The Broncos overcame Jameis Winston's 497 yards to beat the Browns in the first period
The Denver Broncos got a big win for their playoff chances, defeating the Cleveland Browns, 41-32, in a back-and-forth thriller on “Monday Night Football.”
The game was a shootout similar to Jameis Winston's last nationally televised battle, which ended in the Browns' victory last Thursday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
But Bo Nix, not Russell Wilson, was Winston's opponent this time around, and he continued to show why he's the Offensive Rookie of the Year frontrunner as he tore apart the Browns' defense.
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Denver Broncos linebacker Michael Burton (20) celebrates his touchdown by tight end Nate Adkins (45) in the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High. (Photos by Ron Chenoy-Imagn)
On the team's second play, Nix had a way of doing as he split the defense, finding fellow rookie DeVaughn Vele for a 16-yard gain that put the Broncos at the one-yard line. A few plays later, running back Javonte Williams scored the game's first touchdown to get the home team on the board first.
But it was up to Winston to respond quickly, launching one to Elijah Moore for a 44-yard gain on four plays on the next drive to get into the red zone. After that, David Njoku went upstairs for his first of two touchdowns of the night to tie things up at 7-7.
Brown's offense, however, went to Jerry Jeudy, who entered the tournament against his former team saying he wanted to “whip a– them.”
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He lived up to those words with 235 yards on nine catches, including a 70-yard touchdown that came shortly after Nix threw a punt to Marvin Mims Jr. third-and-11 for a 93-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
After the Broncos made a field goal to make it a 31-26 game, Winston drove back down again, this time looking for his first lead of the game with a touchdown.
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) reacts following his touchdown reception in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. (Photos by Ron Chenoy-Imagn)
That's exactly what happened, as Nick Chubb was uncovered on his route for a five-yard score.
However, Nix, who has been calm under pressure throughout the season, continued his impressive performance by putting his team in the red zone and Wil Lutz buried a short field goal to regain the lead, 34-32.
Winston had a chance to answer again, but missed the second pick and six of the game, as Ja'Quan McMillan went into the outside lane and went untouched after falling to the ground. He went all the way to the end zone to get out after the fourth quarter.
That was a sign of victory for Denver, as Winston and the Browns didn't have the magic in them to pull off another steal.
Looking at the stat sheet, Nix was 18-for-35 for 294 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, with Mims (3 catches, 105 yards) and Courtland Sutton (6 catches, 102 yards ) leading the team.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) passes the ball during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High. (Photos by Ron Chenoy-Imagn)
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On the ground, Jaleel McLaughlin had 84 yards on 14 carries for the Broncos.
For the Browns, Winston had 497 yards passing on 34-of-58 with Moore and added 11 yards on eight catches. Njoku finished with nine receptions for 52 yards and two scores.
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