Thursday’s prediction: Broncos 31, Browns 23
Even after a record-setting game against the downtrodden Ravens, the Browns offense will realize very quickly that the Broncos defense is one of the best in the NFL. The Browns will still put up some points and I don’t see this as a blowout, but Peyton Manning has some good weapons down field (if almost no running game), and the Cleveland defense has not shown me anything yet this year to prove that they can stop the opponent. The only way the Browns win games this year is via the shootout. Just not this week.
Today’s update: Still no Joe Haden; Manziel is drinking again; It’s winter-like conditions in Cleveland. The weather could help the Browns this week. Look for the defense to blitz Manning – who has not fared well in cold weather over his illustrious career – a lot today, and look for the Browns to pass first so they can establish the run later. If you have hope, either you will be elated or really bummed out at 4 p.m. today. The Browns need to stay away from shooting themselves in the foot with penalties to win this game.
Kickoff: Great coverage from Justin Gilbert to pin the Broncos back at the 14.
1:06 – Carlos Dansby with the HUGE pick of Peyton Manning to stop Denver’s first drive.
1:09 – If the defense gives you the ball on the opponent’s 49-yard line, you need to get points!
1:11 – Not a smart move to go for it on fourth down. You have one of the best punters in the NFL!
1:20 – Those pick plays need to be called as penalties! That is the rule. Enforce it.
1:23 – Broncos hit on a field goal, go up 3-0. Good red-zone defense for the Browns.
1:32 – Not much to say about the offense so far. Thanks for the first down on the facemask flag.
1:33 – End of first quarter, Broncos 3 Browns 0. Pretty boring game so far.
1:37 – Talib picks Josh McCown. McCown has remembered that he’s McCown. Broncos go up 10-0 with 14:09 left in the first half.
1:43 – Turbin gets some good yards for the first down. Browns NEED to score on this drive.
1:44 – Where’s the downfield passing game?
1:45 – Turbin up the middle…
1:46 – Nice reception by Benjamin. Get him the ball more.
1:50 – That sack wasn’t all bad. The punt by Lee should be a good one.
1:51 – Here’s when the Browns start making their normal stupid mistakes.
1:56 – Manning does not look that good so far this game. Gloved hand not working for him.
2:00 – McCown is also off today.
2:01 – Lee with another incredible punt. He will be a Pro-Bowl player this season.
2:05 – Browns defense getting some good pressure. Need to hit Manning more.
2:16 – Pettine’s decision not to take a time out on this drive makes me think that he knows the offense can’t move the ball.
2:17 – At least the Broncos missed the FG. Take a knee.
HALFTIME: Denver 10, Cleveland 0 – The Browns anemic offense needs to be shaken up in the second half. The defense is doing their part this week. McCown has a cannon for an arm, so why not use it? Send the WR’s on go routes and let it fly!
2:35 – That throw to Barnidge is what I’m talking about. Throw it more than five yards downfield.
2:37 – Now on to Hawkins! Is Pettine reaaing my blog, I’ll never tell…
2:40 – Barnidge with another big catch for a TD! Browns on the board, now down 10-7 with 11:07 left in the third quarter.
2:50 – The defense with another great series, and now let’s throw that damn ball downfield right away. Big play on first down would be a stunner.
2:54 – The Broncos are covering Barnidge really close; need to throw to a WR.
2:58 – Broncos doing a great Browns impression. Cleveland D with another stop.
3:01 – McCown blasted on the blind side, and loses fumble. Who was on the weak side blocking???
3:06 – D with yet another big stop. Denver adds three more, now up 13-7, with 2:01 left in the third.
End of third: Denver 13, Cleveland 7
3:20 – Denver with another FG, now up 16-7 with 13:33 left in regulation.
3:23 – Cleveland is down by two scores, and start this drive running? Why??? Bad play calling going on right now.
3:25 – Benjamin with the 47-yard grab for a huge first down. First and 10!
3:26 – McCown with his best Bernie Kosar running impression for a first down.
3:27 – Hey Benjamin, put the long cleats in!
3:28 – Barnidge with another big catch for a TD!!! Browns get within two, down 16-14 with 9:16 left in regulation.
3:33 – Anyone see Manning blocking on that play? He hit Donte Whitner! Lol
3:34 – Carlos Dansby with the pick-6!!! Manning should not be hitting guys, I guess. Browns lead 20-16, but waiting on review of play…
3:37 – Browns lead 20-16 with 8:07 left in regulation after failed 2-pt. conversion.
3:42 – Manning to Sanders for 75-yd. TD. Broncos go back up 23-20, with just more than 7 minutes left.
3:53 – I really hope the decision to go for the 2-point conv. doesn’t bite the Browns in the ass. Pettine, are you still reading this?
3:56 – It’s nice to see the other team doing all the dumb stuff!
3:58 – The Browns’ play calling is perfect for the situation right now.
4:03 – Now it’s time to throw for the end zone.
4:06 – Here we go again. All tied up at 23-23 with 1:30 left in regulation.
4:08 – It’s all about the birds!
4:09 – Browns have the ball, all of their time outs and 1:06 to get a score. Let’s do this, boys!!!
4:12 – McCown needs to throw that out of bounds! No excuse for that toss. OIC
4:15 – Sanders has the Dummy Award for this game by running into the endzone and lying down.
4:16 – That’s an incomplete pass.
4:19 – I think we’re looking at OT for the second week in a row. Browns and Broncos tied at 23-23.
OVERTIME: Mike Pettine made a huge mistake not taking the PAT after the Browns’ last touchdown. Let’s see what they can do in OT.
4:32 – Who wants to win this game?
4:33 – Broncos are looking very dangerous right now.
4:36 – This is it. Denver looking to get better FG position.
4:37 – How many more ways to lose?
4:40 – Browns TO. Big freakin’ deal. Will it work?
4:41 – Broncos win 26-23. I’m out.
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