The Browns beat the Broncos 17-14. Here’s how it happened.
The Broncos entered Thursday night’s game against the Browns in desperate need of a win.
Instead, the Broncos walked away with their heads hung low for the fourth game in a row. After an 0-3 start, they are 3-4 now.
The Broncos were down 10-0 at halftime and looked much-improved in the second half, but it wasn’t enough. The Browns beat the Broncos 17-14.
Here’s how it happened:
4Q 5:26 Browns 17, Broncos 14
The Broncos are within reach, thanks to a screen pass from Teddy Bridgewater to Javonte Williams that turned into a 10-yard touchdown. The scoring drive was 17 plays and took up over six minutes of time. Now a rested Broncos defense will try to get the field off quickly to give the offense a chance to strike again.
3Q 0:56 Browns 17, Broncos 7
It didn’t take long for the Browns to respond and make it a two possession contest again. Case Keenum connected with Johnny Stanton for a one-yard touchdown.
Von Miller injured, will not return
Von Miller collided with teammate Dre’Mont Jones and was attended to by trainers on the field. He was able to limp off, very gingerly but on his own power, and headed into the medical tent. He has an ankle injury and will not return.
3Q 7:48: Browns 10, Broncos 7
Whatever the Broncos offense did at halftime worked. They marched right down the field on their first drive of the third quarter, with Melvin Jordan coming up with the diving catch to get the Broncos on the board.
Browns 10, Broncos 0 at halftime
Paging the Broncos offense? Two three and outs and an interception. That’s all the Broncos offense was able to muster in the first half. They had just two first downs and gained only 76 yards.
Browns field goal attempt blocked
Shelby Harris has been the lone bright spot for the Broncos so far. First came a sack, his second of the season. Then he jumped just high enough to block the Browns field goal attempt. His effort kept the Browns lead to 10-0 with just under two minutes left in the first half.
Bridgewater intercepted in end zone.
The Broncos went three and out on their first drive. Their second ended with a turnover. Bridgewater was trying to hit John Brown in the end zone on a third and nine, but John Johnson III came away with it for the Browns.
Micah Kiser will not return
Another blow for the Broncos’ defense. Inside linebacker Micah Kiser left the game in the first quarter with a groin injury and headed to the locker room to be checked out. He was later ruled as out for the rest of the game. Curtis Robinson, an undrafted rookie from Stanford, is his replacement.
1Q, 3:09: Browns 10, Broncos 0
This drive wasn’t quite as easy for the Browns, but they still walked away with points. Chase McLaughlin notched the 52-yard field goal.
1Q, 12:20: Browns 7, Broncos 0
The Browns made that one look easy. The Broncos defense gave up three plays of over 10 yards, and the Browns marched quickly down the field to take a 7-0 lead. D’Ernest Johnson ran it in for the four-yard touchdown.
Read up on pre-game coverage here:
3 keys to a Broncos victory over the Browns: Contain Myles Garett
Broncos Von Miller promises big game vs. Browns: ‘I’m going to go off’
Woody Paige: Game against Browns will decide Broncos season
Klee’s Scorecard (and prediction): Broncos vs. Case Keenum’s Cleveland Browns
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