Why Browns' Jameis Winston isn't laughing over latest viral moment

Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston has a history of going viral on game days. That trend continued when he said he was "just praying for the Lord to deliver me from pick-sixes" after two of three interceptions he tossed in Cleveland's 41-32 loss to the Denver Broncos this past Monday night were returned for touchdowns. 

Winston spoke with reporters on Thursday and hinted that he's not amused regarding anything related to that subject. 

"No. I mean, it’s not fun. I take it very personally," Winston said, as shared by the Browns' website. "But, I do believe in prayer, and I know prayer works, but I still focus on the decisions. I can work technique stuff, I can work fundamentals, and I’m going to continue to work fundamentals and understanding that when those moments come up, focusing on the fundamentals and technique more than the moment."

Winston has won two of five starts since Week 1 QB1 Deshaun Watson went down with a ruptured Achilles on Oct. 20. The first pick of the 2015 draft has thrown 11 touchdown passes and seven interceptions this season. While he recorded 497 passing yards and four touchdowns against Denver, his mistakes caused many observers to note that the Browns got "the full Jameis Winston experience" on Monday night. 

"I’m not going to let a narrative of turnovers define who I am," Winston explained. "I’m going to continue to step back up to the plate...Keep on stepping back up to the plate and swinging for the fences." 

Winston also suggested that he sometimes has to "live to have another at-bat." Considering he famously tallied 33 touchdown passes and 30 interceptions during the 2019 season, who he was for the Browns in Denver is probably just who he is at this stage of his career — a home-run hitter of a quarterback who is also going to make multiple "what are you thinking?" throws per game. 

Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer mentioned earlier this week that the Browns could try to bring Winston back during the offseason via a one-year contract worth "perhaps $6M." Still, others believe the 30-year-old would make more money by serving as a bridge quarterback with a different club. Such discussions can be saved for later, as Winston first could create more must-see-television moments when the 3-9 Browns play at the 9-3 Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday. 

As of Friday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Cleveland as a 6.5-point underdog for that rivalry showdown.