The Denver Broncos earned a big win for their playoff chances by defeating the Cleveland Browns 41-32 in a thrilling back-and-forth showdown on Monday Night Football.
The game was a shootout much like Jameis Winston's nationally televised victory for the Browns against the Pittsburgh Steelers last Thursday.
But this time, Winston's opposing quarterback was Bo Nix, not Russell Wilson, and he continued to prove why he's a top candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year as he tore apart the Browns defense. Ta.
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Denver Broncos fullback Michael Barton, 20, celebrates a touchdown with tight end Nate Adkins, 45, during the second quarter of a game against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High. . (Ron Chenoy-Iman Images)
On the team's second drive, the Knicks methodically dissected the defense and found fellow rookie Devaughn Verre for a 16-yard gain that got the Broncos to the 1-yard line. A few plays later, running back Javonte Williams scored the first touchdown of the game, giving the home team the lead.
But it was up to Winston to react quickly, hitting Elijah Moore with a one-shot and entering the red zone for a 44-yard gain in four plays until the next drive. David Njoku then went upstairs and scored the first of Cleveland's two touchdowns on the night, tying the game at 7-7.
But the Browns' offense definitely stuck with Jerry Jeudy, who entered this competition with his former team by saying, “We want to beat them.”
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He lived up to his word, gaining 235 yards on nine catches, including just after the Knicks threw a dot to Marvin Mims Jr. on third-and-11 for a 93-yard touchdown in the third quarter. He also scored a 70-yard touchdown.
After the Broncos kicked a field goal to make it 31-26, Winston was back under center, this time trying to take the lead for the first time in the game with a touchdown.
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) reacts after receiving a touchdown in the third quarter of a game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. (Ron Chenoy-Iman Images)
That's exactly what happened when Nick Chubb ran a route for a 5-yard score.
However, the Knicks, who have calmly handled pressure all season, led the team to the red zone again and continued their strong performance, as Will Lutz sank a short field goal to take back the lead at 34-32.
Winston had another chance to fight back, but Jaquan McMillan took an out route but fell to the grass and was not touched, throwing his second pick-six of the game. He ran straight into the end zone and pulled away late in the fourth quarter.
This proved to be a win for Denver, as Winston and the Browns didn't have the magic to pull off another spoiler.
Looking at the stat sheet, the Knicks were 18-of-35 for 294 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, with Mims (three catches, 105 yards) and Courtland Sutton (six catches, 102) Yard) led the team.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, 10, passes the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High. (Ron Chenoy-Iman Images)
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On the ground, Broncos' Jaleel McLaughlin gained 84 yards on 14 carries.
For the Browns, Winston completed 34-of-58 passes for 497 yards, and Moore also had eight catches for 11 yards. Njoku had nine receptions for 52 yards and two scores.
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