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DENVER, Colo. -
The Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns matchup is a numbers game, so let's explore, starting with the Broncos Offense:
In their season-opening win, the Broncos dutifully ran the ball against an average rush defense to the tune of 20 attempts for 75 yards. Not exactly world-beating numbers. The Browns were gashed by Adrian Peterson (aka: Purple Jesus) for 180 yards on 25 carriesÂ…and three touchdowns.
Broncos QB Kyle Orton was efficient, but not spectacular in his debut. I think Josh McDaniels starts to open things up, ever so carefully, as the season progresses. Against the Browns pass defense (which really wasn't tested because they were being hammered on the ground), I fully expect the Broncos to keep attacking the Browns on the ground, then look for some home-runs off play-action in the second half.
Edge: Even.
Defensively, the Broncos have to prepare for a team that will enter this game with a bad taste in its mouth. The Browns are a mirror image of the city of Cleveland when it comes to the running game: Unsightly, but still effective. The Browns took a 13-10 lead into the half against the Vikings, but had their rushing attack nullified after a 14-point 3rd quarter by Deep Purple. Mike Nolan's 3-4 will face another bruising back in Jamal Lewis, which plays into the Broncos hands.
Brady Quinn is still learning on the job, and if the Broncos can create some unique pressure, he can be rattled.
Edge: Broncos.
By far, the Browns greatest weapon is return-man extraordinaire Joshua Cribbs. He averaged 22.3 yards per punt return against the Vikings. He can change a game like few others in the NFL, so it will be imperative for the Broncos cover units to stay in their lanes, and make sound tackles.
By contrast, The Broncos did little in their return game against Cincy. Matt Prater was 2-2 on field goal attempts. A good start for Prater, but otherwise, pedestrian by the rest.
Edge: Browns.
This game comes down to the fact that these two teams are relatively evenly matched, but playing for different reasons. The Broncos are opening up Invesco, looking to keep momentum after a gift of a win, and trying to establish themselves under a new head coach.
Final Score: Broncos 24-16.
In their season-opening win, the Broncos dutifully ran the ball against an average rush defense to the tune of 20 attempts for 75 yards. Not exactly world-beating numbers. The Browns were gashed by Adrian Peterson (aka: Purple Jesus) for 180 yards on 25 carriesÂ…and three touchdowns.
Broncos QB Kyle Orton was efficient, but not spectacular in his debut. I think Josh McDaniels starts to open things up, ever so carefully, as the season progresses. Against the Browns pass defense (which really wasn't tested because they were being hammered on the ground), I fully expect the Broncos to keep attacking the Browns on the ground, then look for some home-runs off play-action in the second half.
Edge: Even.
Defensively, the Broncos have to prepare for a team that will enter this game with a bad taste in its mouth. The Browns are a mirror image of the city of Cleveland when it comes to the running game: Unsightly, but still effective. The Browns took a 13-10 lead into the half against the Vikings, but had their rushing attack nullified after a 14-point 3rd quarter by Deep Purple. Mike Nolan's 3-4 will face another bruising back in Jamal Lewis, which plays into the Broncos hands.
Brady Quinn is still learning on the job, and if the Broncos can create some unique pressure, he can be rattled.
Edge: Broncos.
By far, the Browns greatest weapon is return-man extraordinaire Joshua Cribbs. He averaged 22.3 yards per punt return against the Vikings. He can change a game like few others in the NFL, so it will be imperative for the Broncos cover units to stay in their lanes, and make sound tackles.
By contrast, The Broncos did little in their return game against Cincy. Matt Prater was 2-2 on field goal attempts. A good start for Prater, but otherwise, pedestrian by the rest.
Edge: Browns.
This game comes down to the fact that these two teams are relatively evenly matched, but playing for different reasons. The Broncos are opening up Invesco, looking to keep momentum after a gift of a win, and trying to establish themselves under a new head coach.
Final Score: Broncos 24-16.
