CLEVELAND, OH — Tanning Quarterback Jameis Winston answered questions from reporters at Huntington Bank Field on Sunday beat the RavensKen Dorsey, Jim Donovan and more.
Below is the transcript as provided by the Browns media relations department:
How did it feel to help this city and this team win after what you went through?
“It felt great, and I really appreciate the fans for coming out here and helping us win this game. Hopefully we gave you what I wanted. So let’s keep showing up and showing and keep building.”
Why do you think the crime was as successful as it is today? I mean, you obviously played a big role in that, but moving the ball up and down consistently.
“Yes, many people had their factors. The offensive line played great all day. We were efficient in the running game. Boys 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 shows great leadership from the top down, with coach Kevin (Stefanski) confident in this decision to change. And Ken showed up, he did a great job and he did a great job leading us today.
What went through your mind when you saw Kyle Hamilton drop that interception?
“Oh, I immediately started praying. I immediately started praying. It was only by the grace of God. And I think when situations like that come up, you always sit back and think, ‘Man, I still have stuff to work on,’ right? Because it could have been anything. Who knows how we would feel now if that had happened. But I’m so grateful that that was an “if.” And ‘if’, and ‘should’, and ‘could have, could have been’ mean nothing in this game.”
The (Baltimore) Ravens don’t stop flashing. So how do you deal with that schematically, and as the guy who’s constantly getting hit, how do you deal with that?
“Well, like I said, we did a great job up front. Guys opened up. And if you can be efficient in a running game and stay good in spacing, you can slow that pressure down a little bit and you can attack them a little bit, not play into their hands. ”
Cedric Tillman, just today’s match and what does it do for his self-confidence of the past few weeks for the future?
“He’s a young receiver and he’s hungry. He is hungry to get better. He is hungry to get the ball. But man, look at all our guys. We had guys with multiple targets, man. Geoff Swaim got him a catch today. Dave (David Njoku) just always wins his one-on-one matches. Elijah Moore showed up today and showed up. Jerry Jeudy continues to open up and break plays. And Carlo (Tillman) just found his niche, man. He has found his niche. He blocks well for us, he gets open, he plays physical at the line of scrimmage and he does some good things.
To be able to play like you did, Jameis, this is your first start in two years. What was that like for you?
“It was a blessing, dude. 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 hungry for this opportunity. But the way the boys brought me in. And again, the way that when you meet with your head coach and he’s sure about what he wants to do, it instills confidence in you and that confidence grows exuberantly all the way through. build and you can implement that in every situation, in every conversation you have with the men you fight. And I think that resonates a lot with the people we’ve had running this organization.”
You said it’s easier to give those pregame speeches and bring that juice, that fire and that energy when you’re going to play with the team as well. So, do you think there was a little extra kick today and everyone bought in even a little bit more?
“Well, I think you have a certain amount of responsibility if you’re willing to speak your heart to the team. Like the boys know, like they know you’re in a fight with them. And when they know you’re in a fight with them, good or bad, they’re going to fight for you, man. And I’m so thankful that our offensive line set the tone, our defensive line set the tone. And you know, in the NFL you 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 time.
You’ve been in those two-minute situations before. What was going through your mind as you took the offense out, walked down the field and found that touchdown. What was going through your mind?
“One play at a time. One play at a time. Like over and over again, once I got into the group, once we were able to huddle together, “Hey guys, one play at a time. Hey guys, one play. ”
When you left practice on Friday, did you feel like this offense was part of a big game?
“When Coach Stefanski told me I was starting at quarterback, I said this offense was part of a big game. Like I knew. Honestly, you could see it with Deshaun (Watson) on his last ride. For example, in his last game he is 15-17, 123 yards. This offense started to get going and we just picked up where it left off.
Do you feel like a win like this can change the season?
“A win like this is needed to change the season. We have to keep coming to work and keep putting in the work every day and keep scratching and climbing. We still have a long way to go. I’m happy that we got this win for the fans. This was a victory for the fanbase, right? All the things that happened last week, it was an emotional week for us, but this was a victory for the fanbase. And now we have the fans on our side again and we have to keep fighting for them and showing up and showing because it’s what it takes for us to be the best NFL players we can be and win football games for the Cleveland Browns- organization. .”
You said you had a fanbase victory. Was the energy in the stadium different today?
“I’m just grateful that everyone did their part. That’s the thing: if you have passionate fans, you are especially important to us. We feed you with your energy. You know what I mean? You 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 you get from your fans, whether it’s the crowd noise, whether it’s a change of momentum. You know when your fans are with you or when they are not with you. And our fans were certainly with us today, and we have to continue to embrace their support and continue to show up and show off for them.”
You said when you’re at your best, you’re a great NFL starter. Do you feel like you’ve gone out and validated what you said there?
“Absolutely. I’m confident that when I make great decisions, play by play, I’ll be a great NFL quarterback. I’m sure of that.”
How do you think offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey did as a play-caller today?
“I think he did a great job. That’s just great leadership as a head coach, a great offensive coordinator with great preparation. He was ready for his moment and took advantage of it.”
What specifically worked on WR Cedric Tillman’s game-winning touchdown?
“Just details, we will work on it piece by piece. I think if you can target certain people, the defense can’t focus their eyes on one specific person. And he showed up when it mattered most. So I’m very happy for him.”
Were you happy that offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey got aggressive on the game-winning touchdown?
“Ken always talks about how we’re not going to be conservative; we will 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 showed on that field today. So I’m proud of him. I’m proud of our – really our guys up front, because it starts with them and it ends with them. And I’m so grateful that they had a great day, and they will continue to do so.”
The game ball went to the family of former Browns radio announcer Jim Donovan today. What boost did he give to today’s victory?
“I got chills standing for the national anthem just watching his play-by-play and I clearly know the significance he brings to this organization. I’m very honored that coach (Kevin) Stefanski said yesterday that all we want to do is give a game ball to Jim Donovan’s family. So thank you, Jim, for everything you’ve done for this organization. Your family will remain in my prayers and I am glad we were able to do that for him and his family.”