston will need to protect the football, and the offense will need to be more consistent. The defense will also need to step up and generate more pressure on Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.
“We have to learn from this game and move on,” Stefanski said. “We have a tough opponent coming up next week, so we need to be ready to play our best.”