Cleveland Browns vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats

The most recent Cleveland Browns vs. Denver Broncos game was a tightly contested matchup, with the Browns emerging victorious 17–14. In that showdown, D’Ernest Johnson shined for the Browns with 146 rushing yards, while Teddy Bridgewater threw two touchdown passes for the Broncos. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of player stats, key moments, and everything you need to know about this thrilling NFL clash.

Historical Context of the Browns vs. Broncos Rivalry

Head-to-Head Record Overview

Over the years, the Cleveland Browns and the Denver Broncos have developed a storied rivalry. Historically, the Broncos lead the all-time series, which includes regular-season meetings and dramatic playoff encounters. While each new matchup brings fresh narratives, the head-to-head stats often reveal the competitiveness that defines this rivalry.

Memorable Past Encounters

Fans of both teams will recall iconic moments such as “The Drive” in the 1987 AFC Championship game. The Broncos and Browns have faced each other in multiple playoff settings, with Denver historically getting the upper hand. These past clashes set the stage for every regular-season or postseason matchup, infusing an extra layer of intensity.

Detailed Game Recap

Final Score and Match Synopsis

In their most recent clash, the Browns claimed a 17–14 victory at FirstEnergy Stadium. Despite the absence of key offensive starters (like QB Baker Mayfield and RB Nick Chubb), Cleveland showcased resilience. Denver fought hard with Teddy Bridgewater under center, but ultimately, the Browns’ balanced offense and timely defensive stops proved decisive.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

• 1st Quarter: Cleveland opened with a strong drive, capped off by a D’Ernest Johnson rushing touchdown. Denver’s offense struggled to find rhythm.
• 2nd Quarter: The Browns defense continued to shut down the Broncos’ run game, while kicker Chase McLaughlin added a field goal for Cleveland.
• 3rd Quarter: Teddy Bridgewater connected with Javonte Williams for a touchdown, sparking life into the Broncos offense.
• 4th Quarter: Denver narrowed the gap with another TD pass, but Cleveland’s time-consuming drives and clutch defensive stands sealed the victory.

Offensive Player Stats

Quarterback Comparison

• Case Keenum (Browns): With Baker Mayfield sidelined, Keenum completed 21 of 33 passes for 199 yards and a touchdown. Though not flashy, Keenum’s accurate throws and minimal mistakes were pivotal.
• Teddy Bridgewater (Broncos): Bridgewater went 23 of 33 for 187 yards, tossing two touchdown passes but also one interception. He maintained composure under pressure but couldn’t overcome the early deficit.

Running Back Performance

• Cleveland Browns:
  • D’Ernest Johnson: 22 carries, 146 yards (6.6 avg), 1 TD. This breakout performance showcased his vision and tackle-breaking ability.
• Denver Broncos:
  • Melvin Gordon III: 8 carries, 18 yards (2.3 avg). Struggled to find running lanes.
  • Javonte Williams: 4 carries, 20 yards (5.0 avg) and a receiving TD.

Wide Receivers & Tight Ends

• Browns’ Receivers:
  • Jarvis Landry: 5 receptions, 37 yards, providing crucial third-down conversions.
  • Odell Beckham Jr.: 2 receptions, 23 yards, limited impact due to injuries and bracket coverage.
  • Austin Hooper: 2 receptions, 42 yards, moving the chains at pivotal moments.
  • Johnny Stanton (FB): 1 reception, 1 yard, 1 TD – a short but important scoring play.
• Broncos’ Pass Catchers:
  • Courtland Sutton: 5 receptions, 68 yards, leading Denver’s receiving corps.
  • Noah Fant: 5 receptions, 39 yards, a reliable target in intermediate routes.
  • Javonte Williams: 6 receptions, 32 yards, 1 TD out of the backfield.
  • Melvin Gordon III: 2 receptions, 14 yards, 1 TD, highlighting the Broncos’ use of RBs in the passing game.

Defensive Highlights

Tackles, Sacks, and Interceptions

• Browns Defense:
  • Myles Garrett: Logged multiple pressures, disrupting Bridgewater’s timing.
  • John Johnson III: Recorded the lone interception of Bridgewater, shifting momentum in Cleveland’s favor.
• Broncos Defense:
  • Von Miller (In-Game Injury): Before leaving the game due to injury, Miller managed a few pressures but no sacks.
  • Justin Simmons: Tallied several tackles, solid in pass coverage.

Key Defensive Plays

• The Browns forced a turnover in the red zone, halting a crucial Broncos drive.
• Denver’s secondary contained Cleveland’s passing attack to under 200 yards, but they couldn’t fully stop the run game.

Special Teams Analysis

Field Goals and Extra Points

• Cleveland:
  • Chase McLaughlin: Perfect on extra points and nailed a mid-range field goal to extend the lead.
• Denver:
  • Brandon McManus: Accurate on extra points but did not attempt a field goal in this game.

Punts and Returns

• Browns:
  • Averaged a respectable distance on punts, limiting return opportunities for the Broncos.
• Broncos:
  • Return game was a non-factor, as Cleveland’s coverage team allowed minimal yardage.

Comparison Table – Team Stats

Below is a side-by-side comparison of key team stats:

(Stats from the 17–14 Cleveland victory.)

Key Takeaways and Postgame Analysis

Offensive Efficiency

Cleveland’s ability to establish the run kept Denver’s defense on the field for long stretches. Meanwhile, the Broncos showed flashes of brilliance in the passing attack but struggled to capitalize on drives consistently.

Defensive Stands

Both teams featured strong defensive efforts, especially in limiting big passing plays. However, the Browns’ defense did a better job closing down drives and forcing key turnovers.

Injuries and Their Impact

Notable absences (Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb) didn’t stop Cleveland’s offense, largely thanks to D’Ernest Johnson’s standout performance. Denver lost Von Miller during the game, hindering pass-rush opportunities at critical junctures.

Future Outlook for Both Teams

Next Match Preparations

• Browns: Looking ahead, the Browns would focus on keeping their run game strong. With injured players returning, Cleveland’s offense has the potential to become more explosive.
• Broncos: Denver may need to adjust its defensive strategy, especially against strong rushing teams, and could benefit from more balanced play-calling on offense.

Potential Playoff Implications

Although this was a regular-season matchup, every AFC game plays a role in potential wildcard or divisional standings. The Browns’ victory boosted their hopes, while the Broncos faced pressure to bounce back in the following weeks.

FAQs

What was the final score of the latest Browns vs. Broncos game?

The latest meeting ended with the Browns winning 17–14.

Which quarterback had the better performance?

Case Keenum efficiently managed the Browns’ offense with fewer mistakes, while Teddy Bridgewater had two touchdown passes but also threw an interception.

Who led in rushing yards during the game?

D’Ernest Johnson led with 146 yards, showcasing a standout performance in the absence of Cleveland’s usual starters.

Did any player break a record in this matchup?

No specific all-time records were broken. However, D’Ernest Johnson’s 146 rushing yards were the most by a Browns running back in their first career start since 1970 (a notable franchise achievement).

Were injuries a factor in the Browns vs. Broncos game?

Yes. Cleveland was without Baker Mayfield and Nick Chubb, among others. Denver lost Von Miller mid-game to an injury, impacting their defensive pass rush.

How does this game compare historically to past Browns-Broncos matchups?

While not as legendary as some playoff battles, it was a closely contested game. Historically, Denver has often had the upper hand, but this matchup shifted momentum in Cleveland’s favor.

What improvements can each team make after this game?

• • Browns: Continue their strong ground game and integrate returning players into the offense.
  • Broncos: Work on run defense and maintain consistency in finishing drives.

Conclusion

The Cleveland Browns vs. Denver Broncos battle provided an exciting showcase of resilience, especially from Cleveland’s backup players. Solid defensive plays, strategic ball control, and a breakout rushing performance tipped the scales in favor of the Browns. Moving forward, both teams have lessons to learn—Denver in balancing their offense and Cleveland in keeping the momentum. Regardless of future matchups, this game stands as a testament to the importance of depth, strategy, and determination in the NFL.