When the Broncos run
Denver has the No. 30 ranked run attack, averaging 71.6 yards per game. Lucky for the Broncos, they will be facing the No. 31 ranked Browns’ run defense. If C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman can’t run on Cleveland’s defense, they might never be able to run. The Browns also have given up a league-high three runs of over 40 yards. Edge: Broncos
When the Browns run
The Broncos have given up only 85.2 rushing yards per game, fifth best in the NFL. Cleveland, on the otherhand, is the fifth worst rushing team in the league averaging 88.4 yards per game. Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson carry the load for the Browns. Crowell is the physical feature back similar to Anderson. Johnson is a quick, elusive runner who excels catching passes out of the backfield, sort of like Hillman. The Broncos should have little problem stopping them. Edge: Broncos
When the Broncos pass
The Browns are a middle-of-the-road pass defense, but they’ll likely be without No. 1 cornerback Joe Haden Sunday. They have two solid safeties, Tashaun Gipson and Donte Whitner, but nothing receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas can’t exploit. It’s up to Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning to take care of the football, turnovers are one of the things that can let a team like Cleveland stick around in this one. Edge: Broncos
When the Browns pass
Josh McCown is fresh off throwing for a franchise-record 457 yards Sunday in a victory over the Ravens. He’s more than willing to take some shots deep to his small, yet quick receivers. The Browns offensive line had given up 13 sacks in the past three games, which doesn’t bode well for them this week. The Broncos have an NFL-leading 22 sacks by 11 players. Edge: Broncos
Special teams
The Browns’ second-year kicker, Travis Coons, is a perfect 11-of-11 on field goal attempts this season, including the game-winner in overtime last week. Broncos kicker Brandon McManus is 12-of-12 and only six of of his 28 kickoffs have been returned. Browns punter Andy Lee is a four-time All-Pro and one of the best in the NFL. Broncos punter Britton Colquitt is having an All-Pro caliber season. He’ll need to kick it away from Browns punt returner Travis Benjamin, who already has a 78-yard return for a touchdown. Edge: Browns
Scouting Report
1. Let the ball fly
The Broncos’ passing attack has improved since Week 1. Despite failing to score an offensive touchdown last week, Denver had success connecting on the deep ball. Peyton Manning hit Emmanuel Sanders and Bennie Fowler each with a 40+ yard passes. If the Broncos continue to connect on the big plays, the points are sure to follow. That’s how its supposed to work. The deep shots should continue Sunday because the Browns will be without star cornerback Joe Haden.
2. The reinforcements
You might have heard the Broncos are a little banged up this week. With DeMarcus Ware (back) and Aqib Talib (ankle) among key starters battling injuries, it’s time for the youngsters to grow up fast. Linebackers Shaquil Barrett and Shane Ray will be counted on to do their best Ware impressions if called on. Cornerbacks Bradley Roby and Kayvon Webster will take more snaps if Talib is out or limited. All four likely will be targeted early and often.
3. Locking up the barn
The Browns No. 1 target is tight end Gary Barnidge. He’s has excelled, catching 26 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns over the past three weeks. His coach, Mike Pettine, even tabbed him with the ‘Big Play’ Barnidge label. Broncos safeties T.J. Ward and Darian Stewart will be key in covering the biggest tight end threat to date for the Broncos. Barnidge is Browns quarterback Josh McCown’s favorite downfield receiver.
