Will QB Jameis Winston have another strong performance last week?

In his first start as a member of the Browns, QB Jameis Winston threw for 334 yards and three touchdowns in the Browns’ Week 8 victory over the Ravens.

“It was a blessing, man,” Winston said after the game. “I am so happy and grateful that God has given me this opportunity to lead this team. I was hungry for this opportunity.”

Winston will get another chance to be a starter in Week 9 against the Chargers as head coach Kevin Stefanski has named him the starting quarterback for the upcoming season. In order to have another successful performance against the Chargers’ defense, Winston will need to be proficient and limit turnover-worthy plays.

The Chargers have 10 takeaways this season and have a pass rush that can force quarterbacks to get the ball out quickly, led by OLB Khalil Mack and DE Joey Bosa.

“You’ve got Khalil Mack, you’ve got Joey Bosa, you’ve got great interior linemen, great linebacker group, great DBs,” Winston said Wednesday. “But, man, I believe in us. I think we’re a great, physical team.”

On the final drive against the Ravens, Winston threw a ball that was nearly intercepted by Ravens S Kyle Hamilton, who lost control of the ball before making the catch. The interception likely would have sealed the win for Baltimore and handed Cleveland its sixth straight loss.

“Oh, I immediately started praying,” Winston said after the game. “And I think when situations like this happen, you always sit back and think, ‘Man, I’ve got something else to work on.'”

Offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey said both ball placement and decision-making will be paramount if Winston wants to avoid costly interceptions against the Chargers’ defense.

The quarterback had many examples against the Ravens where he put the ball in the perfect position for his receiver to run after the catch, including his game-winning 38-yard touchdown pass to WR Cedric Tillman.

“This is a constant thing that you throw at quarterbacks,” Dorsey said Thursday. “They’re constantly talking about, one, making decisions and making sure we’re doing the right things with the football, and two, ball placement. Ball placement is very important for us to ensure completions of course and then maximize them (run after). Catching opportunities for our receivers.