Browns' Winston: 'Praying for the Lord to deliver me from pick-6s'
Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston is embracing his faith after having his career night marked by two costly pick-6s in a 41-32 loss to the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football.
"In times like this, it's an opportunity to continue to glorify the Lord even through the toughest circumstances," Winston said postgame, according to CBS Sports. "I know I'm better than this. I'm just praying for the Lord to deliver me from pick-6s. Like, that's not me."
Winston set a career high with 497 passing yards against the Broncos while also throwing four touchdowns. However, the former No. 1 pick was intercepted three times, including two pick-6s.
Linebacker Nik Bonitto scored a 71-yard TD after picking off Winston in the second quarter, and cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian also had a 44-yard pick-6 late in the fourth quarter to end a potential Browns game-winning drive. Winston's third INT went to Cody Barton, this time inside the end zone with 40 seconds left in the game.
Winston lamented his performance.
"A phenomenal game. Offense, do some great things, but I mess it up," the veteran QB added.
Winston joined the Browns this past offseason and began the year as the team's backup behind Deshaun Watson, who sustained a season-ending Achilles injury Oct. 20.
Interceptions have been an issue for Winston since his college days at Florida State. The 2015 first overall pick became the first player in NFL history to toss at least 30 touchdowns and 30 interceptions during 2019 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Seven of Winston's 30 INTs that year were pick-6s, an NFL record. He also led the league with 626 pass attempts and 5,109 yards that season.
"I am a better player," the 30-year-old Winston said Monday about his current form.
Winston has now completed 61.3% of his passes for 1,763 yards and 11 touchdowns against seven interceptions in 10 appearances (five starts) in 2024.
The 3-9 Browns visit the 9-3 Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.