CLEVELAND, Ohio — To the disdain of some, Browns GM Andrew Berry decided on Jameis Winston over last year’s hero, Joe Flacco, as Deshaun Watson’s backup for 2024.
Make no mistake, the Browns are completely committed to Watson and whatever it takes for him to be successful. Part of that means finding a backup who is just that, a backup. That’s where Winston enters the picture. He is not in competition with Watson but can win games if needed.
On film, there are three things that make Winston a really good backup for Watson:
1. Experience
In his career, Winston has thrown for 22,104 yards with 141 touchdowns. He is 34-56 as a starter and has led 13 game-winning drives. With the Browns in win-now mode, an experienced backup who can win football games is crucial if something were to happen to Watson.
2. Intelligence and arm talent
Watching film, Winston’s ability to understand and dissect defenses are at an elite level. At 6-foot-4 and 231 pounds, the former Florida State star stands tall and confident in the pocket. His intelligence allows him to read the defense, but his arm talent allows him to deliver into tight windows.
Not only can he deliver into small areas, but he also throws a really accurate deep ball. This is important because head coach Kevin Stefanski wants to push the football vertically.
Below, Winston stands tall in the pocket with inside pressure. He does a great job of recognizing man coverage and hitting Alvin Kamara on the “Texas” routWinston throws the football very well vertically. He can make all the throws. Here is a great throw off play action.
Jameis Winston throws the football vertically very well. He can make all the throws. Here is a great throw off play action.
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