A “What If” About Browns; a “what if” about Jameis Winston – Terry Pluto’s scribbles

3. Consider the idea that everything would be different if Hamilton had done the play. First, let's admit that the euphoria over the riot over Baltimore would have faded. There would be some, “Winston is going to break your heart with those interceptions.”

4. But even with a loss, wouldn't you be more optimistic about the Browns' offense? Couldn'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 if the Browns had lost 24-23 to Baltimore, sentiment should be positive that the offense is finally looking like a professional offense. Watson was sacked five times per game – Winston was sacked twice. That's because Winston was decisive in where he wanted to throw the ball. He stayed in the pocket to help his blockers. The Browns will never say it, but I've always believed Watson is a nightmare to block from.

6. I know there were a lot of Joe Flacco comparisons used in my gaming column, but they are valid. Winston and Flacco are great pocket passers with even greater arm strength. Flacco threw 13 TD passes and eight interceptions in his five regular season games with the Browns in 2023. Flacco has interceptions. The same goes for Winston.

7. Flacco threw for at least 300 yards in four of his five starts with the Browns. He threw three TD passes in three of those games. 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 at 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 major part of the problem. Meanwhile, a supposedly run-down Flacco…a career backup in Brissett…and another backup in Winston…all spawned Kevin Stefanski's offense. Remember, this is an example from the last two and a half 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 plays. Dorsey and Stefanski worked together to come up with a game plan for Winston.

11. Winston said: “At the start of the week we had this change. Our head coach stopped calling plays. Why did he do that? Ken Dorsey stepped forward. But this just shows great leadership from the top down because coach Kevin is confident in this decision to change. And Ken is there, he did a great job and did a great job leading us today.”

12. More Winston: “I've been longing for this opportunity (to start)…When you have the opportunity to meet with your head coach and he's sure about what he wants to do…That instills confidence in you.” That confidence shines throughout the building. You can implement this in every single situation…in every single conversation you have with the men you fight with.”

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