10 Musings from the Browns’ victory over the Broncos

On a short week, the Cleveland Browns were available multiple injuries on offense, beating the Denver Broncos, 17-14, on Thursday Night Football. The victory moves Cleveland to 4-3 on the season. There is a lot to talk about, but let’s take a look at my ten biggest thoughts regarding the victory over the Broncos.

1. Kevin Stefanski had one of the best games of his career, both in leadership and play calling. First, in the leadership department, this team was in a big-time hole after a horrible loss the week before, an insane amount of injuries, especially on offense, and a game coming up in just four short days. He got his squad ready to go in amidst of a lot of negative talk surrounding the team. Stefanski pronounced to his team pre-game that this happens in the NFL and every team gets hit with injuries. So, no excuses. This leadership led the Browns to a victory in a tough-nosed victory. It was an impressive moment for the young coach.

And, then on the play calling side of things, Stefanski was in his bag versus the Broncos. He called a brilliant game centered on the offensive line. He did not give quarterback Case Keenum the same game plan as he would with Baker Mayfield. The game plan featured a lot of play-action passes, screen passes, and quick short passes. And, he centered the offensive game plan on the run game. He leaned on the offensive line that got healthy with the return of left tackle Jedrick Wills. And, he relied on a third-string running back to follow his blocks and then makes plays when he can. It was a masterful job by Stefanski.

2. We need to stop and appreciate running back D’Ernest Johnson. In his first-ever start after fighting his way into the NFL, including DM’ing every AAF team two years ago to get a chance to try out for their, Johnson produced a night to remember, carrying the ball 22 times for 146 yards and a touchdown. He was the MVP of the offense, along with the offensive line. Johnson found the holes in the line and then made some absolutely amazing moves to create even more yards. He was a saving grace for this offense that featured a quarterback who could really threaten the defense vertically. With Kareem Hunt out for a while, Johnson deserves to continue to get carries and time on the field even when Nick Chubb returns.

3. The Browns’ offensive line absolutely smashed the Denver Broncos’ defensive front. Cleveland dominated the line of scrimmage all night, allowing a third-string running back and a backup quarterback to be comfortable in their role. The importance of the return of Jedrick Wills at left tackle cannot be overstated. Wills’ availability moved struggling rookie James Hudson off the field and then moved Blake Hance to the right tackle spot, a spot he was probably a lot more comfortable and good at. The two tackles played well, along with the interior of the line. The offensive line allowed just one sack and helped lead a rushing attack that earned 182 yards on the group. With where this offensive is at right now, Cleveland will need to rely heavily on this line to drive this offense forward.

4. Case Keenum did exactly what the team wanted him to do. He was a perfect game manager in the victory. He did not turn the ball over and really limited the turnover-worthy plays. He knew where the ball needed to go each play and he was very quick on getting the ball out. He didn’t try to do too much in a game where the run game dominated. And, it was nice to see that when the offense needed him to make a play, Keenum did by running for a first down on a big fourth-down play near the endzone. But, the performance should quiet all of those who expected this offense to be better with Keenum under center. It was not even close. Keenum was pretty much unable to throw anything downfield. It was stark how much stronger Mayfield’s arm is rather than Keenum’s. This was a situation where Mayfield being hurt caused it to happen not a situation where Keenum would magically be a better quarterback. Mayfield needed time to rest and that may continue if he is still not ready to go. It’s all about Mayfield’s and the team’s future in regards to this injury and nothing to do with Keenum. An injured Mayfield is better than a healthy Keenum, but the Browns have to be smart and not put Mayfield in the action until it is safe for him to go out there. But, the idea that somehow Keenum would be better for this offense can be shut down forever.

5. Well, I guess punter Jamie Gillan just needed some competition to start punting like we know he can. He had three punts averaging 51.7 yards per punt and two of the punts landed inside the 20-yard line. Gillan was big in flipping field position on multiple occasions. In a game where it came down to the wire and the offense was unable to produce quick big plays, this was very much needed. Gillan has now had two straight good games. It will need to continue.

6. The defense was a tale of two halves. The first half was a great performance from the defense. The unit gave up just 76 total yards, produced a turnover, and did not allow a third-down conversion all half. The secondary seemed more aggressive and gave up little room to the pass catchers. But, that all seemed to disappear in the second half. The Browns defense allowed 147 total yards, but the real collapse came in third down defense, allowing five of the seven third downs to go for firsts. This has been the problem for most of the season and it popped up again in the second half. This unit and defensive coaching staff better step up and fix these continuing problems because, with the injuries on offense, the team needs it.

7. There were positives on defense with the run defense continuing to be one of the lone bright spots on defense. Teams have had a rough time rushing against this defense and it continued on Thursday. The Browns are in the top five of rushing defenses, allowing just 80.4 yards per game. Against the Broncos, Cleveland allowed just 41 yards on the ground. The defense is forcing teams to be more one-dimensional, which should make it easier for the pass defense to defend the opposing team’s pass game. That has not quite happened yet for the defense, but if the Browns continue their strong run defense it is bound to start helping the coverage team play better.

8. With linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah out a few weeks, Anthony Walker played well in his absence. He showed off his strong tackling, which was very much needed for this defense. He also played well in coverage, using his IQ to move around the defense to defend the pass well. He did a really nice coverage pickup on a wheel route that put him in one on one coverage. He was able to force the incompletion. That was nice to see a player pick up for an injured teammate.

9. The Browns lived by Captain America’s moto in Avengers-Endgame, “Whatever it takes.” Cleveland did whatever it took to get this much-needed victory. In a game with so many injuries on the offensive side of the ball, the players stepped up and did whatever they could to get the victory. Stefanski should be proud of his squad after all the negative talk after the Cardinals’ loss, this team showed up and did its job to get the win.

10. Gosh this extended rest the team gets is so needed right now. I think no other team could use a small bye week more than the Browns. Hopefully, we can get Nick Chubb and Jack Conklin back on offense. And, this time off will help Baker Mayfield to heal and just rest his mind that we saw was racing so fast in his last game. Playing on short rest was rough, but it pays off when the team got the victory and then this extended time to sit and heal.