CLEVELAND (AP) — During an impassioned pregame speech, Jameis Winston asked his Browns teammates to believe.
They do now.
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Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) celebrates after a win against the Baltimore Ravens in an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) celebrates after a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) is tackled by Cleveland Browns defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) cuts past Cleveland Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws in from top Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) goes in for a touchdown after a catch over Baltimore Ravens safety Eddie Jackson (39) during the second half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) escapes from Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during the second half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) celebrates a sack of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during the second half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) sacks Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during the second half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) throws over Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Broderick Washington (96) during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) throws against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) celebrates a touchdown pass to wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Winston threw a 38-yard touchdown pass — his third of the game — to Cedric Tillman with 59 seconds left as Cleveland stunned Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens 29-24 on Sunday to snap a five-game losing streak.
Making his first start in more than two years and replacing injured starter Deshaun Watson, Winston capped an emotional week for the Browns (2-6) by leading them to an upset of their AFC North rival.
“It felt amazing,” said Winston, who passed for 334 yards.
The improbable win came just days after Watson's third season with Cleveland ended with him rupturing an Achilles tendon. Also, the Browns and their fan base were mourning the loss of beloved play-by-play broadcaster Jim Donovan, who died Saturday following a long battle with cancer.
Following the game, coach Kevin Stefanski told his players he'll present the game ball to Donovan's family.
“This one's for Jim,” Stefanski said.
The Browns had to withstand a late comeback attempt by Jackson, who drove the Ravens (5-3) to Cleveland's 24 in the final seconds. Jackson bought time to avoid sacks and threw two incompletions into the end zone, the second to Zay Flowers as time expired.
When the game ended, Jackson slammed his helmet to the ground in front of Baltimore's bench as the Ravens' five-game winning streak ended with a surprising loss.
“You can look at the Browns’ record and say that’s a sorry team, but this is the NFL,” said Jackson, who completed 23 of 38 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns. “Any week can be your day. We didn’t make the plays. We didn’t make the calls to win the game.”
Winston finished 27 of 41 in his first start since Sept. 25, 2022, for New Orleans. The 30-year-old took over Cleveland's offense this week after Watson went down and provided needed leadership.
Winston did what Watson couldn’t as the Browns scored their most points this season and he eclipsed 300 yards passing, something his teammate hasn’t done in 19 starts in his tumultuous tenure in Cleveland.
“He was very confident in the huddle. He was talking the whole time. Some of the stuff he was saying was a little bit out there, but he was ready to go," guard Joel Bitonio said. "Obviously, he threw the ball well — 300 yards, three touchdowns. The game-winner. He was a lot of energy. But he's been like that since he's been here, so it was expected."
Derrick Henry's 2-yard TD run with 2:36 left gave the Ravens a 24-23 lead, but Winston, who signed a one-year deal as a free agent in March, got some help from Baltimore safety Kyle Hamilton on the game-winning drive.
Winston overthrew Elijah Moore on first down and Hamilton was in perfect position to make the interception but had the ball bounce out of his hands.
“I started praying instantly,” Winston said.
“Oh my God!” Moore said. “The football gods were with us for sure.”
Given new life, on the next play Winston lofted a deep ball down the middle to Tillman, who also caught a 22-yard TD pass in the third quarter.
Before Cleveland put together that last rally, Jackson had engineered a six-play, 91-yard scoring drive with his legs and arms. Henry finished that possession with his short TD to tie Hall of Famer Barry Sanders for 10th place on the career scoring list.
Winston’s performance — he also had a 23-yard TD pass to David Njoku -- gives the Browns some hope in a season that was going sideways. A year ago, Joe Flacco came out of semi-retirement after Watson got hurt and led the Browns to the playoffs.
Winston isn't making any promises.
“A win like this is required to change the season around,” Winston said. “We have a long way to go."
Dustin Hopkins kicked field goals of 28, 33 and 48 yards for the Browns.
UP AND RUNNING
Nick Chubb ran for 52 yards in his second game back after suffering a season-ending knee injury in 2023. He moved into third place on Cleveland’s career rushing list.
Chubb (6,585) passed Mike Pruitt (6,540) on a carry in the first half and now only trails Hall of Famers Jim Brown (12,312) and Leroy Kelly (7,274) in club history.
SCARY MOMENT
Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was immobilized on a back board and carted off late in the third quarter. The team said he was taken to a hospital with a neck injury, but has movement in his extremities.
INJURIES
Ravens: DE Brent Urban sustained a concussion in the first quarter. ... NT Michael Pierce (calf) limped off in the second quarter and didn’t return.
Browns: Top CB Denzel Ward went to the locker room midway through the third quarter for further evaluation for a possible concussion. The team said he has been placed in protocol. Ward has a history of head injuries with five known concussions during his NFL career.
UP NEXT
Ravens: Host Denver on Nov. 3.
Browns: Host the Los Angeles Chargers on Nov. 3.
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) celebrates after a win against the Baltimore Ravens in an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) celebrates after a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) is tackled by Cleveland Browns defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) cuts past Cleveland Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws in from top Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) goes in for a touchdown after a catch over Baltimore Ravens safety Eddie Jackson (39) during the second half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) escapes from Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during the second half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) celebrates a sack of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during the second half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) sacks Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during the second half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) throws over Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Broderick Washington (96) during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) throws against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) celebrates a touchdown pass to wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/David Richard)
NEW YORK (AP) — Several of Donald Trump's allies used crude and extreme rhetoric Sunday toward Vice President Kamala Harris and other Trump critics before the former president was to take the stage at New York's Madison Square Garden.
Trump’s childhood friend David Rem referred to the Democratic presidential candidate, who is vying to become the first woman to be elected president, as “the Antichrist” and “the devil.” Businessman Grant Cardone told the crowd that Harris ”and her pimp handlers will destroy our country.”
The opening of the rally was a hodgepodge of Trumpism, with an extended clip played from the 1970 film “Patton,” a painting of the American flag with Trump in front of it hugging the Empire State Building as “God Bless America” blared from the speakers, and a stand-up routine from comedian Tony Hinchcliffe that was full of lewd jokes, often invoking racist stereotypes of Latinos, Jews and Black people.
“I don’t know if you guys know this, but there’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico,” said Hinchcliffe, whose joke was immediately flagged by Harris’ campaign as it competes with Trump to win over Puerto Rican communities in Pennsylvania and other swing states.
With just over a week to go before Election Day, the former president was to take the stage Sunday at one of the country's most well-known venues, hosting a hometown rally to deliver his campaign's closing message against Harris. The program leading up to his appearance was filled with conservative officials, longtime allies and media figures popular with conservatives like Dr. Phil McGraw and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
Much of the program resembled a somewhat surreal version of July's Republican National Convention, which convened less than two days after Trump survived an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, who appeared at the RNC, strutted again on Sunday wearing a feather boa and tearing off his shirt to reveal a Trump campaign tee underneath. He flexed his muscles repeatedly and gestured to the crowd after telling the audience: “Trump is the only man that can fix this country today.”
While some Democrats and pundits have questioned Trump’s decision to hold what they dismiss as a vanity event in his hometown, the rally guarantees Trump what he most craves: the spotlight, wall-to-wall coverage and a national audience.
The closing message he will deliver Sunday, according to his campaign, is that Harris “broke” the country and that Trump “will fix it.” Rallygoers hours beforehand waved signs with the words “Trump will fix it.”
Several speakers ripped Hillary Clinton, the Democrat defeated by Trump eight years ago, for saying Trump on Sunday would be “reenacting” a pro-Nazi event at the Garden in February 1939. One critic, radio host Sid Rosenberg, used a profanity to denounce the former secretary of state.
“Hey guys, they're now scrambling and trying to call us Nazis and fascists,” said Alina Habba, one of Trump's attorneys, who draped a sparkly “MAGA” jacket over the lectern as she spoke. “And you know what they're claiming, guys? It's very scary. They're claiming we're going to go after them and try and put them in jail. Well, ain't that rich?”
Declared Hogan in his characteristic raspy growl: “I don't see no stinkin' Nazis in here.”
Trump has denounced the four criminal indictments brought against him as politically motivated. He has ramped up his denunciations in recent weeks of “enemies from within,” naming domestic political rivals, and suggested he would use the military to go after them. Harris, in turn, has called Trump a “fascist.”
The arena was full hours before Trump was scheduled to speak. Outside the arena, the sidewalks were overflowing with Trump supporters in red “Make America Great Again” hats. There was a heavy security presence. Streets were blocked off and access to Penn Station was restricted.
In the crowd was Philip D’Agostino, a longtime Trump backer from Queens, the borough where Trump grew up. The 64-year-old said it was appropriate for Trump to be speaking at a place bills itself as “the world’s most famous arena.”
“It just goes to show ya that he has a bigger following of any man that has ever lived,” D'Agostino said.
The rally is one of a series of detours Trump has made from battleground states, including a recent rally in Coachella, California — best known for the famous music festival named after the town — and one in May on the Jersey Shore. This summer he campaigned in the South Bronx.
To reach them, Trump has spent hours appearing on popular podcasts. And his campaign has worked to create viral moments like his visit last weekend to a McDonald’s restaurant, where he made fries and served supporters through the drive-thru window. Video of the stop posted by his campaign has been viewed more than 40 million times on TikTok alone.
Harris has also traveled to non-battleground states for major events intended to drive a national message. She appeared in Houston Friday with music superstar Beyoncé to speak about reproductive rights, and will deliver her own closing argument Tuesday from the Ellipse in Washington, where Trump spoke ahead of the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot.
Trump will be joined at the rally by supporters including Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who has spent tens of millions of dollars to boost his campaign.
Trump often compares himself to the country’s greatest entertainers. The former reality TV star has long talked about wanting to hold a rally at the venue in interviews and private conversations.
Beyond the national spotlight and the appeal of appearing on one of the world's most famous stages, Republicans in the state say the rally will also help down-ballot candidates. New York is home to a handful of competitive congressional races that could determine which party controls the House next year.
Trump will also use the stop as a major fundraising opportunity as he continues to seriously lag Harris in the money race.
New York has not voted for a Republican for president in 40 years. But that hasn't stopped Trump from continuing to insist he believes he can win.
Trump routinely uses his hometown as a foil before audiences in other states, painting a dark vision of the city that bears little resemblance to reality. He’s cast it as crime-ridden and overrun by violent, immigrant gangs who have taken over Fifth and Madison avenues and occupied Times Square.
Trump has a complicated history with the place where he built his business empire and that made him a tabloid and reality TV star. Its residents indicted him last year on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. He was found guilty in that case, and also found liable in civil court for business fraud and sexual abuse.
Rudy Giuliani speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
David Rem speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Attendees cheer at a campaign rally for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
A crowd stands in line before a campaign rally for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Signs are placed in seats before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Signs are placed in seats before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Supporters of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump gather for his campaign rally outside Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
A police officer stands in front of the campaign video boards for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump outside Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
People walk past video boards displaying information about the campaign rally for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump outside Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Signs are placed in seats before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Supporters of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump gather for his campaign rally outside Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Supporters of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump enter a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Supporters of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump gather for his campaign rally outside Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Video boards display information about the campaign rally for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump outside Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Screens inside the venue are pictured before a campaign rally for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
A worker places signs in seats before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Supporters of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump gather for his campaign rally outside Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Supporters of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump gather for his campaign rally outside Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Supporters pray before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
An attendee salutes at a campaign rally for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
A video from the movie "Patton" is played before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Scott Lobaido unveils a painting before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Signs in seats before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Video boards outside Madison Square Garden display information about the campaign rally for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Workers place signs in seats before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Video boards outside Madison Square Garden display information about the campaign rally for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
FILE - President George W. Bush addresses the Republican National Convention at Madison Square Garden in New York, Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia, File)
FILE - In this Feb. 20, 1939 file photo, New York City's mounted police form a line outside Madison Square Garden to hold in check a crowd that packed the streets where the German American Bund was holding a rally. (AP Photo/Murray Becker, File)
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Bryce Jordan Center, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
