OFFENSE — D
Only 32 rushing yards against the NFL’s 28th-ranked rush defense? The Broncos were again dominated up front and will have to wait another game to reach 1,000 yards for the season. They averaged 1.6 yards on 20 carries. Quarterback Case Keenum was more aggressive, which worked for and against him. He threw a couple of nice throws into tight coverage that were completed but his two interceptions were desperation-type heaves. The bottom line: They had second-and-3 from the Browns 6 and went two-yard gain and no gain on the next two plays. then took the football out of their hands and opted for a field goal.
DEFENSE — C
The Broncos forced two turnovers (interception and fumble), kept in check (three catches for 37 yards) and sacked twice. They nearly overcame playing most of the fourth quarter with only one healthy cornerback. But when Joseph trusted them to make a quick stop and give the offense possession in the final four minutes, they allowed a 40-yard rush and were penalized for 12 men on the field. They made a fourth-down stop with 1:49 remaining, but not until after Cleveland drove to the Broncos’ 10-yard line.
SPECIAL TEAMS — B
made field goals of 44, 42 and 29 yards. Punter Colby Wadman averaged only 38.3 yards net, a sub-par outing considering his average wasn’t ruined by a long return (1 and 8 yards by the Browns). had a 35-yard kick return.
COACHING — D
Assistant coaches get a ‘C’ and Joseph gets an ‘F.’ unveiled some more aggressive wrinkles, including a steady diet of hurry-up and re-integrating the tight ends to the passing game. The defensive staff had to juggle their strategy when Tramaine Brock was the only healthy cornerback in the second half. But, wow, if Joseph gets a pink slip later this month, we will point to a bunch of losses (first Chiefs game, Jets, Texans, 49ers) and one decision — going for the field goal down four points with under five minutes remaining. Joseph stressed all week how Saturday was a must-win and everybody must play to win. He was way too conservative.
GAME BALLS
DE Adam Gotsis: He was all over the stat sheet. His third-quarter sack forced a fumble that was recovered by defensive end and his fourth-down stop in the final two minutes gave the Broncos’ offense one final chance.
S Dymonte Thomas: Given a chance to play more because Su’a Cravens was deactivated, Thomas thwarted a first-half scoring drive with an interception.
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