Browns Drop Overtime Heartbreaker to Denver 26-23

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Oct 18, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge (82) catches a fourth quarter touchdown against the Denver Broncos at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Broncos won 26-23. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Rapid Reaction: Cleveland Browns’ Second Half

TE Gary Barnidge has become the single best weapon for this Browns’ offense. He caught another difficult touchdown pass on a corner route and then another on a double move to beat S T.J. Ward.

As the only skill player with any size, it’s no surprise that McCown would target the 6’5 Barnidge in scoring territory. But what has been great for this offense has been the way Barnidge has come through in big moments.

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Those two scores came at big moments in the game. He also became the first Browns tight end with four straight games with a touchdown catch since Ozzie Newsome in 1981.

Dansby had himself a game. With two Pro Bowlers missing from the defense, it was Dansby that stepped up in the passing game. He added a second interception, taking a bobbled catch by Hillman 35 yards for a touchdown.

That may have been the second best play of the year behind Barnidge’s between the legs catch and really gave this team some energy going through the end of the game.

McCown’s regression to the mean continued in the second half. He hit Barnidge twice for touchdowns, but also fumbled and threw a demoralizing interception with seconds left in the 4th quarter.

With 2nd and 10 at the Denver 46, McCown was flushed from the pocket and tried to throw the ball away, but underthrew the sidelines and was picked off by S David Bruton.

Though the defense would hold and force overtime, that pick was McCown’s third turnover of the game and it killed the Browns chances to win in regulation.

Next: Rapid Reaction: Denver Broncos' Second Half

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