CLEVELAND, Ohio — Browns quarterback Jameis Winston took questions from reporters on Sunday at Huntington Bank Field on the win over the Ravens, Ken Dorsey, Jim Donovan, and more.
Below is the transcript as provided by the Browns media relations department:
How did it feel to get this city and this team a win after what you guys have been going through?
“It felt amazing, and I really appreciate the fans for coming out here and helping us win this game. We gave y’all what y’all I wanted, hopefully. So, let’s continue to show up and show out and keep building.”
Why do you think the offense was as successful as it was today? I mean, obviously you played a big part in that, but to move the ball up and down field consistently.
“Yeah, a lot of people had their factors. Offensive line played great all day. We were efficient in the run game. Guys were open. But at the beginning of the week, we had this change; our head coach stops calling plays. Like, ‘Why did he do that?’ Ken Dorsey stepped up. But that just shows great leadership from the top down with Coach Kevin (Stefanski) being certain about this decision to change. And Ken showed up, he put in great work, and he did an outstanding job today to lead us.”
What went through your mind when you saw Kyle Hamilton drop that interception?
“Oh, I started praying instantly. I started praying instantly. It was only by the grace of God. And I think when situations like that happen, you always sit back and you’re like, ‘Man, I still got the stuff to work on,’ right? Because it could have been a matter of whatever. Who knows how we would feel right now if that would have happened. But I’m so grateful that that was an ‘if’. And ‘ifs’, and ‘shoulds’, and ‘would’ve, could’ves’ don’t mean nothing in this game.”
The (Baltimore) Ravens don’t stop blitzing. So schematically, how do you handle that and as the guy getting hit all the time, how do you handle that?
“Well, like I said, we did a great job up front. Guys got open. And when you are able to be efficient in a running game, staying good down in distances, you’re able to kind of slow down that pressure and you’re able to kind of attack them a little bit, not play into their hand.”
Cedric Tillman, just the game today and what does it do for his, the last couple weeks, do for his confidence going forward?
“He’s a young receiver and he’s hungry. He’s hungry to get better. He’s hungry to get the ball. But, man, look at all of our guys. We had guys with multiple targets, man. Geoff Swaim got him a catch out there today. Dave (David Njoku) just always wins his one-on-one matchups. Elijah Moore showed up and showed out today. Jerry Jeudy is continuing to get open and break plays. And Cedric (Tillman) just found his niche, man. He’s found his niche. He’s blocking well for us, he’s getting open, he’s playing physical at the line of scrimmage and he’s doing some good things.”
For you to play like you did, Jameis, it’s your first start in two years. What was that like for you?
“It was a blessing, man. I’m so, like I said, I’m so happy and grateful that God gave me this opportunity to lead this team, man. I’ve been starving for this opportunity. But the way the guys took me in. And again, the way that when you’re able to have a meeting with your head coach and he’s certain of what he wants to do, that instills confidence in you and then that confidence exuberates throughout the building and you’re able to implement that in every single situation, every single conversation that you have with the men that you’re fighting with. And I think that just resonates a lot by the people we got running this organization.”
You mentioned that it’s easier to give those pregame speeches and to bring that juice, and that fire, and that energy when you’re also going to be playing with the team. So, do you think there had a little bit of an extra kick to it today and everybody kind of bought in even a little more?
“Well, I think you have a certain level of accountability when you’re willing to speak your heart to the team. Like the guys know, like they know you’re in the battle with them. And when they know that you’re in a battle with them, good or bad, they’re going to fight for you, man. And I’m so grateful that our offensive line, they set the tone, our defensive line, they set the tone. And you know, in the NFL, like that’s what win games. When your offensive line dominates the line of scrimmage and your defensive line dominates the line of scrimmage, you win football games every single time.”
You’ve been in those two-minute situations before. What was kind of going through your head as you’re getting the offense out, moving on the field, finding that touchdown. What was going through your mind in that?
“One play at a time. One play at a time. Like over and over again, once I stepped in huddle, when we were able to huddle, ‘Hey guys, one play at a time. Hey guys, one play at a time.’”
When you left practice Friday, did you feel like this offense was sitting on a big game?
“When Coach Stefanski told me I was starting quarterback, I said this offense was sitting on a big game. Like I knew it. Honestly, you could see it with Deshaun (Watson) in his last drive. Like, in his last game he’s 15-17, 123 yards. This offense was starting to roll, and we just picked up where it left off.”
Do you feel like a win like this can change the season around?
“A win like this is required to change the season around. We have to continue to come to work and apply ourselves every single day and keep scratching and climbing. We have a long way to go. I’m happy that we got this win for the fans. This was a fan base win, right? All the stuff that happened last week, it was an emotional week for us, but this was a fan base win. And now we have the fans back on our side and we have to continue to fight for them and show up and show out because it is required for us to be the best NFL players that we can be and win football games for the Cleveland Browns organization.”
You mentioned about being a fan base win, was the energy in the stadium different today?
“I’m just grateful that everyone did their part. That’s the thing, when you have passionate fans, you matter especially to us. We feed off your energy. You know what I’m saying? Y’all feed off our energy. There are three teams on the football field, right? You have the home team, the away team, and you have the referees. Right? But the advantage is your fans and the support that you get from your fans, whether it’s crowd noise, whether it’s a change of momentum. You know when your fans are with you or when they’re not with you. And our fans were definitely with us today, and we have to continue to embrace their support and continue to show up and show out for them.”
You said when you’re at your very best, you’re a great NFL starter. Do you feel like you went out there and backed up what you said there?
“Absolutely. I am certain when I am making great decisions one play at a time, I am a great NFL quarterback. I am certain of that.”
How do you think Offensive Coordinator Ken Dorsey did as a play caller today?
“I think he did amazing. That’s just great head coach leadership – great offensive coordinator with great preparation. He was ready for his moment, and he capitalized on it.”
What specifically worked on the game-winning touchdown to WR Cedric Tillman?
“Just details, going at it one play at a time. I think when you’re able to get certain people targets, defenses aren’t able to locate their eyes on one specific person. And he showed up when it mattered most. So, I’m very happy for him.”
Were you glad that offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey went aggressive on the game-winning touchdown?
“Ken always talks about how we’re not going to be conservative; we’re going to be aggressive and not conservative. And that’s the way he preaches as an offensive coordinator. And that’s what we showed, that’s what we exemplified out there on that field today. So, I’m proud of him. I’m proud of our – really our boys up front because it starts with them, and it finishes with them. And I’m so grateful that they had an amazing day, and they will continue to do that.”
The game ball went to former Browns radio announcer Jim Donovan’s family today. What kind of boost did he provide in today’s win?
“I had chills standing before the national anthem, just seeing his play-by-play and obviously I know the significance that he is to this organization. I’m very honored that Coach (Kevin) Stefanski said yesterday all we want to do is give a game ball to Jim Donovan’s family. So, thank you, Jim, for all you’ve done for this organization. Your family is going to continue to be in my prayers and I’m just happy we were able to do that for him and his family.”