Will WR Jerry Jeudy continue his emergence as the Browns’ go-to receiver?
On the Browns’ game-winning drive against the Steelers in Week 12, QB Jameis Winston turned to WR Jerry Jeudy in key moments that kept the drive, and the Browns’ hopes of winning the game, alive.
Jeudy caught a short pass from Winston on fourth down in Pittsburgh territory after Stefanski said he had decided they were too far from the goalposts to attempt a field goal in the wintery conditions. Three plays later, Winston and Jeudy connected on third down for a 15-yard gain that set up RB Nick Chubb‘s game-winning touchdown.
Through Winston’s four games as a starter, Jeudy has averaged just under 95 receiving yards per game, adding a touchdown.
“Well, the simple thing, he’s been open,” Winston said on Jeudy’s recent increase in production. “I think we’ve schemed up some great things to get him open, and he’s just a great receiver. […] But when you see your wide receiver one in Jerry Jeudy, block, make effort plays for Nick Chubb, make effort plays for the offensive line, you know that he is embracing the entire part of being a football player. And I think Jerry Jeudy is one of the best football players I’ve played with.”
Part of Jeudy’s success, Stefanski said, is due to his ability to run a large number of routes, keeping opposing defensive backs guessing. Additionally, Jeudy’s growing connection with Winston has allowed him to improvise after plays break down.
Against the Saints in Week 11, Winston was flushed out of the pocket and had to throw on the run. Jeudy adjusted his route to make himself an easier target for Winston, secured the catch and ran 89 yards untouched for the score.
“We do work it, but it is quite a bit of instincts,” Stefanski said on Jeudy’s ability to improvise. “It becomes pickup basketball, becomes fast-break basketball, where there are rules, but you also play with a feel. And I think that’s important for the quarterback, and it’s also important for all the guys that are filling the wing, looking for a layup to work with the quarterback.”
Jeudy, who spent the first four seasons of his career in Denver, will likely see several matchups against CB Pat Surtain II, who has three interceptions and just one touchdown allowed in 11 games, per NFL Pro.
“It’s going to be a fun matchup. I’ve known Pat since little league, I’ve been competing against him for nearly my whole life,” Jeudy said. “So, to finally get the opportunity to compete against him on this big stage, it’s going to be fun.”