The Browns lost 27-10 to the Chargers on Sunday, bringing their record to 2-7 after the Week 9 loss.
The offense struggled to move the ball, gaining just 58 yards in the first half and putting together one field goal drive.
Winston finished with 235 yards, one passing touchdown and three interceptions. His passing touchdown came on the Browns’ final offensive drive of the game after they were down three scores.
Meanwhile, the Chargers offense exploded in the first half, with over 250 yards of offense and three touchdowns, including a 66-yard completion to WR Quentin Johnston in the second quarter.
While the defense played well at times throughout the game, sacking QB Justin Herbert six times, they allowed several big plays that proved the difference in the game.
Key moments
Chargers’ explosive first half proves too much to overcome
The Chargers’ 20 points in the first half were fueled by explosive plays. Herbert had five passing plays that went for over 20 yards and RB J.K. Dobbins had two runs for 10 or more yards.
After allowing a 53-yard punt return to start the Chargers second drive, the Browns defense held its own before penalties and blown assignments resulted in a Chargers halftime lead.
The defense held the Chargers to third-and-12, but DE Ogbo Okoronkwo committed a neutral zone infraction and the Chargers picked up a first down on the following play. The Browns once again forced the Chargers into a long third down after DT Shelby Harris sacked Herbert, but on third-and-20, WR Josh Palmer found himself uncovered in the end zone for an uncontested touchdown.
DE Myles Garrett put together a monster first half with three sacks. However, after Garrett and the Browns defense held the Chargers to a third-and-6, the secondary once again missed an assignment and WR Quentin Johnson caught a pass from Herbert and ran 66 yards untouched to the end zone to build the Chargers’ lead.
On the Chargers’ third scoring drive of the half, Herbert completed three passes for 45 yards before Dobbins ran 16 yards for a touchdown.
