Cleveland Browns: 5 ways the Browns can steal a road win vs Broncos
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Not betting against Baker
Despite having to travel for this one, the Browns’ Week 15 contest against the Broncos is winnable.
Denver’s a 6-7 team that’s seriously banged up, and the Broncos are running into a quarterback who only continues to trend upward.
Since teaming with interim offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens, Mayfield leads all quarterbacks on passes that travel 20+ yards. He’s completing 66.7 percent of those throws and has a passer rating of 126.2.
He’ll have obvious challenges in the game from rookie sack leader Bradley Chubb, as well as Super Bowl champion Vonn Miller, but if the Browns’ line can contain the Broncos two-headed monster, Mayfield should find his opportunities to go deep.
The interior of the Browns line, anchored by Tretter (assuming he plays) and guards Joel Bitonio and J.C. Tretter, have been excellent in protection throughout the season. The three have allowed pressures on just 8.4 percent of passing snaps, which ranks just behind the New England Patriots.
Tackles Greg Robinson and Chris Hubbard wil have the daunting task of stopping Miller and Chubb. They’re not going to be perfect, but you’ve got to feel better about this one with Robinson starting, rather than rookie Desmond Harrison.
The biggest challenge for the Browns will be getting inside the red zone. If they can do it, Mayfield can take over. He’s thrown touchdown passes on 40.5 percent of his red zone attempts, according to PFF. That happens to be the third best mark in the NFL.