Browns Drop Overtime Heartbreaker to Denver 26-23
By Joe Russo
Oct 18, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) catches the ball en route to scoring a touchdown as Cleveland Browns cornerback Tramon Williams (22) defends in the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Rapid Reaction: Denver Broncos’ Second Half
Manning shrugged off his pick six in a big way, throwing a 75 touchdown to WR Emmanuel Sanders that was placed beautifully over CB Tramon Williams. He might not have the arm strength he used to, but his timing and game IQ are still as good ass ever.
That play put a ton of pressure on the Browns and answered a big time play by Dansby. In fact, that score was their first offensive touchdown in 27 drives and it was a one play drive.
Hillman was just the latest 100 yard rusher against the Browns. 18 carries and 102 yards later, the Broncos back easily surpasses the team average for rushing per game. He also gave the Browns rushing defense more questions than answers against the run.
Denver took advantage of Cleveland’s inability to set the edge. RB C.J. Anderson was supposed to be the lead back. Denver cut RB Monte Ball, so Hillman is poised to build off of his big game today to be the lead back for an offense that will need to run the ball more and more going forward.
This defense is for real. Say what you will about the McCown throw. The Denver pass rush forced McCown off of his spot most of the game. They gave up only 312 total yards in regulation. They forced three turnovers (two interceptions and a LB Shaq Barrett strip sack) and played faster than any defense the Browns have seen all year.
If Manning and the offense can’t figure it out, then this defense will be the reason Denver has any success on the season.
Next: Overtime