TURNING POINT
Grand Marshall
The Broncos went down the field and scored on their opening drive of the second half, on a 9-yard pass from Jake Plummer to rookie receiver Brandon Marshall, to take a 17-0 lead.
“It was great to contribute to this team and to a win,” Marshall said.
CRAZY PLAY OF THE GAME
Gift of grab
In the first quarter, the Broncos were driving for a score, but Plummer threw an interception. This one wasn’t his fault. Plummer was trying to hit receiver David Kircus, but Browns cornerback Jereme Perry kicked the ball backward and cornerback Gary Baxter grabbed it just before it hit the ground.
HIT OF THE DAY
Welcome back
On the opening kickoff, Denver return man Quincy Morgan took the ball 3 yards deep in the end zone and decided to bring it out. Morgan, a former Cleveland player, paid for that decision. He got to the 9-yard line and was clobbered by Cleveland linebacker Chaun Thompson. Morgan made a bad decision and gave his team terrible field position. Not a good start.
BESTS
Long way to go
Drive: It wasn’t The Drive II, but it started at the same spot in the same city. After a Cleveland punt, the Broncos started a possession at their 2 late in the first quarter. Ten plays later, Jason Elam kicked a 32-yard field goal to give Denver a 3-0 lead.
Catch: On the Broncos’ first scoring drive, Javon Walker made a brilliant grab for a 38-yard reception.
Debut: Marshall made a terrific catch on third-and-10 for a first down in the second quarter. Marshall’s first NFL catch set up a 9-yard touchdown run by Tatum Bell. In the third quarter, Marshall came up with his first touchdown reception.
WORSTS
Bad call, coach
Decision: On the Browns’ first possession of the game, coach Romeo Crennel decided to go for it on fourth-and-1 from the Denver 46. Quarterback Charlie Frye was sacked on the play. It was too early in the game to make that type of call.
Treatment: Before the game, the rowdy Cleveland fans were yelling at the former Browns on Denver’s defensive line. One fan referred to Denver defensive tackle Gerard Warren as “Big Waste.” Warren’s nickname is “Big Money.”
