Major Browns Changes In Week 8 Produce Stunning Victory Over Ravens

Jameis Winston threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns as the Browns toppled division rival Baltimore in a 29-24 win

Oct 27, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) throws the ball during warm ups before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images / Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

A week rife with change produced a week of firsts for the now 2-6 Cleveland Browns.

For the first time this season the Browns offense eclipsed 20 points in a game. For the first time this season the Browns had a quarterback throw for 200 yards in a game this season. Make that the first time a quarterback threw for 300 yards this season.

With Deshaun Watson sidelined for the remainder of the year with a ruptured Achilles, the Browns offense finally seemed to have an identity under the command of 10-year veteran Jameis Winston. Cleveland produced points on two of their first possession of the game, kicking field goals on both. It was the first time the offense did anything like that since scoring on each of its first two possessions in Week 4 against Raiders.

With the defense standing on it's head, Cleveland actually had a chance to take a lead into the break and double-dip by ending the half with a score, then trying to do the same with the ball in their possession to start the third quarter. That plan was interrupted by a Kyle Hamilton strip sack that two plays later saw the Ravens punching int a touchdown to take a 10-6 lead.

The second part of that plan came to fruition though, as Winston orchestrated a beautiful, eight-play, 70-yard touchdown drive to open the third quarter. David Njoku did the honors, snagging a 23-yard pass over Ravens linebacker Eddie Jackson, on National Tight End Day nonetheless. It was another first, the first time the Browns scored a touchdown on their first possession of the second half.

That set the tone for a thrilling back-and-fourth affair over the final two quarters, that produced four different lead changes. Winston delivered the final one of those, marching Cleveland's offense 69 yards in nine plays, tossing a beautiful 38-yard touchdown pass to Cedric Tillman with a minute left to play that sent Huntington Bank Field into a frenzy.

The fans were also treated to an inspiring quarterback performance from Winston. In his first game as Cleveland's starting QB, he completed 27-of-41 passes for 334 yards and three touchdowns. It felt like a not so distance memory of Joe Flacco leading the Browns on a magical run to the playoffs last season. Maybe Winston can channel something similar.

The win wasn't without some tense moments along the way. During that final drive, Winston nearly gave the game away after throwing the ball right to Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton as if he was running the crossing route meant for Elijah Moore. On a day where the Browns honored legendary play-by-play voice Jim Donovan, who passed away on Saturday after spending much of his career battling leukemia, it felt like he was pulling some strings from above.

On a day where the defense made plenty of key stops, they needed one more in the final minute to keep the magician that is Lamar Jackson from pulling a Ravens win out of a hat. As Jackson's last second heave to the end zone sailed out of bounds he threw down his helmet in frustration.

The football Gods – with some help from a new angel in Donovan – were kind to the Browns today. It all made for one final first, the first time Browns fans left the lakefront feeling the euphoria of a win this season.