Denver at Cleveland
2:05 p.m., KCNC-4
Cleveland Browns Stadium
KOA 850 AM and KBNO 1280 AM (Spanish)
Latest line: Broncos by 4 1/2
OVERVIEW
Trap or triumph?
This has all the classic markings of a trap game for the Broncos as they make their first trip to Cleveland in 13 years.
The 4-1 Broncos are coming off a victory over AFC West rival Oakland and are looking forward to a chance to beat their playoff nemesis, Indianapolis, which visits Invesco Field at Mile High next Sunday. The danger is overlooking the 1-4 Browns.
Don’t expect it to happen. The Broncos’ defensive front wants this game badly and won’t let the team play flat. All four of Denver’s starting defensive linemen – Ebenezer Ekuban, Gerard Warren, Michael Myers and Kenard Lang – have played for the Browns. All but Lang, in his first season in Denver, are in their second season after coming over from Cleveland. Broncos defensive line
“Those guys are going to be excited,” coach Mike Shanahan said. “They’ll want to play well.”
It could be contagious for the entire team.
LISTEN TO JAVON
Wanted: big plays
Broncos receiver Javon Walker let it be known Monday he wants to be a playmaker. He said the offense – which has scored only 62 points in the first five games – needs a spark, and he wants to be the one to provide it.
He is a big-time playmaker and has been a bright spot for the Broncos this season, averaging more than 19 yards per catch.
“I think I have the talent to help,” Walker said. “That’s why I’m here.”
The Broncos’ offense is not as horrendous as it appears. It just needs to crack a few more big plays. Why not force-feed it to Walker today?
BEAT REUBEN
Will it be payback?
Like the Broncos’ defensive linemen, Browns starting tailback Reuben Droughns will have a little extra incentive today. Droughns was traded to the Browns for Ebenezer Ekuban and Michael Myers in March 2005. Droughns said he wants to show the Broncos what they are missing. He has only 224 yards rushing so far. Droughns can be a load, especially when he runs with a purpose, but the Broncos are stout against the run.
PRESSURE-COOK FRYE
Still a young gun
For the second consecutive game, the Broncos are facing a young, fairly inexperienced quarterback who is struggling. Last week, it was Oakland’s Andrew Walter. This week, it’s the Browns’ Charlie Frye. The Broncos need to turn the dogs loose on Frye, who is mistake-prone when pressured. He is a gamer, but it would be a major upset if he outguns Denver’s defense.
